JAPANESE SCREENS

I love writing this blog. The act of writing forces me to organize my thoughts; challenges me to research items a bit more intensely; allows me to connect with the world; helps me see myself more clearly; and when I reread an older posts, shows me trends and where I'm going in my life and business. Thank you all for allowing me all of these pleasures.

A few months ago I discovered that I was acquiring items when I heard a voice in my ear that said "BUY" and I learned that I shouldn't buy when I do not hear that voice (I have gone off the wagon a bit in that area and am suffering the consequences of some "bad" impulsive buys--oh well, mistakes makes me sharper)

Anyway.....last Wednesday, at Preview, I found this Japanese screen and bells started going off in my head.

I think that this particular screen depicts one of The Tales of Genji--a 14th c. (?)  Japanese ruler (a very famous and good theme).

In the past, I have acquired several Japanese paper screens and one Chinese paper scholar screen (my personal all time favorite) dating to the early 18th c. (and several coromandel screens). I bought this small Japanese table screen last year (just for me as the condition is pretty degraded). While researching the large screen from this week, I discovered that this little beauty dates to the 17th c. early Tokugawa or Edo period. I love her despite her well-lived condition. The floral scene is painted on fine gold leafed paper affixed to calligraphic paper.

But I digress....... Anyway, I bought the big screen and with that screen came a second, bigger screen, that I hadn't even looked at because it had a puncture in the gold leafed paper. More restorations and $$$$. This second larger, more minimal screen was created using only beautiful gold leafed paper with faint outlines of mountains (and clouds, think). As I went through my photos, I realized that I had already purchased similar items (Huuummm...trends?). This Renzo Rutili cabinet has door fronts that are very similar to that second screen--lots of gold with mountains. Of course the screen is much bigger measuring about 6' x 8'--but still.

I had already acquired this 8.6 foot Chinese altar table which would work well contrasting the refined gold leaf of the screen with the rough aesthetic of the table...... 

And let's not forget the Daqi lacquer altar table.

Of course, the Chinese Black and "gold" mid-century chest needs a focal point pickup. 

And last, but not least, these great Marbro lamps with Japanese mirror black porcelain bases would look amazing in front of the gold leaf screen or the Tales of Genji screen.....

As I sit here writing, what comes to mind is that I've drifted a bit away from my usual daily practice of reading The Tao. The simplicity, but perfection, of all of these items reminds me to refocus my internal eye to what really matters to me--my connections. I'm still that little Catholic convent-raised girl, but with eyes more open and embracing. When I read The Tao, I center more easily and my ears hear what they need to hear and my faith is strengthened knowing that there is order in the universe, that we are as intended.

I hope all of this makes sense---thanks for sticking with me.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL.

Mary & Jones & Cole

THE LOVING TREE UPDATE

In March I wrote a post about the Loving Tree in my back yard. I love this tree and anxiously await the appearance of new growth and leaflets (as in fledglings) each spring. I marvel at the miracle that occurs without my doing anything. And then, all hot summer long The Loving Tree gracefully shelters all of us from the hot Southern California sun--especially when the Santa Ana winds coming roaring in sucking up all of the moisture--The Loving Tree gives back the water she has been drinking.

Here are a couple of photos taken in March when The Loving Tree was just beginning to share her beauty

And here is a photo of Jones under the fully leafed tree

  

I know...(he's gorgeous, too). That's not a great photo as the back yard is really a lot larger and greener.......

Unfortunately, one of the large and heavy branches on the right side of The Loving Tree could no longer carry the weight of the beautiful shading leaves and came down one night right about where Jones is standing. Of course this meant that Ms. Love would have to be trimmed.....

The owner of the house took forever to schedule the trimming, and unfortunately she scheduled the trimming of Ms. Love the day that I was moving into The Collection (La Cienega). I waited and was even late for the movers hoping that I would have a chance to talk with the tree trimmers. They had already been instructed to ONLY TRIM MS. LOVE.........The owner was advised that I couldn't personally be at the house and that she needed to be there to supervise. ALL TO NO AVAIL.........  Ms. Love was violated? butchered? injured?   This is what I found when I returned, hot and exhausted.  And the tears flowed.

I took this photo this morning almost two weeks following the "incident". It has taken me this long to make peace with the assailants and forgive them. I didn't meet them, but that doesn't mean I haven't taken the assault on Ms. Love personally.

When I caught my breath after first glimpsing Ms. Love, I picked up the phone and screamed at the owner of the house (just like a person who has been reading and practicing The Tao and constructive silence for the past 6 years is disciplined to do). Then I went out to Ms. Love and cried and begged her to forgive her assailants and I told her how sorry I was for about 10 long minutes........

This morning, when I could finally photograph Ms. Love with her buzz cut, I realized that she is still strong, she's getting a (probably) much needed break from all of that heavy leafing and she is being prepped for many more years of life and giving and love.

Isn't that what happens to all of us? Aren't we pruned and stripped of the excess to make way for new blessings? The pain of the trimming and minimalizing of our lives is real. In those moments it is so hard to see the new growth that will come after the darkness and shame--(I think Ms. Love felt a bit of shame the first week) of no longer wearing the emblems of ego. With a little space I've been able to see that next year and the many more years to come will be stronger and healthier years for Ms. Love.

Next year the cats and Jones will, once again, have a shady loving place to rest.....just not this year.

And I guess that it is like that for me, too, in so much of life's adventures---trimming and silent growth first. And then the blessings of bursting creation.

Have a wonderful week...

MIA UPDATE

My Mia's journey....the last surgery was very much more invasive than the first surgery. She was home for a few days last week--and beating all odds and expectations........neither her personality nor brain has suffered any noticeable effects. Mia's very strong will is pulling her through....she was laughing and playing with her sisters as if nothing had happened. Grace and Mia arrived at the University of Florida, Jacksonville last night and Mia starts two months of Proton Radiation Therapy today. I humbly ask for your prayers for Mia's sight and for the tumor to gently shrink up releasing Mia's optic nerve. All is possible with love.

Love Well.

Mary and Jones (& Cole)

GIFTS ARE TO BE OPENED--JAPANESE HIBACHI

I need to confess: I have the habit --which I am working to overcome --of discounting that "little voice in my head", that nudge from God that pushes me to purchase, design or even to avoid certain situations and pay attention to others. I have the habit of not paying attention to The Tao's (Holy Spirit's) gentle inspiration/pushes---I'm not sure quite why. Perhaps it's a lack of faith, feeling a bit unworthy of receiving blessings, not trusting myself. But I'm definitely in process and am paying more attention to inspiration.


Anyway, taking into consideration "my confession", I fell in love with this lacquered Hibachi more than three months ago when another dealer brought it in. Every time I have gone upstairs, I have passed and admired the Hibachi--saying to myself: "I really want it; don't think I can make a profit if I buy it; where will I display it; don't have the client base, etc..... Well, on Thursday, I decided that I would do a little research on lacquered 19th c. Japanese Hibachi. Yikes!!!!! Yes, I can make a profit! Yes, I know how to display it........ In other words, I finally paid attention to that voice in my head nudging me to go deeper. Friday morning I made an offer and WHAT DO YOU KNOW, it was accepted.......Yes, there is definitely a profit margin. But most importantly I opened The Gift that was being offered to me. (I wonder just exactly how many gifts I have been given and refused to open or discounted my worthiness?) Yes, it took me three months to get the message, but I finally grew and stretched enough to listen.


Just a few detail photos of the Hibachi and information. This Hibachi dates to the early/mid Meiji Period (1868-1912) and is very large at 23" x 23". The original copper basin for holding the charcoal is present and the wood bases is beautifully detailed in dark brown/almost black lacquer with a gilt detailing  of scrolling vines and ferns. The corners are embellished with beautifully hand chased brass work and the side corners are braced with the chased brass. The lacquer is in very good overall condition considering the piece's age and the intended purpose.

   


Now a few details about Japanese Hibachi that I have just discovered. I have loved and purchased Japanese and Chinese lacquer work for many years; so I am marginally familiar with this form of art. The Hibachi or "fire bowl" is a traditional Japanese heating method which consists of a round or box-shaped vessel made from or lined with fire resistant material. It is believed that the use of the Hibachi dates back to the Heian Period (798-1185 AD). Hibachi were originally intended for the use of the aristocratic and Samurai classes; over time its use was extended to the lower classes. There were many different forms of Hibachi, with the more elaborate--lacquer and gilt work, as well as the more artistic forms being reserved for the aristocratic and Samurai classes.


Because of its very large size and great condition I envision this Hibachi being used as a focal point on a large round center table or console and filled with blooming phalaenopsis orchids and ferns. I believe that this form would integrate well with both a modern minimalist aesthetic or a traditional, antiques filled room.


Roberto is going to spiff up the Hibachi and I will add a couple of updated photos in a follow up post.


I hope that everyone is enjoying a fantastic Mother's Day--here in Southern California, the weather is gorgeous: 75* with sun and no humidity. Thanks for coming with me on the hunt.  Sending blessings.......


Mary and Jones (and Cole)

SERENDIPITOUS GIFTS

I don't have any photos today.........I'm under the weather (will be back in action tomorrow) with a bug.

I subscribe to various little newsletters and this morning I received this in my inbox from "Biz Tips"


          "By recognizing and accepting the things you cannot do well,
           you will cause the universe to present things to you that you
           can do well".


I don't know about anyone else, but I have spent years trying to master things that I really abhor (bookkeeping, spelling, house cleaning, mail, etc.) and I have obsessed about my presumed failures. I'm now finally understanding (first step in mastering) the principle of focusing on the good, the present and adding up my strengths instead of my weaknesses (still a work in progress).


Self-acceptance doesn't mean being stuck and not growing--it simply means no more negative self-judgment and perfectionism. Every single particle in life is constantly evolving--.if I stay stuck in negative self (and other) judgment, I will simply miss all of the great stuff of life.


The "flow" is a purely positive movement outward--there is no struggle with flow--the energy is smooth, free flowing and effortless. The minute I introduce a negative thought into that effortless flow, it gets stuck and I am definitely "out of it" in more ways than I can describe. 


At heart I'm still that little Irish girl who was raised in a convent school where we curtsied to the nuns as they walked by; went to Mass with our heads covered,prayed before every class, etc.  But most of all WE KNEW WHAT SIN WAS and what happened when we sinned--don't ask.... We made the Sign of the Cross on our foreheads saying "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"---we were taught about The Father and The Son, but never about THe Holy Spirit.  After spending the last five years reading The Tao--it's only 81 verses---I now know what the Holy Spirit is: The Holy Spirit is The Tao of life. The flow of life every where in this amazing world. It is the Spirit that gives life, and joy, creation, renewal, determination and all of the positives in life (Gifts of the Spirit). And now I know that when I step outside of this spirit, I am outside of the flow of life. And what is sin? (Baltimore Catechism paraphrase) Sin is when we are separate from God (out of the flow of life). 


And the biggest sin of all is our intentional (or not) negative self criticism and the criticism of others---this is when we take ourselves out of flow, and wallow in our self-righteousness.  


The best solution for getting back in the flow: over-flowing love and gratitude for everything that we have been given and the manner in which these gifts are given. An open receptive attitude towards life and all of its blessings (even when the blessings seem to be curses) will place us dead-center in the heart of God. 


The Holy Spirit/Tao doesn't value (human) perfection--all is perfectly created and awaiting our awakening.


Now I'm going to spend a few minutes  reading The Tao; settling my dust; in gratitude; in love.  Sounds easy doesn't it?--well, sometimes it's a kick in the butt.
Be well,
Mary and Jones (who is always in flow)