The Chinese dragon on the garb of the Cilician Armenian archbishop- as a symbol of cross-cultural interactions
Archbishop John (Yovhannēs), the brother of King Hethum I (1213 – 21 October 1270) ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1226 to 1270), appeared in a Cilcian miniature painting- scene of consecration (Matenadaran MS 197, Gospel, Akner, Cilicia, year of 1287, commissioned by Archbishop John himself) in his full liturgical garb. His luxuriously-decorated ensemble displays a Chinese dragon, as an indication of the Armenian-Chinese thriving cultural interactions during the period. The archbishop is depicted performing an ordination. On his tunic or alb, a liturgical garment worn under the chasuble, there is an isolated motif of a Chinese dragon woven in
Armenian traditional garments of Urmia region
Anna Hormouz (Armenian: Աննա Հուրմուզ), also known as Mrs. Anna Raffi, was the wife of renowned Armenian novelist Raffi and mother of Aram and Arshak Melik-Hakobian. Anna was largely responsible for the publication of her husband's works in London after he passed, as well as, a devoted scholar of the Armenian question. Mrs. Anna spoke and wrote very fluently in Armenian and Assyrian. She also knew Atrpatakan Turkish, Russian and Georgian. She spoke, read, and wrote in English. In the presented photographers taken in the late 19th century (presumably between the 1860s and the 1890s, The History Museum of Armenia and
A Chinese vase that had a crack in it has sold for over £55,000
A Chinese vase that was dismissed as "worthless" because it had a crack in it has sold for over £55,000.The blue and white antique was spotted by auctioneer Charles Hanson during a visit to the owner's home after he was called there to value other objects.It was sitting on top of a cabinet - but the 89-year-old woman did not even bother to ask about it because she was convinced it had no value.
Tightrope walking traditions in China and Armenia (photo)
Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Tightrope performers used to wear the traditional costumes of the country and ethnic group they belonged to,. Folk music and dances were also a significant part of their performances. Some of them used wheelbarrows with passengers, ladders, and animals in their act. The technique to maintain balance is to keep the performer's centre of mass above their support point—usually their feet. The images below refer to the Armenian and Chinese
One of the oldest musical instruments in China
The xun is a globular, vessel flute from China. It is one of the oldest musical instruments in China and has been in use for approximately seven thousand years. The xun was initially made of baked clay or bone, and later of clay or ceramic. This 19th century egg-shaped xun produces about one octave of notes when played. It's still used today in Confucian rituals in Taiwan and by enthusiasts of traditional Chinese music.Photo courtesy: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
