A silver pectoral from the Armenian kingdom of Urartu – a gem of the Oriental collection of the Miho Museum, Japan
The Miho Museum, located in Kyoto, Japan, hosts a collection of remarkable artifacts from the Urartian culture. Among them is the Urartian silver pectoral, featuring repoussé decoration, which dates back to the 8th-7th century B.C.E. This crescent-shaped silver pectoral is thought to have been worn around the neck of a high-ranking official, with gold, silver, and bronze pectorals symbolizing varying degrees of official rank in Urartian society.The imagery of this pectoral is complex and intricate, showcasing three sacred trees inhabited by fantastic, winged quadrupeds. Two sets of two-legged winged creatures are symmetrically arranged, approaching the central tree with drawn bows.
The accordion was invented by an Armenian organ and piano maker
The history of the accordion has been the subject of much debate among researchers. While some historians credit Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann with its invention, most attribute it to Cyrill Demian, an Armenian living in Vienna. In 1829, Demian patented his version of the accordion, which was a modification of the Handäoline. This instrument featured a small manual bellows and five keys, although Demian himself noted that it could be designed to include additional keys. Over time, numerous variations of the accordion were developed to meet the diverse needs of musicians. Cyrill Demian (Arm. Կյուրեղ Դեմյան) (1772–1849)), an Austrian inventor of
Lusik Aguletsi- the true embodiment of Armenian folk art
Lusik Aguletsi was a remarkable woman and a true embodiment of Armenian heritage. During the cosmopolitan era of Soviet Armenia, she remained a staunch defender of traditional Armenian values, standing above any ideology. With her unique style, she amazed the Soviet residents of Yerevan. It is thanks to such courageous and patriotic individuals that culture and identity are preserved. Lusik Aguletsi became a guardian of Armenian culture, nurturing it and passing it on to the younger generation."Painting allowed me to explore various aspects of culture, to see, understand, and appreciate the values created by our people. Thus, I delved into
Yerevan State Puppet Theatre of Armenia taking part in the International Puppet Festival in China
The Yerevan State Puppet Theater, named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, announced its participation in the upcoming 7th Shanghai International Puppet Festival on October 21st and 22nd. The theater will be showcasing its shadow puppetry production of "Thumbelina" at the festival, which serves as a testament to its artistic aptitude.Founded on June 1st, 1935, the theater operates alongside the Theater for Young Spectators and was established by Sofya Bejanyan, a stage director, along with the artist Gevorg Arakelyan and actors Pavlos Boroyan and Araksya Arabyan. The theater has an extensive repertoire of 50 performances and is continually expanding its reach. With more
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge as a symbol of China’s self-reliance and collective strength
China is acknowledged for its exceptional bridges, with the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge standing out for its historical significance. During the Cultural Revolution in 1968, this double-decked bridge was a pioneering feat that broke new ground. It was the first modern bridge to be designed and constructed entirely by Chinese architects without any foreign assistance. As a result, it became an emblem of the nation's strong will, collective power, independence, and unity and a cherished icon of Nanjing, China's former capital. For generations in Nanjing and other parts of the country, it has been a source of pride, a reminder