A porcelain figure of an Armenian woman made by the Imperial Factory
The present figurine comes from the famous "Gallery Popoff," primarily dedicated to outstanding 18th-century porcelain. The gallery's founder Alexander Popov (1880-1964), was a Russian personnel officer. In 1919, he emigrated to Paris and, a year later, opened a curiosity shop, which eventually became successful and famous. Popov participated in the life of the Russian artistic community in Paris and was friends with many artists and art workers.According to the memoirs of one of the gallery's visitors, Alexander Popov gave exact specifications about porcelain items to the touch, being an already elderly owner with poor eyesight, having assembled one of the
Children of Armenia Fund interpreted the Armenian folk tale in the form of Chinese comics
Do you know an Armenian author whose literary work heroes and themes are simple villagers and their ordinary life? If you’re at least slightly familiar with Armenian literature, you have probably admired Hovhannes Tumanyan, a celebrated Armenian poet who has a unique role in the Armenian literary and spiritual life. Known as a “pan-Armenian poet,” Tumanyan has portrayed the Armenian character, traditions, and history in a way that best emits the breath of the country.Born in Dsegh village of the Lori region, Tumanyan is the favorite poet of many Loretsis and the inspiration of COAF SMART Center students. Besides learning
The ancient Chinese bell decorated by the Emperor himself
The Jingyun Bell, weighing six tons, was cast in the year 711, the second year of the Jingyun reign (710-711) in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The artifact comprises 26 bronze pieces and 32 protruding circular elements on its outside wall, properly arranged to render the bell’s deep sound. It bears a 292-character inscription written by then-Emperor Ruizong, showcasing his excellent calligraphic skills. It is also decorated with auspicious motifs and patterns, such as a crane, a lion, and swirling clouds.The bell is preserved in a pavilion at the Xi’an Beilin Museum. Its sound has been recorded since 1983 and played
Vardavar- Armenia’s joyful celebration of getting wet
Although now a Christian tradition, celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (the Feast of the Transfiguration), Vardavar's history dates back to pagan times. The ancient festival is traditionally associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility. The festivities associated with this religious observance of Astghik were named “Vartavar” because Armenians offered her roses as a celebration (vart means "rose" in Armenian and var means "to burn/be burning," this is why it was celebrated in the harvest time). Some scholars claim it comes from a tradition dating back to Noah, in which he commanded
The Chinese “magic mirror” discovered at the Cincinnati Art Museum
The Curators at the Cincinnati Art Museum have figured out that an unassuming bronze disc in the museum’s 100,000-strong collection is actually an exceedingly rare magic mirror. Magic mirrors, also known as transparent or light penetrating mirrors, were first created in China during the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), according to the museum. When light is projected on them, the mirrors appear transparent and reveal characters or a decorative design. The characters on the museum’s polished, reflective surface carry six Chinese characters that name Amitābha Buddha, while the reflection reveals an image of the Buddha shrouded in heavenly beams. Aside from Han dynasty-era
