“Mandarin Ducks” by Qi Baishi: Bridging Armenia and China
by Ani Margaryan In 2013 Bonhams auction house sold one of the works of prominent Chinese artist Qi Baishi (Qi Baishi, “Mandarin Ducks in Lotus Pond,” ink and color on paper, framed and glazed, inscribed and signed “Baishi,” with one seal of the artist, 84.5cm x 28cm (33¼in x 11in)), that Shavarsh Simonyan (1912-1974), former Minister of Education of the Armenian Republic, acquired directly from the artist in Beijing in 1956. The present painting gains more value considering that very few Armenian collectors of Chinese art have been recorded so far. The collector of “Mandarin Ducks in Lotus Pond," Shavarsh Simonyan, served
A rare Mamluk-period red cotton tab embellished with the Armenian Marash embroidery
The tab that belongs to the Mamluk period was discovered in Fustat (the first capital of Egypt under Muslim rule and the historical center of modern Cairo), created in the Near East by Armenians or for Armenians (Tab with linked crosses and pear-shaped medallion, late 13th century - early 14th century, Mamluk Period (1250 - 1517), Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, EA1993.240). This piece is considered valuable also due to its age: as determined, it was created between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is of red cotton with a linen backing. The interlaced embroidery is only stitched on the red
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
