Oriental floor vases are identified via their rich symbolism. In most cases, the figures you will see embellished on oriental vases have specific meanings that are meant for specific use. For instance, if the real essence of the symbols is to be followed, not anyone can use an oriental floor vase with a four-clawed dragon because the figure symbolizes authority and should be found in palaces only. However, in this modern era you can already see an oriental floor vase of any figure in ordinary houses.
Because of the rich symbolism found in these vases, an oriental vase may cost extra compared to the other pieces of different classifications. That is because there is more to these group than just being vases.
A Detailed Guide To Oriental Floor Vases
Probably, anyone who wishes to take a good rest either from a whole day's work or from a casual day's activity would most likely choose to spend that at the comfort of his own home. This is one big reason why every home should be comfortable not only in terms of the furniture but on the ability of the décor give a calming and soothing effect. For this, you can try oriental home decoration which largely uses oriental floor vases to further enhance the room.
Oriental home décor
Oriental home décor used to be popular in Indian homes but has now been widely adapted by other cultures such as the western. Clearly, the reason is primarily because of this kind of décor is clean and uncluttered, giving a touch of simplicity. Of course, anyone who wishes to take a good rest would prefer seeing lesser complications in the surrounding and this is why more and more people are shifting to the oriental style of home decorating.
There are many oriental home accessories that could be used to give an oriental ambiance to any room particularly the dining area. For instance, the use of chopsticks and tea cup dishes can help enhance the overall look of the room. Another accessory which may be used is Chinese alphabets printed on cushion covers and even rugs. While they seem basic, their effect is exciting and rather unusual. Oriental room dividers, potted plants and a waterfall bowl. For a touch of elegance and an exotic effect to a room, you can use the Chinese embroidery which is often handmade. Yet another accessories that will give enormous impact to your home décor are oriental floor lamps. These may be placed beside the bed or in hallways to decorate the area. They come in many shapes and sizes, making them easier to fit in to your target area. For short floor lamps, you may use oriental vase stands to better elevate them and give justice to their remarkable beauty by making them more noticeable.
Antique oriental floor vases
Antique oriental floor vases are also a very good choice to give a more authentic touch to your oriental home décor. Other than their age, oriental antique vases become very attractive collectibles because of the high quality they bear and the mystique that comes with them. This is one characteristic that makes the oriental culture fascinating to the western people.
Among the oriental antique vases that are widely known are those of the Chinese. Some of their oldest antiques are over two thousand years old but we rarely see them now because most of these green-glazed pieces were used in tombs. There are other collectibles though from other periods such as those from the Sung and Ming Dynasty. They are distinguished through their under glaze of blue and an over glaze of red, yellow, green or brown purple. They are otherwise known as famille verte. There are also fine white vases that were produced by certain factories for hundreds of years and they are called blanc-de-chine or Chinese white.
Oriental antique vases have also greatly reduced in number because more and more people have developed the interest of collecting them. You may see pieces in the market today but whether they are authentic antiques or just understated crafts is hard to tell. To ensure you get real antique pieces, one sure way is to buy from reliable sources only.
Popular shapes and materials of oriental vases
Oriental floor vases come in two common shapes, the large oriental floor vases and the tall oriental floor vases. Like most other group, large floor vases come in many shapes and materials. Among the familiar shapes are the classic ovoid shape, the tube shape and the tear shape. You will get acquainted with these shapes better when you search for the detailed characteristics of large floor vases.
Tall oriental vases on the other hand also use materials that other vases use. What makes them different though from the rest of their kind are mostly the symbols depicted in each of them because they mirror certain beliefs more than their aesthetic appeal. The more popular materials are metal, glass, ceramic and bamboo.
Imagery of oriental floor vases
Oriental floor vases bear several images that in turn have specific meaning. These opulent images are also packed with symbols. The appeal of Chinese and Japanese floor vases for a layman usually comes from their fine workmanship, the richness of their color combinations and their gracefully drawn images. But a great part of appreciating oriental floor vases is to know the different blessings that their many images evoke. It should be remembered that in ancient times, these jars were priced both as functional décor and as charms for the home. Someone acquainted with the deeper meanings conveyed by their imagery will double the pleasure he receives from oriental floor vases. Let us examine some of the images and their significance to each piece of oriental floor vase.
Dragon - This is the most famous symbol found on oriental vases. This is because the dragon was believed to guard access to earthly and heavenly treasures. It conveyed both temporal and celestial power and was also believed to have provided rain, good harvest and fertility. It gave power to emperors and wisdom to holy men. This symbol was used for oriental floor vases owned by people with rank. It is commonly represented as having four claws. However, imperial wares (used by the emperor and his family) were adorned with five-clawed dragons.
The dragon in oriental floor vases blesses the home with protection from physical and psychic harm just as an emperor vows to protect his people in any way possible. It also bestows wealth, wisdom and power to the family. The dragon, on account of its long body, is also believed to bless with long life.
Fu dog - Fu-dog is a belligerent-looking animal also known as the lion dog or temple lion. Although among the smallest of its species, the Fu is known to be a fierce barking and biting dog. It is totally different from the common characteristics of barking dogs which are often the type who do not bite. Fu-dogs had been proven to attack their enemy when they feel harmed. Their images were used to guard the entrance to temples. In mythology, they were creatures of immense strength which bore the immortals on their back. When found on oriental vases, the image of a Fu dog protects the home and gives noble courage to its inhabitants.
Further, there should be a pair Fu-dogs in your entrance, male and female. You will know it is a female Fu-dog when it has a ball in its mouth and it should be placed on the right side of the entrance. Having these figures stand in your entrance will keep people with bad intentions from ever getting into your house because they will feel uncomfortable within your premises.
Lotus - Buddha is thought of sitting on a lotus flower, that's why this flower is basically a symbol depicting spiritual excellence. It is usually represented as having seven petals. This number stands for the sevenfold nature that Buddhists believed man to have. According to Buddhism, the perfect man is one who has fully actualized these seven aspects of his being. It is also a symbol that signifies resistance to earthly lures and comforts. Therefore, the lotus is also the symbol for spiritual enlightenment. A lotus flower in oriental floor vases blesses the home with spiritual guidance and protection.
The bamboo - This hardy plant symbolizes long life. That is due to the fact that bamboo plants are known to live for 120 years. It also symbolizes friendship and loyalty because bamboo plants grow in tight bundles in which they provide mutual protection for one another. In Vietnam, the bamboo is a symbol of aggressive defense. A home possessing oriental floor vases depicting bamboo should enjoy longevity and security. All these reasons combined make oriental vases of bamboo images very appealing because it connotes a lot of good things that any family would definitely love to live with.
Duck - Ducks are domestic animals that are often left unnoticed. However, in oriental concept, they were given regard and were used to symbolize fidelity. Ducks are often depicted as pairs in oriental floor vases which make them an ideal symbol for married people. The fact that many domestic ducks do not fly and can only wobble along on webbed feet made them stand for conjugal fidelity. This is certainly a symbol that every home should have.
Phoenix - In mythical times, the phoenix was thought to bring prosperity and wellness. A natural consequence of having good finances and health is beauty. The phoenix also stands for that. A home graced by this image visible in oriental floor vases should expect to have material success and social distinction. When it is paired with a dragon, they symbolize a successful and strong union of a male and a female's hearts entwined.
Rooster - The rooster may be thought of as a very ordinary creature and its presence on vases may appear rather confusing. However, looking at the characteristics of a rooster, there is one trait that made it part of the symbolic images in oriental floor vases.
No other symbol denotes protection from evil as famously as the rooster. That comes from the fact that the rooster was believed to awaken the day by its crowing. With the coming of daylight, dark shadows and evil spirits fled. This is also another symbol that every home should show in its oriental floor vases.
Artemisia plant - The Artemisia plant is not a very common one. Because of its silvery color, it commonly functions as an accent when mixed with other plants in the garden. This plant is also known as the wormwood plant. It is a bitter herb which is known to drive away fleas. It is appropriately symbolical for warding off the diverse ills that threaten us. When the image of the Artemisia is encountered in oriental floor vases, it protects the household from petty problems.
Summary
Admittedly, oriental decors are not cheap. In fact, for the average consumer, this can be very expensive. It is exactly this reason why putting an oriental accent to your home should be done with careful consideration of your budget. Perhaps, it would be best to identify just two rooms in your house which will be the focus of the oriental-inspired décor to save on cost, yet with an elegance you can boast of. What is critical though is ensuring that your oriental décor follows a common theme and should coordinate with the room design otherwise, you might be wasting too much time and end up with a room that has a confusing look.
From the discussion above, it is evident that choosing the right oriental vases and other oriental accessories for your home should not be just a question of aesthetics. Their hidden meanings, particularly for the oriental floor vases should also be considered - that is in order to encourage the correct physical and spiritual benefits for the family.