Asian Art & Buffalo Myths

Hi everyone, we are excited to introduce another Chinese art auction taking place on February 2025 at 1 pm EST. This auction will feature approximately 399 exquisite handcrafted Asian artworks including pieces made from Hetian Jade, porcelain, wood, gold, silver, and bronze. There will also be a selection of exceptional jewelry available. Additionally, we are launching a new online store at fancydreamland999.com where you can enjoy a 20% off discount on all buy-it-now purchases. US customers can also take advantage of free shipping. Simply show this advertisement to our customer service team and we will handle the rest. In today's video, we will introduce three featured auction items and share some fascinating stories about Buffalo. Stay tuned. Lot No. 1 is a set of white Hetian Jade wine pot with four cups on the colossaline gilt gold enamel inlay gem base. The starting bid price is 7,000 USD. Dimension is 14.96 inches by 9.45 inches by 3.54 inches. The weight is 3.39 pounds. This exquisite set features a white Hetian Jade wine pot accompanied by four matching cups, all resting on an ornate colossaline gilt gold metal base. The wine pot's surface is adored with low-relief hand-carved longevity characters and scrolling Ruyi patterns, symbolizing prosperity and harmony. The spout is sculpted into the form of a fortune beast, enhancing its auspicious significance. The lid, along with the edge of the pot and cups, is encased in gilt bronze, highlighting the piece's refined craftsmanship. The base is an outstanding work of art, showcasing intricate hollowed designs filled with vibrant blue-green and red enamel, along with embedded red gemstones designed in the shape of a powerful dragon. The base elegantly supports the wine pot on its back, while its curling tail holds the four cups. The dragon's extended tongue transforms into a smaller dragon, from which delicate embellishments dangle. In Chinese culture, the word for pot shares a similar pronunciation with peace, making the set a meaningful symbol of tranquility. The entire piece resembles an ancient Chinese court lantern exuding the same grandeur as a grand chandelier in western palaces. The dragon motif's ornamental base reflects the wealth and prestige of royalty, while other auspicious patterns convey wishes for longevity, harmony, and prosperity. A magnificent collector's item, this masterpiece blends artistic excellence with deep cultural symbolism. Lot 178 features a Chinese Zitan wood brush pot exquisitely adorned with a figure scene in ancient Chinese poems, inlaid with Shoushan stone, jade, lapis lazuli, and mother-of-pearl shell. The starting price is 1,600 US dollars. The dimension is 9.84 inches by 9.25 inches. The weight is 11.02 pounds. The front scene depicts three ancient scholars dressed in flowing robes accompanied by a pair of white cranes beneath an aged plum tree in full bloom, evoking a scene of wisdom and serenity. The back scene is elegantly accented with two lines of poetry, one from Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty describing a lake in late autumn, and another from Zhang Wentao of Qin Dynasty portraying a tranquil boat journey at night. This poetic combination enhances the brush pot's expression of peace and harmony. A brush pot is an essential scholar's desk accessory, symbolizing the importance of inner peace for learning and reflection. Rod 207 is a grand Chinese formini rose porcelain vase stylishly decorated with a floral and bird motif. Bearing the Qianlong mark of the Qin Dynasty, the basal form is a cylindrical mullet shape standing on a taped base. The base is encircled by Ruyi head motifs, Greek key patterns, lotus blossoms, and treasure pots. The body features a detailed landscape with a pair of parrots perched on a peach tree with aged branches alongside ancient pine trees emerging from misty green and gray mountains. Coral red beds gracefully fly above rolling ocean waves, symbolizing blessings and prosperity. The sloping shoulder is adored with plantain leaves and eight Buddhist treasures. The elongated neck is richly garnished with lotus flowers, waterflies, and hanging lanterns. A pair of blue and white stylized dragon candles embellish the sides. This vase embodies a profound message of fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain, making it a powerful symbol of prosperity and well-being. Let's talk about Buffalo mythology. Buffaloes hold a significant place in various mythologies and folklore worldwide, often symbolizing strength, abundance, and spiritual connection. Here are some notable myths and legends involving buffaloes from different cultures. Native American mythology. Buffalo or bison is a sacred animal among many Native American tribes, particularly in the Great Plains. It represents life, sustenance, and divine blessings. The white buffalo woman. In Lakota tradition, a mystical woman known as T. Scott Wing White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared to two hunters, teaching them sacred ceremonies and gifting them the sacred pipe, chandampa. She transformed into a white buffalo calf, signaling a future time of peace and unity. White buffalo birds are considered a powerful omen. According to black food legend, a woman married a buffalo and bore a child. Her human relatives killed her buffalo husband, angering the buffalo spirits. To store balance, the woman and her child revived the buffalo, leading to a gate where humans could hunt buffalo but must always honor them. Chinese mythology. Buffalo or oxen are deeply rooted in Chinese folklore, often representing diligence, strength, and prosperity. The ox stars Horace in The Weaver Girl. In one version of the famous cowherd in Weaver Girl, Niu Nang and Zhi Nü tell the cowherd's loyal companion is an old buffalo or ox that was served as a celestial being. The ox helps him reunite with his celestial wife, but ultimately the loved lovers are separated by the Milky Way, meeting only once a year. The buffalo as a divine messenger. Some Taoist stories describe buffaloes as celestial beings sent to Earth to help righteous individuals or monks on their spiritual journeys. Hindu mythology. Buffaloes play an important role in Hinduism, often associated with power and destruction. Mahishusura, a buffalo demon. Mahishusura, a powerful demon who could transform into a buffalo, waged war against the gods. No male deity could defeat him, so the goddess Durga was created to battle him. She ultimately slew Mahishusura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Yama, the god of death. In Hindu belief, Yama, the god of death and justice, rides a buffalo. This association links the buffalo with the afterlife, judgment, and the cycle of karma. Southern East Asian mythology. Buffaloes feature prominently in the folklore of countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Buffalo and the moon. Vietnamese folktale. A common folktale in Vietnam explains the creatures on the moon. A buffalo once swallowed the moon, and when the people struck it, the moon broke into pieces. This story is linked to lunar mythology. Myth of the water buffalo. Thailand and Indonesia. In Thailand and Indonesia, water buffaloes are seen as sacred animals linked to rice agriculture and divine spirits. Many legends tell of spirits appearing as buffaloes to test humans. African mythology. Buffaloes are often depicted as strong and unpredictable in African folklore. Buffalo woman. Zulu myth. In Zulu mythology, a buffalo spirit disguised as a woman marries a man, bringing him wealth and food. However, when he betrays her, she transforms back into a buffalo and vanishes, leaving his village cursed. The great buffalo spirit. West Africa. Some West African tribes believe in the buffalo spirit, the guards, the forest, and must be respected. Hunters who do not honor the buffalo face misfortune. European and Slavic folklore. Buffalo are rare in European myths but appear in some Slavic legends. The enchanted buffalo who are Bulgarian and Poland. In Eastern European folklore, there are tales of enchanted buffaloes protecting hidden treasures. Sometimes they are cursed humans who can only be freed by an act of kindness. Across different cultures, buffaloes represent life-giving forces, resilience, and sometimes the challenges of nature. Whether as sacred beings, demons, or celestial messengers, they hold a vital role in mythology worldwide. Again, welcome to visit Chinese Art Auction on February 23, 2025, 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Meanwhile, enjoy 20% off on our new individual website, fancydreamland999.com, with more buy-it-now art items. U.S. customers are always quick with free shipping. Thank you for your watching and listening.