Ivy and Elephants: Chinese

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Who's That Lady?

Believe it or not, this lovely figure of a woman is actually a medical instrument! It’s known as a “doctor’s lady”.

They originated in China from as early as the Ming Dynasty (1300’s) and were still used up until 100 years ago.

They are small carvings depicting a nude female in a recumbent position, supporting her head on her right arm, with her left arm resting demurely on her body.

Traditionally, Chinese male physicians used them so a female patient could indicate the location of her discomfort in a modest fashion. This eliminated the shame of having to show or point to her own body, which was strictly taboo.

The figures were made from various materials such as ivory, resin, semiprecious stone, or soapstone.

They are typically 4 to 10 inches long, often with a base in the form of a couch.

Back then, they would have likely used a pointing stick carved as a hand with the index finger extended to point to various areas of the body. That way the doctor wouldn’t even have physical contact with the figure, taking the level of modesty one degree further. Sadly, those pointers are even harder to find than the figures!

Although these “doctor’s ladies” are highly prized and collected among physicians, I find them to be beautiful as well as fascinating too. They show just how we’ve come as women. I'm always keeping a look out and hope to find a few more someday.

Hugs,

Patti

And thank you all for participating in our "What's It Wednesday" party!

Don't forget to grab a feature button.

Here are this week's features:

Housepitality Designs

Design Dreams By Anne

Mary's Meanderings

21 Rosemary Lane

Living On Cypress Hill

'A Casarella

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tickling The Ivory

My love of collecting sometimes takes me far afield, as beautiful objects can be found in many forms. In an earlier post I shared with you my collection of ivory puzzle balls. Today, I'm sharing some other ivory pieces that are favorites of mine. First is this colorful pair depicting the Emperor and Empress astride their majestic elephants. I love their coloring and beautiful faces.

She, so elegant and demure; and he, so regal. What do you think they are? Salt and pepper shakers, perhaps? Take a guess. After all, it’s “What’s It Wednesday”, right?

Okay, here you go. What? Still no clue? These are snuff bottles. The Chinese began using them to carry powdered tobacco when smoking was outlawed during the Qing Dynasty. “Snuff” was allowed because it was thought to be a remedy for common illnesses such as colds, headaches and stomach disorders.

These are “Lucky Gods”. They represent good fortune and prosperity. Each body is carved from teak wood with attached ivory face, hands, and inlaid symbols applied to the robes.

This small carving depicts a weary traveler resting on his “Foo Dog”, the Chinese guardian lion thought to have mythical powers of protection.

This beautiful Geisha dreams of the future as she prepares to serve tea. The designs are first carved and color applied to bring out the details of the piece.

These little cuties remind me to keep to the straight and narrow path. Do you recognize them? They represent the Japanese proverb, “Hear no evil, See no evil, Speak no evil”. The fourth guy? “Do no evil”! LOL

This is what is known as a netsuke. Japanese used them as toggles to attach pouches to carry small objects, as the traditional kimono had no pockets. The intricately carved detail is wonderful, and makes this playful pair of fish sharing a worm, come to life. The proud carver has signed his work.