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.

 

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Here are this week's features:

Housepitality Designs

Design Dreams By Anne

Mary's Meanderings

21 Rosemary Lane

Living On Cypress Hill

'A Casarella

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.

 These two are netsukes as well. They have two faces carved into a rolling ball, representing the struggle between good and evil within.  

 I hope you found something to “tickle” your fancy in this post, and have something new to ponder.

Hugs,

Patti

Thank you all for participating in our 

"What's It Wednesday"  linky party!

Don't forget to grab a feature button.

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Here are this week's features.

Shabby Sweet Cottage

Common Ground

21 Rosemary Lane

Petites Passions

Moonlight Dreams

The Tablescaper

A Puzzling Situation

This week we are sharing a unique and (we hope) interesting post. It is a small collection of ivory puzzle balls. These amazing feats of skilled carving fascinate me!

Puzzle balls are made in China, usually of ivory, but sometimes jade, bone, or other materials are used. The ivory ones often come with a tall and elaborately carved stand.

To make the balls the sphere is first turned on a lathe and then conical holes are drilled toward the center. Layers are carved from the inside out. The more layers it has, the more intricate the piece. The largest can be over six inches in diameter and have over twenty balls inside! I just love the delicate and lacy look of the stand on this one.

Puzzle balls are very fragile and easily damaged. They are a tempting puzzle of trying to line up all the holes; but if you do try, use something soft and thin like a quill or a toothpick. This handsome guy was once a piece from a chess set. Wow! Imagine, it must have been fabulous!

 This is my latest find, and it’s incredible. 

Look closely! This one has eleven smaller carved  balls that are free moving on the outside layer! Way cool!

It takes very little force to damage the inner shells, and dropping them is usually fatal! So, one must use delicacy and patience to solve a puzzle ball. Since I have neither, I just look at mine, lol! 

Hope you enjoyed looking at them too!

Hugs,

Patti

Bustin' Loose

There seems to be a new obsession going around in the blogosphere,

(I think I know who caused it *winks*  aka Vanna at Delusions of Grandeur!).

It's the quest for these beautiful busts made of alabaster or marble. You can never have enough! Just ask Gloria over at Happy to Be. Once you have one you HAVE to have more!

Some of them come signed, like this lovely beauty from Paris.

 

 Paula has this lovely signed alabaster Geisha which was made in Italy. It stands before Alaagy's "Coming Together".

They are perfect for playing dress-up with jewelry, crowns, or hats.

 

No matter where you place them they add an air of elegance.

 

 This lovely lady is the keeper of Paula’s current books either being read or reread.

 This pretty maiden currently stands watch on my entry table.

 …but on second thought, maybe she’d be happier in the bath on this vanity tray?

 Next up is this little sweetie. She keeps her friend company on the entry table.

 She is also signed.

 I love her grouped with blue and white.

 Hey! Who’s this? Gertrude! What are you doing here? This post is about busts, not bronzes. 


Sorry about that…

 Now, this angel in pearls adorns the dresser in the boudoir.

 Here’s a group shot of the pretty ladies. 

Hey! Gertie get out of there!

 Oh, alright! Meet Gertrude, my beautiful bronze and ivory statue.

 Now, pretty maids all in a row.

 Last but not least, is this handsome couple. It is my largest piece and takes pride of place on a pedestal stand in the family room.

 By the way, do you like these sepia tones? I love the way it looks on René’s blog over at Miss Gracie’s House.

We hope this post has inspired you to “bust loose” and start a collection of your own. 

After all, everyone needs something else to collect, right?

Pat & Paula

Next Post:

“Mirrors, a Reflection of the Soul”