Chinese New Year is nearly upon us and 2018 brings us the year of the Dog - the Chinese zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle and each year has a corresponding animal. Zodiac signs play an integral part in Chinese culture, and can be used to determine your fortune for the year.
Chinese New Year is a special occasion whichever part of the world you're in, and nearly always marked by family gatherings, food rituals, offerings at temples and the colour red. The decorations used on doors and windows are red coloured paper-cuts. The themes of these decorations are of happiness, good fortune, longevity and wealth. Firecrackers are also popular during the Chinese New Year as they are thought to scare off evil spirits. Expect to see lots of of colour, noise and a lots of dragons during the celebrations in London next Friday, 16th February.
At
Alfies we have a wide array of Chinese items that would make wonderful gift offerings for the new year, here are our top picks..
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| 3 boys holding a peach, c970s. Traditionally gifted on Chinese New Year. In Chinese society the peach has the meaning of long life. Available from Horner Antiques. |
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| Chinese mid-century lidded pot, decorated with peaches and bats for longevity and good fortune, in famille jaune porcelain. The pot bears an apocryphal mark for the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (1735-1796). Available from Horner Antiques. |
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| Chinese cinnabar, resin. Carved to represent flowers the traditional Chinese way. The technique goes back centuries. Pieces ranging from 1920s through to the latter part of the 20th century. Available from Horner Antiques. |
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| 19th century Chinese reverse painting. Available from Hongman Yang. |
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