The history of oriental artefacts and its effect on the present, and the future
What are Oriental artefacts? Oriental artefacts are religious statues, artworks and culturally unique handicrafts that were used in Eastern cultures for religion and decoration. Originally often intended to be used as pieces for worship, they were later incorporated into houses for decoration as well as for religious beliefs. To truly understand the impact of Oriental artefacts on our lives we have to delve into the history of oriental arts and crafts. We have to ask how it has evolved over the years and its influence on western culture. And finally where that will leave us in the future.
Oriental art refers to historical and contemporary art originating from various Asian cultures that reflect on their society. Oriental artefacts have
a rich history dating back to the earliest days of civilization. In the past, the craftsmen were really skilled as all the pieces were handmade from materials like bamboo, teak, and ceramic. There were no molds and not many tools, but they portrayed amazing skill and dedication even hand painting golden leaves on vases. This expression of art could be characterized as spiritual and is a portrayal of Asian principles and way of life.
In today’s world, Oriental artefacts have evolved while still holding onto its earliest roots. It still strives to be useful and decorative. But by using today’s skills, techniques and materials it has become an even more exciting topic. Today, Oriental artefacts are made using many varieties of wood, like the extremely versatile mango wood. Compared to the past, when they would mainly use teak wood and other precious hardwoods, in this day and age more likely aged fruit trees are used. Now mango wood is used to make vases, boxes, bowls and small furniture items.
Similarly, the functional use of ceramics is a break from past trends, when lacquerware was used often. The current focus is on usability and versatility. Today bowls are often shaped out of ceramic and inspiration is drawn not just from culture or religion, but also from nature. But there is more to these oriental artefacts than just the skills, tools and techniques. There’s the impact that they had on past cultures and even now on present cultures.
Nowadays you will find artefacts used as home decorative items with their roots in Oriental Ceremonial arts, now perhaps crafted with less precious materials; mango wood instead of teak and ceramic versus lacquerware, still using techniques from the past, therefore preserving a cultural heritage that developed over many centuries.
The influence of these artefacts is widespread, because of the spiritual meaning of the arts and crafts. The concept of simplicity, drawn from Eastern culture, as well as the beautiful decorative handicrafts and the practical use of these artefacts has been transferred to Western cultures all over the world. In the past American painters turned to East Asian Art for a remedy to alleviate their growing sense of spiritual displacement and restlessness while making their own efforts to reflect on their American Identity. These influences are still very evident in most American art today.
The influence that these artefacts had in the past truly translates to how far they have spread today and makes one wonder about how far they will go in the future. With such an abundance of different cultural styles to choose from, the possibilities for the future are truly amazing. The one thing we know about the future is that it’s always changing, trends happen and explode in mass, but they disappear just as suddenly. The only two constant things are that, for now at least, oriental artefacts are recycling materials. And that oriental artefacts are always going to be beautiful, unique and practical while still staying true to its original heritage.
