Japanese Archaeology

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Prehistoric Archaeology of Japan

Prehistoric Archaeology of Japan
By Michael Russell

Japan, today, consists of four main islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. There are minor island chains, which include Okinawa (also called Ryuku Islands) in the south, the Kuriles north of Hokkaido and the Izu Islands, which extend outwards into the Pacific Ocean.

The archipelago which extends from latitude 45 degrees north to latitude 24 degrees north has a variety of climates and environmental zones. A cool northerly climate characterizes Hokkaido whereas the eastern half of Honshu has a temperate climate and deciduous forests. Also characterized by a temperate climate is western Honshu and Shikoku but the forests in these regions are broadleaf evergreens (palms) and deciduous trees. Kyushu and Okinawa enjoy a sub-tropical climate and the forests are of broadleaf evergreens and oceanic vegetation.

Japan sees an abundance of rain especially in the summer months. Anywhere between 1000 millimeters to 3000 millimeters of rain falls in Japan depending on the location.

Japanese archaeologists (like archaeologists elsewhere) have divided the prehistory of the archipelago into a variety of differing periods. These can be compared with the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age seen in the rest of the old world. The Japanese have given each period its own name that reflects its own unique Japanese character.

The dates about to be given are approximate dates and different scholars have different criteria for when a particular age ended and a new one began. The Palaeolithic period is 50,000BC-13, 000BC (Use of micro-blade stone tools was characteristic of this period), The Jomon period 13,000BC-300BC (the characteristics of this age were pottery production and a hunting and gathering lifestyle), the Yayoi period 300BC-AD300 (characterized by rice cultivation and new types of pottery) and the Kofun AD300-AD650 (characterized by the construction of large burial mounds for elites).

Archaeology is still done on remains post-dating the Kofun period but it is in the realms of historic archaeology. The unique features of the prehistoric archaeology of Japan are the fairly late adoption of domesticated plants and animals and the absence of a formal Bronze or Iron Age. There is evidence that the Jomon people cultivated some plants but dependence on cultivated plants did not begin until the Yayoi period. This period also sees the use of bronze and iron.

As far as the cultural sequence stands for Hokkaido it is slightly different from the rest of Japan. For Hokkaido the use of pottery began later and agriculture does not begin until the Satsumon period.

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Again the dates about to be presented for the cultural sequence for Hokkaido are approximate. The Jomon period 8000BC-300BC (the characteristics of this age being the use of cord marked pottery and a hunting and gathering lifestyle), The Epi-Jomon period 300BC- 3rd/7th century AD (characterized by the continuation of a hunting gathering lifestyle and a pottery tradition akin to the final Jomon pottery styles), the Satsumon/Okhotsk age 3rd/7th century AD-13th century AD (characterized by the use of iron and bronze and also some plant cultivation) and lastly the Ainu period 13th century AD-Present ( this has a mixed economy based on hunting and gathering, sea mammal hunting and plant cultivation).

It should be taken note that the Ainu are still resident in Hokkaido and the cultural groups preceding them are known only through archaeological record.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Japan

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Asian Inspired Furniture & Decor

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Decorating with Asian Inspired Furniture & Decor

Decorating with Asian Inspired Furniture & Decor
By Sarah Freeland

Asian inspired decor has become more popular for one’s home increasing as years pass. This visually appealing style has been consistently traditional decor in the East for a lifetime. However, the modern West has just recently discovered the joy and beauty of the decorating style of Asian decor.

From tables, lamps, stools and chairs, Asian decor encompasses a large variety. Each piece is created for ultimate beauty and the lasting impression it will leave on its owner. This intimate furniture-making process helps to extend the life of these furniture pieces. Because of their durability, Asian decor pieces are a lasting impression that one can enjoy for a lifetime.

The increasing popularity of Asian furniture has taken the consumer market by storm. This style of home decor is great for any home. This environmental-friendly decor style helps to make every Asian furniture purchase more effective for one’s home decorating needs.

Asian furniture is offered in patio furniture styles as well. Whether it’s stools, lamps, or table and chairs, there are various style pieces to fit every home. Bamboo or Asian furniture involves an intimate furniture-making process. With its durability, Asian furniture is an investment for one’s home.

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http://www.asian-furniture.net attempts to offer the largest selection of Asian furniture & home decor. We hope to supply customers with exactly what they need. Asian furniture has been made for years and has steadily become popular in the States. The vast varieties available make the furniture popular in all homes.

For bamboo furniture and decor visit http://www.bamboofurnitureetc.com

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Buying a Samurai Sword

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Samurai Swords - Choosing a Sword to Buy

Samurai Swords - Choosing a Sword to Buy
By Nick Johnson

It’s undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword or samurai sword set looks fantastic and an ads character to any room of the home, but is it worth spending upwards of $650 on such a sword or sword set? This all depends on your reasons for buying a samurai sword.

If you are merely purchasing a samurai sword for display purposes and positioning it as a focal point in a room then you certainly don’t need to spend anything like the amount suggested above, you can just go for a relatively cheap manufactured replica with the necessary sword stand. Sword stands come in a variety of applications – table standing, wall mounted or single standing sword stands. How you display your samurai sword or set is up to you, although I personally think they look fantastic on the wall above the fireplace. It gives the room a real atmosphere.

If you’re interested in martial arts however, buying a quality forged blade is an absolute must, both for safety in the Dojo and simply because it will be required for cutting. Handling swords is extremely dangerous alone, never mind trying to cut through objects and swing about a manufactured replica not meant for that purpose.

The Paul Chen range of practical Katanas is a brilliant start to your samurai sword martial arts career, and come in a variety of flavours – the popular Katana, Wakizashi and of course the Tanto. These blades are designed for cutting and are extremely sharp – always seek proper training when it comes to handling swords of any kind.

Article by Nick Johnson, visit his website on samurai swords for more information on samurai swords

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Keeping Japanese Inro

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Keeping and Handling Japanese Inro
By John Cohen

Antique lacquer has always been highly valued for its lasting qualities and strength, as not only could a very high gloss be achieved, but it also proved to be impervious to alcohol, acids and hot liquids. It appealed to the Zen Buddhism ideals of ‘Yin and Yang’, as lacquer appears to be so delicately beautiful and light in weight, yet it is hard, impermeable and enduring.

However, great care still needs to be taken when handling any antique Japanese lacquer, especially inro (when complete with the ojime and a netsuke, or manju), as the inro can so easily be damaged by knocks caused by a swinging netsuke. The most common cause of damage occurs when an inro is first picked up, for if the netsuke, or manju, is allowed to swing and bump into the inro, the lacquer will certainly dent and worse still a piece might actually break off.

The best and correct way to pick up an inro, is to firstly pick up the netsuke, or manju, then to also hold and use the silk cord to turn the inro around to look at the other side, rather than to finger the lacquer, as there is something in our perspiration that dulls the shine in time. As an alternative some people only handle lacquer whilst wearing very soft gloves.

All lacquer is best kept in a reasonably humid atmosphere, avoiding any sudden changes of temperature. In some climates this is difficult to arrange, without having good air-conditioning. It is also a good idea to keep a bowl, or two, of water where ever the inro are stored, but even more important to completely avoid the use of any hot spot lights within the same cabinet.

Antique Japanese lacquer Inro and boxes are such incredibly beautiful works of art, that I consider many of them to rate very highly, amongst the finest treasures of the World! So it is well worthwhile taking good care of them.

The author has been a very keen Asian antique collector for many years helping to create ‘The Cohen collection’. http://www.jncohen.net/Cohen_collection/index.htm

For more information with lots of photographs please use the following link: -
http://www.jncohen.net/homepage.htm

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Starting an Asian Antique Collection

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Starting Your Asian Antique Collection

Starting Your Asian Antique Collection
By Michael Russell

When thinking of buying Asian antiques, or starting a collection in this field, one thinks of amassing rare snuff bottles, wooden and jade carvings, furniture or intricate lacquer boxes. If you decide to start any antique collection, it's always advisable to study the area of antiques you are interested in before you actually purchase anything. Attend a lot of auctions and meet the dealers. Try to hold as many pieces as you are allowed and try commissioning a specialist to bid for you, even if they charge a tenth of the bid. Remember, it will take many years and hands-on experience to build your knowledge about antiques and you may commit expensive mistakes if you are not entirely careful.

When deciding to buy an item, it is important to remember that each antique piece is a unique handcrafted work of art and this is the foundation for its value. Other factors to consider are the condition of the piece and the workmanship. One must also consider the artistic merit of the piece, or how complicated the artwork was. The market value of the piece is also dictated by the forces of supply and demand; if demand for the piece is great, the prices will go high and vice versa. However, if you're fortunate enough to own a piece of exceptional rarity and quality, the price is unlikely to fall in the next years and will even sell much better if you take good care of it. Also, the antique's provenance adds greatly to its value; if a well-known collector owned it before you did, it does make the price higher.

When going to an antique sale, it's a good idea to look at the stock of the seller, as sometimes there are two similar pieces and one sells for less than the other. There are also "sleeper" items that are easily overlooked because of their size, which you can luckily purchase at a bargain price. Sometimes, a piece can be wrongly described at an auction, so you can buy a great piece if you look closely and see what others overlook. Lucky finds at cheap bargain prices are increasingly rare and most collectors say that it's their more expensive pieces that have become the best bargains.

Small antique items are very much in demand now, like intricately-carved pendants. The skilled craftsmanship required to produce such exquisite pieces which are difficult to forge and are less likely to be mass produced. There are a limited number of small antique pieces in the world and these usually appeal to buyers from Hong Kong and China more than they do to European collectors.

If you are interested in collecting Japanese pieces, a "netsuke" and "inro" are your best bets to start with. These are miniature carvings in wood or ivory designed to be toggles or handling pieces for an "inro". They are at most an inch high and work like modern key chains. An "inro" is a lacquered container that is exquisitely designed and decorated to which the "netsuke" is attached to with a short cord. The "inro" was used as an ancient pillbox or a miniature cosmetic case. Japanese lacquered pieces are also good pieces to collect, as the workmanship is usually superb. These pieces are difficult to produce and even more difficult to fake. The lacquered piece needs many thin layers fit into place before any decorating or painting can be done and to finish one piece takes a long time. Decorations can be made of a combination of fine shell inlay, thin metal work, multi-colored lacquer and gold.

In determining the value of Japanese art, you must determine the amount and quality of workmanship that went into creating a "netsuke" and "inro". In the market, a fine "netsuke" can double the amount of a good "inro". These pieces are predicted to be mainstays in the Asian art market, so buying Japanese lacquered pieces is a good investment. If you are inclined to buying jade, don't think that bigger is better. Again, the reverse is true: the smaller and finer the jade piece, the more valuable it can be. Your jade piece cans a command higher price if it has a flawless quality in the workmanship and if it maintains a solid and vibrant color.

Pendants and small snuff bottles are hot commodities in today's antique market, however, large jade carvings are also a sensible and stable investment. Jade is especially difficult to carve and some remarkable pieces have surfaced that show the mastery and perseverance of the carver. These pieces are found as bowls, figurines and animals. Eighteenth and nineteenth century jade pieces make up the more exquisite batch of jade carvings and are some of the best buys on the market. Chinese stone bottles and jade snuff bottles are also good buys. Good choices are bottles that are perfectly formed and these are usually the more affordable option for first-time collectors.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Antiques

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Where To Find Asian Antiques

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Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find Them

Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find Them
By Michael Temple

It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many antique buyers make the mistake of mis-understanding the process by which antique items are found. Many collectors and dealers waste valuable time searching in places where they believe that these items are in great abundance. But a true understanding of where antiques originate seems to have eluded many well meaning antique dealers and collectors.

It's elementary Watson!

If you want to find fresh-to-the-market antiques and collectibles, you need to go where they are in great abundance, and where they originate! Antiques do not orginate at auctions, or at flea markets, or at antique shows. Antiques originate in people's homes. This is a fundamental truth for 99% of all antiques that you will ever see.

Another truth that many people overlook.

The other simple fact, is that most antiques that you are most likely to get a great deal on reside in the homes of people who are older. Young people do not, as a general rule have antiques in the abundance that older people do. Why? Because older people came from a generation that saved everything, and you will find that a majority of the time they have kept it all! From the 1950's toys in the closet to the old toaster that was just too good to throw away, older folks still have most of everything they ever owned.

Where will you spend your "prime-time?"

Knowing these two fundamental truths about where antiques originate, begs a big question. Knowing that antiques originate in people's homes, and that antiques are most likely to reside in older people's homes, where will you be attempting to spend a majority of your prime time? It tooks me years to understand the following principles.

1. To buy more fresh antiques you have to see more antiques.

2. To see more antiques, you must look at more household accumulations on a consistant basis.

3. To accomplish this, you simply must get into more people's homes where the antiques originate.

Knowing and understanding these principles will put you light years ahead of your competition! Believe me, I know antique dealers and collectors, and most of them find their antiques through one of only 5 methods. They find them through garage / estate sales, auctions, "goodwill" type stores, flea markets and "pickers".

Knowing and understand the above principles will help you to focus on where you will find the most antiques...in people's homes.

If you want to be incredibly successful, you have to go where the antiques originate. It's time to focus on that and only that! That focus will take you farther than you ever thought possible!

Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer, speaker and author of the report, "6 Costly Mistakes Antique Buyers and Sellers Make...and How to Avoid Them!" You can own a copy by asking for it. Send your request to: freetips@antiquepowerdealer.com

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Japanese Antiques

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Japanese Antiques

Japanese Antiques
By George Spence

Japanese Antiques are absolutely one of the most beautiful collections in the world. There are so many great pieces to choose from. Here are some of the best pieces in Japanese Antiques.

Choba Tansu which is called a Merchant Chest, the type of wood is called Hinoki, Sugi and it dates back to the 1880’s. These chests of drawers stand about 34 inches in height and 47-1/2 in width. It has cabinet and 9 drawers, very beautifully crafted.

There is a piece that is beautiful for the fact that is an antique but it is not a pretty piece. It is a Choba Tansu called a Merchant Chest and it is also made from Hinoki and Sugi wood. It is a small chest of 3 drawers and is only 15-3/8 inches tall and 14 inches wide.

The Clothing Chest called an Isho Tansu is made from Kiri, Hinoki and Sugi; it stands about 40 inches and 37 inches wide. This piece is a two section with heavy hardware and nothing has been altered through the years. The time period is 1880’s.

Aside from the Japanese furniture that has beautiful hard carved figurines. One piece is called Mother and Son, it is ceramic piece of a traditional Japanese woman breastfeeding her baby. It is a detailed and hand painted, the age is from the 1700’s. There are many antique Samurai Dolls, handcrafted in the 1890’s. These antiques are worth some money but depending on if they have a letter of authenticity will determine how much they are worth.

Kitchen antiques are the way to see a true antique, there are Japanese Iron Teakettles that have a bronze lid, the time period is 1890. The shape of the teakettle is unlike the teakettles of today, these kettles are heavier and the Japanese believe that they are capturing the spirit of the moment as the share tea.

Japanese Antiques can be found through an antique dealer and online. When purchasing any type of antique online ask for the letter of authenticity if you are buying something the dealer tells you is an antique.

Trying to find more information on Antiques
There are so many sites with lots but do they offer accurate information?
For more free advice, tips and suggestions, visit http://www.antiques-road-show.com

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