Art Kaleidoscope

Binding of the Quran with emerald. The beginning of the 19th century. Gold, diamonds, emeralds. The Topkapı Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. Islamic East Jewelled Arts

Islamic East Jewelled Arts
Worked out by the peoples of the Middle East during the Middle Ages, based on the cultural traditions of the area and the principles of Islam. From the beginning, the art of Muslim countries showed originality, associated with the ethnic culture. However, Islamization, covering all the space developed common principles, which became mandatory for all parts of the Muslim world.
In fact, Islam forbids images of living beings, first of all, people. Meanwhile, in Iran, where even before the arrival of Islam was a tradition of depicting scenes from the life of the rulers in miniature, wall painting, and carpet weaving, the ban was never total.
Read more »

Ivan – Tsarevich on the Grey Wolf. 1889. Fairy tale happiness by Vasnetsov

Fairy tale happiness by Vasnetsov
Almost every fairy tale hero expects reward similar to “Emelya” happiness – love of beautiful girl and wealth. But happiness has to be earned or won. Available hero is strong, and most importantly, kind. Not all the heroes are winners – only those who fight against evil. This path is not easy. Hurtling through a dark, scary forest the Gray Wolf, saving Ivan Tsarevich and Elena the Fair. Her golden hair waving on a wind. The speed with which the wolf carries them is enormous: even heavy sword of Ivan Tsarevich soared up into the air. Elena the Fair seems half asleep. Her patterned robe of blue silk, can not seem to warm her. But Prince tenderly holding her in his arms. Vasnetsov shows in a picture how passionate feelings in a cool, gloomy forest make a real miracle – on apple tree branch, unexpectedly here in the wild forest, bloom sweet as love in the hearts of fairytale characters, flowers.
Read more »

Ginger. Photo artist Anka Zhuravleva

Photo artist Anka Zhuravleva
Born Anna Belova on December 4, 1980, Anka Zhuravleva is a Russian artist and freelance photographer. She spent her childhood in creative atmosphere, where her mother was an artist and architect. Following her mother’s steps Anna entered the Moscow Architectural Institute (1997). Unfortunately, her life dramatically changed at the end of 1997, when her mother, diagnosed with cancer, died. In a year her father died too. According to Anna, she had to survive, while studying in the institute. In particular, she worked as a tattoo artist, and at several modeling agencies.
Meanwhile, her photos appeared in the “Playboy” and “XXL” magazines and also at the Playboy 1999 photo exhibition. However, she was not looking for a modeling career – it was just a way to make some money.
Read more »

2008 ‘Yellow Orchids’ faceted black overlay compound sculpture paperweight. Mayauel Ward Glass Fantasy

Mayauel Ward Glass Fantasy
The work of the artist, first of all, reflects his love of the ocean and nature with their coral reef and floral designs. Mayauel has created the beautiful gallery of glass art works, which are now in great demand. In particular, in the United States and abroad, including Hong Kong, England, Germany and France.
Born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, Mayauel Ward studied in a college to become a physical therapist. However, after one class in glassblowing he was hooked. After college, Mayauel went to work for Correia Art Glass, followed by Abelman Art Glass. In 1988 Mayauel started his own glass business making lampwork paperweights vases, light sculptures and perfume bottles in his home studio.
Read more »

Beautiful floral fantasy. Painting on glass Ulla Darni

Painting on glass Ulla Darni
The colorful world of glass artist from Denmark – hand-painted lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, and other unique installations. They are stunning, unique and highly collectable. According to Ulla Darni, she graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen – Royal Copenhagen Porcelain. And immediately after graduating she established herself as a talented designer and painter on porcelain.
Ulla Darni successfully exhibited her works at the Museum of Bronx, Lever House Gallery, the Empire State Plaza, and in various galleries throughout the world. Meanwhile, for her truly magnificent, one-of-a-kind technique “Ulla” she is called “Tiffany of the light”.
Noteworthy, beautiful and talented person Ulla Darni experienced a career on stage and screen. In particular, she worked as an actress for seven years playing roles in films, including the international award-winning film, The Duel. In 1967, Ulla moved to New York City, where she and her husband and business partner, glass sculptor Lawry Swidler, live and work now.
Read more »

Two sparrows. Bird-and-flower painting by Ohara Koson

Bird-and-flower painting by Ohara Koson
Traditionally, a genre of prints with images of birds and flowers was popular in Japan. Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture of northern Japan, Ohara Koson (1878-1845) is one of the most famous artists in the genre of “Bird-and-flower painting” of the twentieth century. In fact, his real name is Ohara Mata. Meanwhile, during his career he changed his name several times: Koson, Shoson, Hosono – all are the names of the same artist.
Read more »

The Dove. Emperor artist Zhao Ji

Emperor artist Zhao Ji
The eighth emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Ji, Hueytszun (1082-1135) – calligrapher, musician, and master of tea ceremony. All his free time he devoted to art, which led him to neglect public affairs and disaster. In particular, Empire lost its northern possessions. And Kaifeng, one of the great capitals of the world, was looted. And Zhao Ji Hueytszun became the eighth emperor of one of the most famous dynasties of China – Sunn. His whole life he spent in an atmosphere of luxury, sophistication and art, but all ended in tragedy.
Read more »