tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post6875474375575641422..comments2024-02-10T22:06:21.771-08:00Comments on RoadToParnassus: The Chinese Scholar’s Studio -- PaperweightsParnassushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-70996001191148290762020-07-30T09:56:43.235-07:002020-07-30T09:56:43.235-07:00✍️✍️Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877699174880945452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-74645676519739395562020-07-30T08:49:04.907-07:002020-07-30T08:49:04.907-07:00Hello Mariette, Thanks for checking back. I was g...Hello Mariette, Thanks for checking back. I was going to do a series of "scholar's studio" posts, but that never materialized, partly because I wanted to use better photos of my objects. --JimParnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-81383650993632424092020-07-30T08:27:38.761-07:002020-07-30T08:27:38.761-07:00Interesting Chinese history 🈵Interesting Chinese history 🈵Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877699174880945452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-56555930865843229322012-12-29T11:41:09.974-08:002012-12-29T11:41:09.974-08:00Hello Coulda shoulda, Good idea! My paperweight co...Hello Coulda shoulda, Good idea! My paperweight collection has also just suddenly grown to many thousands.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-50662828866886535182012-12-29T04:25:54.704-08:002012-12-29T04:25:54.704-08:00Great article!
Now I can tell my partner that a...Great article! <br /><br />Now I can tell my partner that all my stuff are paperweights!Coulda shoulda wouldahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12507021618497645667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-41556356211632953252012-11-30T18:23:17.605-08:002012-11-30T18:23:17.605-08:00Mark, The Time weight is really cool. I'll ha...Mark, The Time weight is really cool. I'll have something further to say about this comment in a future post! JimParnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-69841719212359634692012-11-30T18:14:18.132-08:002012-11-30T18:14:18.132-08:00Hello Mariette, Yes, these are all items I have c...Hello Mariette, Yes, these are all items I have collected since I came to Taiwan. In the future, in addition to emphasizing the items themselves, I will try to add in the process of seeking them out.<br /><br />There are so many writing collectibles from many cultures--Europe/America has inkwells and bottles, quills, fountain pens, etc., while the ancient world provides styluses, scribe's palettes, hieroglyphs,etc.--all fascinating and all unique to a specific time and place.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-79661629952574036942012-11-30T08:49:57.134-08:002012-11-30T08:49:57.134-08:00Dear Jim,
So these are your personal collection it...Dear Jim,<br />So these are your personal collection items? You leave that a bit vague in the story... They are all very precious though. <br />This only once more underlines the importance of the written word and all the entourage used for doing so in an artful way. Each culture brought its own art for writing. We do have some special paperweights but none like yours.<br />Have a great weekend,<br />MarietteMariette VandenMunckhof-Vedderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16877699174880945452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-31194063452836255332012-11-27T16:07:42.291-08:002012-11-27T16:07:42.291-08:00Hello Yvonne, I love that fish one too, that is w...Hello Yvonne, I love that fish one too, that is why it had to be first, so it would form the thumbnail for the post! The colors are enamel glaze. I do wonder if there could be some additional use, such as to cover an incense burner, as you can see that the fish's mouth is open, and I believe that this goes through to the base.<br /><br />That is a very apt question about their weight--how can one write an article on paperweights and not discuss this most salient characteristic? I checked the three bar-shaped ones. The one with a deer weighs 3.6 oz (102g); the smaller one 2.6 oz (75g); and the largest one 4.2 oz (118g).Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-50385476278980672202012-11-27T16:00:33.144-08:002012-11-27T16:00:33.144-08:00Hello Erika, This is kind praise indeed from an e...Hello Erika, This is kind praise indeed from an expert like you. I find it interesting how Kirk's remark on their religious/philosophical inspiration balances your observation on their aesthetic and refinement-inducing potential, truly a high yield from such small objects.<br /><br />About their usefulness for your work, please see my comment below to Yvonne about their weight, although they can be sought in many sizes.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-57140106289270937392012-11-27T09:02:38.943-08:002012-11-27T09:02:38.943-08:00Hi Jim,
That's a wonderful collection. My fav...Hi Jim,<br /><br />That's a wonderful collection. My favorite is the leaping fish paperweight--I like the colors and its playful quality. Is that glaze on the outside? And I'm curious as to how much these paperweights weigh on average. The only object I use for a paperweight is the tape dispenser on my desk, and I think I should invest into one as charming as your collection.<br /><br />YvonneAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12562874887488619010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-2962647379792655272012-11-27T05:35:47.546-08:002012-11-27T05:35:47.546-08:00Dear Jim,
What a wonderful post! As you can imagin...Dear Jim,<br />What a wonderful post! As you can imagine, I adore learning about the writing tools of cultures around the world. I particularly love your phrase: "The scholar’s studio became a place of incredible refinement"--such an evocative idea, isn't it? The paperweights you've shared are indeed beautifully refined tools, and I'm sure a great joy to use. You've inspired me to look more carefully for calligraphy paperweights-- their design would be incredibly useful in the bindery, and would provide inspiration for continual refinement as well...brilliant!<br />Thank you, Jim, for an inspiring post.<br />Warm regards,<br />Erika Parvum Opushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15464815622667738686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-60136991954122369512012-11-27T04:29:15.913-08:002012-11-27T04:29:15.913-08:00Hello Olympia, You are right that these are mostl...Hello Olympia, You are right that these are mostly for decoration now, but you also might be surprised how many people, both Asian and Western, still take up calligraphy and can use these paperweights, and also Mark's comment above shows how a graphic designer can also use weights like these. You have a nice day, too!Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-73132937838968344032012-11-27T02:06:39.145-08:002012-11-27T02:06:39.145-08:00Dear Jim
Very interesting post and wonderful colle...Dear Jim<br />Very interesting post and wonderful collection of paperweights !<br />I am thinking that they used all these and they gave such great <br />importance in calligraphy .Now , they are for decoration .<br />Have a nice day !<br />Olympia oldthingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08792844004937988499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-82656938051355938362012-11-26T14:41:28.901-08:002012-11-26T14:41:28.901-08:00Hi again, Jim - The type of paperweight I was talk...Hi again, Jim - The type of paperweight I was talking about looked like this:<br /><br />http://www.etsy.com/listing/21854260/vintage-time-paper-weightMark D. Ruffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09241533547309049140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-90021131297147337982012-11-26T08:57:50.379-08:002012-11-26T08:57:50.379-08:00Hello Mark, I can imagine that with your professi...Hello Mark, I can imagine that with your profession paperweights would take on an added importance, and that you would select for shape and function, not just appearance.<br /><br />You made the newsstand weights sound so interesting, I looked them up and found this article: http://lttds.blogspot.tw/2010/10/last-monitor-available-now-5-issue-of.html<br /><br />Good luck in finding some. Once your eyes have been opened to a certain type of object, they sometimes turn up in unexpected places. Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-69866388547089625432012-11-26T07:59:07.967-08:002012-11-26T07:59:07.967-08:00Dear Jim,
Thank you for a very informative postin...Dear Jim,<br /><br />Thank you for a very informative posting — and for sharing a unique collection. Sometimes paperweights are so decorative that one forgets that they really have a utilitarian purpose! I spend much time working with rolls of tracing paper which is always curling up on either side, and paperweights are a must in my studio (though I must admit that sometimes they're makeshift ones). The brass bars would be my choice for that activity, and I'm sure were prefered for the calligraphy scrolls.<br /><br />There's one paperweight I'm on the lookout for, though the chance of ever finding it is narrowing. I've always been attracted to the iron paperweights that newspaper sellers used at outdoor stands. They were often cast with a newspaper or magazine's name, and were well worn.Mark D. Ruffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09241533547309049140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-82687258678469084122012-11-26T07:41:01.062-08:002012-11-26T07:41:01.062-08:00Hello Columnist, That turquoise brush rest sounds ...Hello Columnist, That turquoise brush rest sounds like a beauty. As you have noticed, the sky is the limit when it comes to the quality of these items. <br /><br />I unfortunately do not possess a museum, but perhaps if I put together all my architectural fragments, I might be able to come up with something. My real secret is having an extra bedroom available for storage.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-82173361936978885962012-11-26T06:59:56.045-08:002012-11-26T06:59:56.045-08:00Hello Loi, I'm sure that with your talents you...Hello Loi, I'm sure that with your talents you would be a natural for calligraphy. <br /><br />I think that white brass would go well in your interiors. It is difficult to photograph its true color and sheen, but at its best it has a soft, off-white look (similar to the color of American Flying Eagle cents or 19th century nickels, if that comparison helps). The tinge can range from brassy to a light pewter-gray, but always with its own quality.<br /><br />Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-87164050634846847792012-11-25T21:02:23.863-08:002012-11-25T21:02:23.863-08:00I quite often come across scroll paperweights and ...I quite often come across scroll paperweights and brush rests in my auction travels and I am tempted to acquire one/some, but have never done so. There was a brush rest that was turquoise with a gilded base, and the combination of the colours was quite exquisite. Do you have a museum attached to your residence?!columnisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03764365428633038329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-51860405586331964952012-11-25T15:55:48.031-08:002012-11-25T15:55:48.031-08:00Sadly, I never had the chance to attend school in ...Sadly, I never had the chance to attend school in China or Vietnam. I would have loved to learn calligraphy in those countries. Never too late, right?<br /><br />Very interesting, Jim. I've never seen or heard of white brass. I love the etchings on those weights. They remind me of Chinese scholarly paintings of nature. Wonderful collection. Many thanks for sharing ~ Loi<br /><br />Woodside Parkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981644571968878448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-58280298031311119522012-11-25T06:41:52.042-08:002012-11-25T06:41:52.042-08:00Hello Rosemary,
I know what you mean about not us...Hello Rosemary, <br />I know what you mean about not using paperweights as such. Although as mentioned I use the brass ones for delicate work, for uses like sorting out piles of papers, I most often resort to mineral specimens that are lying about. I have even descended to the use of canned goods. Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-8178668636046598972012-11-25T02:37:43.567-08:002012-11-25T02:37:43.567-08:00Hello Kirk, Europe and America also have lots of ...Hello Kirk, Europe and America also have lots of paperweights to choose from. In addition to the Baccarat and other fine types of round glass weights, there are also the souvenir and advertising ones. Some of my favorites are architecture-themed.<br /><br />I agree with you that symbolic imagery can take these items beyond the everyday, and serve as reminders of religious and cultural heritage.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-21788624540627795592012-11-25T01:48:27.701-08:002012-11-25T01:48:27.701-08:00Dear Jim - a very interesting post explaining the ...Dear Jim - a very interesting post explaining the different types of paper weights used in calligraphy. I would never have guessed that the long ruler shaped ones were weights, but having explained that they held the scrolls in place it is obvious. Those three although not a matching set are very attractive.<br />I am with you on the lobster. My eldest son has a fetching bronze crab which always attracts my eye.<br />I only have glass paper weights which I do not use as such. Rosemaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814070177137076757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7314235093749031486.post-86412763293142535612012-11-25T01:28:46.208-08:002012-11-25T01:28:46.208-08:00Hello Jen, "Calligraphy paperweights" ...Hello Jen, "Calligraphy paperweights" is not a standard term as far as I know, just a distinction I find useful. Spherical glass paperweights were used also, and some were made in China, but either are not as typical or are very expensive. Your iron dog and duck sound adorable; often small metal animals here are from sets of weights meant to be used with scales.Parnassushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08958901307538141468noreply@blogger.com