About Feng Shui and how to use Chinese paintings to achieve Feng Shui.
In the Chinese language, Feng is to follow the wind and Shui is to follow the flow.
Go with the wind blow ...go with the water flow. Do not go against nature.
Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. It literally means "wind" (feng) and "water" (shui). Chinese Feng Shui is very technical and has many historical influences in its practice. To understand the art of Chinese Feng Shui you must have an understanding of Qi or (Chi). Qi is a kind of life force or spiritual energy. Feng Shui translates in English to wind and water. Since life exists within either air or water, Qi is said to be the life energy that flows within these two environments. The goal of Chinese Feng Shui is to locate dwellings, possessions, land and architecture, etc., to be in harmony with the flow of Qi. Location is of far more importance than placement. For more details on Feng Shui the following information may be helpful. (Enjoy paintings with the Feng Shui difference by clicking on the gallery at left.)
Fundamental to Chinese Feng Shui is the idea that two basic principals form the foundation for all matter and energy in the universe, namely yin and yang. In Chinese, Yin is the female and Yang is the male. These forces while opposites, are not in opposition. Rather they are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yin is cool, watery and still and linked to peace and reflection while Yang is hot, heavy and dynamic and linked to relaxation and intuition. When Chinese Yin and Yang is in balance they are linked to thought and care.
A little history of Feng Shui:
In the mid-19th century in China many of the English speaking settlers had problems with building new construction and renovating old buildings. They lacked the understanding of the Asian thought of Feng Shui principals in their proposed plans. When an unwanted foreigner was looking for land to purchase the locals would suggest land in spots where topographies caused very bad Feng Shui. Even Buddhist temples in China were built with Feng Shui as part of their thought.
Feng Shui in America:
In the United States today Chinese Feng Shui is part of the business climate in many large corporations. With the principal of location and placement, comes the thought of the three principals when purchasing property or placing new business and that is location, location, location.
Color and the Art of Chinese Feng Shui:
Chinese Feng Shui paintings of Peony flowers placed in bedrooms are thought to create Feng Shui love and romance because of the Feng Shui bedroom color "pink" used in many of the paintings. The color blue used in the background in original Chinese Feng Shui paintings is related to the Feng Shui element of wood and is used to create youth and vitality in the bedroom. In Feng Shui the art colors of red and gold in paintings of gold fish are related to wealth and prosperity. Feng Shui Chinese paintings should be placed at the entrance to Feng Shui homes and Feng Shui offices. Chinese believe the Feng Shui white tiger creates protection for the occupants of the home or office.
Feng Shui and paintings of animals:
In Feng Shui, Chinese paintings of mandarin ducks encourage fidelity and life long stable relationships when placed in the bedroom. Chinese Feng Shui paintings with turtles are thought to create longevity and support in homes that practice Feng Shui. They should be placed behind a desk or working space to encourage support. Original Chinese Feng Shui paintings of frogs should hang in the living room or at the front door. In the art of Feng Shui it is best to have the frog facing into the room. In Chinese art, frogs are a sign of good luck, wealth and prosperity. In Feng Shui if the frog in the painting is facing out of the room the luck will leave. In Feng Shui the Chinese phoenix is thought to create revitalization and renewal and should be placed at the front of the house opposite the turtle. This thought of the Feng Shui painting always facing as if the animal is coming into a space is important in the art of Feng Shui.
Original Chinese paintings of running horses should be placed on the wall as if they are running into the room to keep the good luck coming and the Feng Shui balance.
Even if you do not believe in the concepts of Chinese Feng Shui remember the motivation is to create an environment where people are happy to work and play. Chinese paintings with a Feng Shui thought may add a calming feeling to any room you place your art.
The Han Collection is excited to present works of original Chinese paintings with the Feng Shui influence.
The Han Collection ships original Chinese paintings and art, please
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