Can someone tell me what this is called?

[koolaidsmile]

This is a pictorial behind class and completely hand made in china using tiny wood sticks. It's gorgeous but I don't know what it's called? Can anyone please help me. It is also numbered on back Ref 1/143 art 1710 Thanks.

Kathy (koolaidsmile) :-)

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[Terry Soloman]

Diorama?

 

[AU Seeker]

These are called "Daoist Garden/Paradise" or "Taoist Gardens/Paradise" dioramas, they are done in many forms, the ones like yours are usually carved from cork, you will find some people will say some are made from bamboo, from the research I've done most seem to be made from cork even though on some websites it may say bamboo for ones being sold such as the one in the image below, most that I have seen usually have a glass enclosure so it can be viewed from all sides, the first image either has the glass enclosure missing or remove for the picture, I own one very similar to this one only mine is much smaller with the base at 10" and the glass enclosure being 7 1/4" X 1 3/4", mine also has some sight damage to the carvings due to young children that are grown now.





Carved Chinese cork Daoist Paradise diorama

Here's another one with the glass enclosure.

1940 Large Oriental Cork Carving in Glass Case | Collectors Weekly

"Daoist Garden/Paradise" or "Taoist Gardens/Paradise" Are not only done as dioramas, they can be carved into stone, or be a painting, enamel works, or even a real garden in your yard, etc.

Here's some info on the concept of Taoism and the gardens/paradise.

http://www.seriousseekers.com/News and Articles/cooper_jc_symbolismtaoistgarden.pdf

Eastern Philosophy- Taoism

 

[koolaidsmile]

Thankyou sooo much very interested. I would have never guessed cork

Kathy (koolaidsmile) :-)

 

[AU Seeker]

You're very welcome Kathy, I love mine even with the slight damage, I found mine in a church charity store at least 25 years ago.

Be very careful with yours as the carved cork is very fragile to being bumped or jarred, and especially to being touched/handled without the glass in place, kids are so very curious when they are young!!!