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Recently, before the South challenge, I worked on a round robin quilt which had a mariner’s compass as the beginning. In no time, I found myself thinking South in re to a Chinese compass and learned that astronomy in China is different than in the Western World. For a long time, South for the Chinese was placed at the top of the compass: South, being the direction where the sun reached its highest elevation, is more important than North, and was considered the reference direction on maps. The ancient Chinese grouped the stars into Chinese constellations very different from the modern Western constellations which the International Astronomical Union based on Greco-Roman astronomy.
The Vermillion bird of the South, or Red-bird of Summer, is one of the Four (or five) Symbols of the Chinese constellations and is a mythological spirit creature. It is not to be confused with the Phoenix of Western mythology. It is an elegant and noble bird in appearance and behavior. Its seven mansions or moon stations are Well, Ghost, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chariot which in the future I may crochet or bead into this sky. These constellations, when strung out almost look like the appliqued Fire Bird which is shaped from many different animal parts and associated with good fortune.
Alice is right, it is vibrant and well balanced. A perfect blend of color and design.
ReplyDeleteLove this Linda! I too briefly thought of using a compass, but rejected it. Your delving into the Chinese interpretation is wonderful and well executed.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this quilt is simply gorgeous! Your quilt is vibrant and wonderfully composed. What fascinating and interesting information, too, in your narrative. I know you heartily dislike my making comparisons of anything, but am I allowed to say that this is my favorite of your so far three MM quilts? Great work!
ReplyDeleteLinda, it is wonderful. I do hope you share your techniques and materials. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Rita. Would love to hear how you achieved the look you created. Your narrative was well written and informative. Thank you for your explanation. What an intriguing piece. Nice!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I love the different interpretation you gave to this piece
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is a stunning quilt. The black and red, the golden bird. I love the history and story behind it. This is my total favorite so far.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda - Amazing ! Your piece almost looks like a plate for an art book - its so realistic. Thanks too for the explanation of your compass, and the other elements in your piece. I'd love to know what techniques you used to accomplish this beautiful work. Kathy
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is so interesting! I'm excited about looking into this more. I love the fabric you used in the points of the compass.The background fabric definitely looks like stars and I think your idea of adding the constellations later is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, What a clever quilt and fascinating explanation of your design. I love the colors of the compass, the addition of the golden bird and the starry background that seems to be shooting from the background. I just LOVE it!
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