new objects of life

Chinese have a long history of folk traditions that don't necessarily follow religious purpose. For instance, many Chinese still give grace to the three gods sometimes seen presented in the back of stores. Each represents prosperity, luck and longevity respectively. [there is further history and tale to the different gods that I am not so keen on].

Incense are often seen burned at shrines placed on doorsteps that are believed to feed the dead (acting almost as a means of remembrance). If incense are not burned, the world of the dead becomes cold and unlucky things may happen. The smoke is believed to be food for those loved-ones who have passed on to keep them happy and fed.

From time to time, usually on significant days (to each family is different), paper items are burned for it to be used by the dead in the afterlife. Often paper (fake) money is burned for them to spend, food (lucky oranges, bread, chicken) are left out for them to eat. Even paper clothes and other items of life are burnt to give to them to use.

In recent times, paper items such as cellphones, laptops, cars, air conditioners can be found selling in stores to be burned to give to those who have passed on. Everything from slippers, life size hot plates, to six-packs of beer, life-size servants and McDonald Happy Meals are made to the last detail (logos and all) out of paper to be burned in metal tins for the dead. It shows a shift in the values of the society and the materiality that has taken over in modern times.

These crafty paper items are made with remarkable detail and are often life-size (or larger). They are brilliantly made and are amazing as objects of craft, however, it would be difficult to take it out of context since it serves such a serious and morbid purpose.

Pictures coming soon... (I totally have my eye on that gold trim black boom box).

who the hell is Dashan?

why don't Canadians know who Dashan (meaning "Big Mountain" in Chinese) is? he's apparently one of the most recognized media figures in China..and he's Canadian.

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Dashan, AKA Mark Rowswell, has been called the most famous foreigner in China. He has become a regular fixture on Chinese television and a cultural icon across the nation. Ask anyone in China -- 8 out of 10 will be able to tell you who Dashan is.

Born and raised in Canada, Rowswell began studying Chinese in the mid 1980s, first at the University of Toronto and later at Beijing University. While in Beijing, Rowswell became interested in traditional Chinese performing arts, particularly xiangsheng, a popular form of comic dialogue. A chance opportunity to perform on television soon followed. What Rowswell didn't realize is that this program would be broadcast nationally to an audience of 550 million television viewers, and that his stage name "Dashan" would become a household name literally overnight.

Almost 20 years later, Dashan is still going strong. Having diversified and developed into a multi-faceted performer and television host, Dashan is now considered a cultural ambassador between China and the West, having found a common ground between the two cultures. To many Chinese, Dashan is an international role model and a prominent symbol of "East-meets-West".

Today, Dashan is involved in a wide variety of activities, from hosting television programs and live events, to dramatic acting, public speaking, publishing, education and celebrity endorsement. For more information about Dashan's work, please see Projects.

When he's not working in China, Dashan lives quietly and anonymously with his wife and two children in Toronto, Canada.
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www.dashan.com