#chinese box

[thirdtwin3]

Jared Harris in Chinese Box (1997)

[exquisitevision]

“I know you, I know you very well.” 

[gifsfrommydvds]

[cinemajunkie70]

A very happy birthday to Maggie Cheung!

[traditional-chinese-art]

Covered box with figures in a garden

The Met Description:

This circular box is a classic example of carved red lacquer from the early Ming imperial workshop. The meticulous carving and elegant design are hallmarks of the finest quality carved lacquers from this period. The cover is carved with a garden scene framed by a foreground rockery. A scholar seated by the open door of an elegant hall looks out on a pond of blossoming lotus as a youthful attendant prepares to serve him a cup of tea. Both the lotus and the fan that the gentleman holds indicate that it is the height of summer. Across a terrace is a smaller pavilion where a second attendant emerges holding a serving bowl. Behind these halls is an expanse of water framed by trees including a tall pine and a stand of bamboo. Intricate diaper patterns further differentiate the sky, water, and terrace. The scene recalls the famous Song-dynasty scholar and legendary lotus-lover Zhou Dunyi (1017–73).

[lardedallwithsweetflowers]

I just saw Chinese Box, now I'll never be able to sleep again :)

[27caps]

Lost in Hongkong

[sinetheta]

Chinese Box dir. Wayne Wang. Trimark Pictures. 1997. 

Made and set at the time of the Hong Kong handover, Chinese Box consists of nearly a dozen distinct, loosely interlocked stories delving into the personal griefs and intimate relationships of various characters set against the backdrop of stirring political restlessness of the People’s Republic of China’s regained possession of Hong Kong. The film stars Jeremy Irons as John, a reporter seeking to draw out extraordinary scenes from mundane street photography; Gong Li as Vivian, a woman trying to find new balance in life and forget past pains; Maggie Cheung as Jean, who unhappily understands the vast inequities of the drifting, impatient qualities of modern Hong Kong; and Michael Hui as Chang, a man hiding weak and duplicitous character behind nominal power and wealth.

Chinese Box swings, airborne and uncertain, with its characters seeking purchase and security that seems unattainable in Hong Kong’s characteristic fast-paced agitations. Resolution and comfort in facing prejudiced tradition, meaning in daily life, and ultimate mortality are left half-resolved, like a breath caught at the inhale.

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