Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
Lucky Dog and Cat Series 富貴貓狗系列
The major decorative patterns used for Mia Nel’s “Lucky Dog and Cat” series are the Chinese intertwined vine and floral patterns. This pattern is also referred to as the Wanshou Tu (萬壽圖), which literally means the image for abundance and longevity. The term Wanshou (萬壽) first appeared in the Book of Song compiled during the 11th to 7th centuries BCE.
The earliest examples of the intertwined vine patterns are from the Han dynasty (202 BCE to 220 AD). Archaeological findings also show the use of the intertwined vine patterns in the Northern and Southern dynasties, as well as the Tang dynasty. However, the dynasty that excelled in the use of the patterns is the Ming dynasty. During that period, skilful porcelain artisans adopted the pattern and creatively used the images to decorate many of the beautiful vases made for the imperial household. These beautiful vases, in turn, inspired other craftsmen and artisans from across the country in different sectors to use the intertwined vine images to decorate their own creations in fields such as furniture, embroidery, and lacquerware, among others.
In addition to the Wanshou images, Mia has incorporated into the “Lucky Dog” series the Chinese concept of balancing male and female forces (陰陽平衡). An example of this balance of Yin and Yang in this series is the masculinity of the images of bulldogs being unexpectedly adorned with colourful floral images, which are normally considered feminine.
To the viewer, the Chinese cultural elements in Mia’s works can be seen easily. One of the main messages Mia wants to convey is how each of us, in our own way, can do something to protect heritage and culture. She hopes that her artworks can help to inspire a sense of history, culture and aesthetics in the viewer.
