As an antique collector living in Japan as well I have ALWAYS wondered what these were. Most market sellers couldn't really explain them. Thanks for telling me something I have always wanted to know!
I love this series, I love the way you describe everything. It is so good. I appreciate the added step of illustrating the curve and the relationship to the big dipper. Thank you so much, I am looking forward very much to more episodes
Thank you. I'd always heard about how the ruyi is the Big Dipper, but even I was surprised at the line that appeared when I tried writing it with a brush.
Hi Alex, do you remember where you discovered that the ruyi mirrors the big dipper? I can't find any resources talking about this online, barring your wonderful video!
Another good episode. I have seen ruyi on display and in pictures, but never seen how they were actually used. Off to do a little searching now for a demonstration!
Thank you for starting this series, absolutely love hearing you share some of the depth behind the items. It’s fascinating to me to think how old the items are and who might have used or had them, what conversations and everyday events these items might have witnessed. Very much looking forward to the upcoming episodes.
The Everything go as you wish screen is so awesome. It looks amazing! So cool to learn about the history and meaning of things. The Big Dipper has always been my favourite constellation. It’s the first thing I look for in the night sky when I go somewhere. Your demonstration of the constellation being the basis for the shape of the Rui looks amazing in its own way ^^
Thank you. That screen was done as a collaboration between me and Sawada-sensei at one of our parties about 15 years ago. The Ruyi is one of those things that is everywhere in Chinese and Japanese culture, but people have no idea where it really comes from and what it means. One way to look at it is that it's the symbol of "Magic", since the word Ruyi 如意 "As you wish", or "As you think" is shorthand for "Mind over Matter." When you see a Ruyi on a table, it means "Magic is being done in this place."
That's a modern "urban myth" about ruyi. In traditional society ruyi were sacred objects, to be set in a place of honor, or held by a sage - they would never be used for that. But nowadays, why not?
Thank you. The art works on the wall are carved wooden "magic eyes", protective charms which were attached to the sides of old Burmese boats. The "flame carving" woodwork is similar to Thai.
Thank you, Alex san! I would never guess what it is. You've got so many magic objects that hold tight their secrets! Please keep on unveiling them. I love your books and your channel so much!
@@LITCLUB15 It's for viewers like you that I am making this series. Although one sided, it's a "conversation" like I used to have with my old friends and mentors.
Writing an essay on these mysterious things, thank you so much for this fascinating account and sharing your truly beautiful collection!
Thank you! Yes, ruyi are truly mysterious. They're basically a magician's wand.
Brilliant, Alex. The nice touches of close ups and your calligraphy brought everything together. Thank you so much for this series.
Thank you! I'm just feeling my way as I get started, so your words are very encouraging.
Loving Secrets of Things. A wonderful blend of the magic of the objects and your own personal magic which has much to do with love I think.
Thank you!
As an antique collector living in Japan as well I have ALWAYS wondered what these were. Most market sellers couldn't really explain them. Thanks for telling me something I have always wanted to know!
I'm glad this video was useful. Japan is actually a great place to find things like old Chinese ruyi. That's where I got most of mine.
Watching your videos is like reading your books. Amazing experience.
どうもありがとうございますアレックス・カーさん。
どうもありがとうございます！
I love this series, I love the way you describe everything. It is so good. I appreciate the added step of illustrating the curve and the relationship to the big dipper. Thank you so much, I am looking forward very much to more episodes
Thank you. I'd always heard about how the ruyi is the Big Dipper, but even I was surprised at the line that appeared when I tried writing it with a brush.
Hi Alex, do you remember where you discovered that the ruyi mirrors the big dipper? I can't find any resources talking about this online, barring your wonderful video!
Another good episode.
I have seen ruyi on display and in pictures, but never seen how they were actually used. Off to do a little searching now for a demonstration!
Well, they were never really "used," except for display. Sometimes you see paintings of Zen monks or Daoist adepts holding them.
Thank you for starting this series, absolutely love hearing you share some of the depth behind the items. It’s fascinating to me to think how old the items are and who might have used or had them, what conversations and everyday events these items might have witnessed. Very much looking forward to the upcoming episodes.
Thank you!
thanks alex :)
Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you!
The Everything go as you wish screen is so awesome. It looks amazing!
So cool to learn about the history and meaning of things.
The Big Dipper has always been my favourite constellation. It’s the first thing I look for in the night sky when I go somewhere.
Your demonstration of the constellation being the basis for the shape of the Rui looks amazing in its own way ^^
Thank you. That screen was done as a collaboration between me and Sawada-sensei at one of our parties about 15 years ago. The Ruyi is one of those things that is everywhere in Chinese and Japanese culture, but people have no idea where it really comes from and what it means. One way to look at it is that it's the symbol of "Magic", since the word Ruyi 如意 "As you wish", or "As you think" is shorthand for "Mind over Matter." When you see a Ruyi on a table, it means "Magic is being done in this place."
I read that it was also used as a backscratcher
That's a modern "urban myth" about ruyi. In traditional society ruyi were sacred objects, to be set in a place of honor, or held by a sage - they would never be used for that. But nowadays, why not?
Wow very informative
Thank you!
Thank you, it was great!
Thank you!
👍👍👍👍👍
有難うございました。如意棒ですね。これどんなときにどんなふうに使うんでしょうね。
頭は「椎茸」「霊芝」、つまり宇宙の生命力です。胴体は「北斗」、つまり北極星を示すので、宇宙の中心から力が下ってくるのです。「如意」の意味は「意の如くに」、つまり魔法、呪い、霊力です。
使い方は、あくまでも象徴的なもので、側に置くだけでいいです。「こちらに霊力あり」「思えば叶う」ということが伝わってきます。
@@alexakerr1 ありがとうございました。なぁるほど。星座がデザインのもととは知りませんでした。面白いですね。
♥️
Thank you so much for this amazing video! But what are the artworks behind you? They resemble two eggs or women's ovaries..... )
Thank you. The art works on the wall are carved wooden "magic eyes", protective charms which were attached to the sides of old Burmese boats. The "flame carving" woodwork is similar to Thai.
Thank you, Alex san! I would never guess what it is. You've got so many magic objects that hold tight their secrets! Please keep on unveiling them. I love your books and your channel so much!
@@LITCLUB15 It's for viewers like you that I am making this series. Although one sided, it's a "conversation" like I used to have with my old friends and mentors.