Li Bien Ornaments
Last year I did my annual after Christmas ornament shopping and I came across some gorgeous ornaments in my local Pier 1 Imports store. They are called "Li Bien". It's a Chinese phrase that means "inside". The Li Bien ornament showcases the age old skill of inside painting, which originated in the Qing Dynasty. It has been a respected Chinese art for over 200 Years.
[caption id="attachment_594" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Collection of Li Bien Ornaments"][/caption]
Each ornament is delicately hand-painted through a tiny opening in the mouth-blown glass.
[caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Ho, Ho, Ho"][/caption]
This Process requires great skill and deliberation since the image is painted in reverse.
Each ornament is a genuine work of art and no two are alike. The result is a beautiful, one of a kind keepsake that I will enjoy for years to come.
Isn't this nativity scene breathtaking? That day when I walked into Pier 1 to check out the after Christmas special, I was immediately drawn to the 75% off sale. The ornaments ranged in price from 9.95 to 11.95 - you do the math - It was a bargain!
The heart shaped Li Bien Ornament is one of my favorites - I display them until Valentine's day.
[caption id="attachment_599" align="alignnone" width="400" caption="One of my favorites"][/caption]
xoxo
Al