preface
Ancient Israel was a vibrant and prosperous region that inherited thousands of years of historical and cultural heritage. During this history, the people of Israel have created many amazing works of art and crafts that represent their love and belief in religion, history, and life.
Israeli arts and crafts cover all forms and styles, from ornate metal carvings to elaborate murals and patterned ornaments.
One particularly famous example is the ceramic tiles used in temples and palaces, which represent stories and historical scenes in bright colors and images, showcasing the creativity and wisdom of the people of Israel. In addition, Israel is known for its superb wood carving and weaving skills, baskets and sandals woven from wheat straw, which are often found in daily life in the local countryside.
The arts and crafts of ancient Israel reflect the deep-rooted nature of their traditional values, as well as their quest for beauty and expression of their creative talent. These precious cultural heritages still shine today, giving a stronger sense of the breadth and depth of the history and culture of ancient Israel.
1. Ceramic tiles
1. The material and production process of the tile
The tiles used in ancient Israel were mainly made from a mixture of natural materials such as clay and sand. First of all, the raw materials need to be broken and screened, and then a small amount of water and binder are added to mix well.
This mixture is then poured into a tile mold, compacted to shape, and then fired after it dries. The surface of the tiles fired at high temperatures is smooth and flat, and the color is bright. On this basis, the designated artist can use the glaze pigment to meticulously paint various patterns and scenes.
2. The stories and scenes expressed by the tiles
Under the influence of religious culture, many of the motifs and scenes on Israeli tiles are related to biblical history, such as Abraham's divine revelation, Moses' deliverance of her wife, Jerusalem's expulsion of Greek rulers, and so on.
These patterns are often vivid and specific visual narratives, allowing characters and plots to be conveyed more explicitly. At the same time, there are more abstract patterns including a variety of simple, powerful geometric shapes, which are also important for Israeli culture and religion.
3. The place of tiles in religious and historical cultural heritage
Ceramic tiles played an irreplaceable role in the life, architecture, religion and even politics of the ancient Israelite people. They adorn the palaces and shrines of the time as fine works of art, while also covering many traditional buildings as roof tiles. The tiles also reflect the richness and complexity of ancient Israeli culture, making it easier for later generations to understand ancient Israel.
2. Wood carvings and woven products
1. Materials and techniques for wood carving and weaving
Woodcarving is a traditional handicraft that uses different knives, machines, and materials to carve into various patterns and shapes. Depending on the type of wood used and different factors such as the age of the tree, the style and technique of carving, wood carving can be divided into many types.
The main woods are teak, mahogany, boxwood, buffalo horn, etc. Woven products, on the other hand, are made using different threads or fibers and using different weaving methods. These fibers can come from plants (e.g. cotton, flax, grass, bamboo, etc.) or animals (e.g. wool, silk, etc.). The production method of woven products can be crochet, knitting, weaving, embroidery, etc.
2. The function and use of wood carvings and woven products
Woodcarvings and woven products are very versatile. In terms of home décor, they can be used as doors and windows, screens, flower pots, tables, chairs, paintings, and wall hangings, among others. At the same time, they can also be used for gifts, souvenirs, tourist souvenirs and other fields.
3. How Israeli wood carvings and weaving reflect the lives and values of the local people
Israel's wood carvings and weaving reflect the historic local culture and the unique way of life of the people. In terms of wood carving techniques, there are many Judeo-Christian cultural themes, such as biblical scenes, religious symbols, core elements and traditional ornaments.
Wood carving technology is also widely used in architectural decoration and furniture manufacturing, and has become one of the main features of the architectural style of Haifa, the famous holy city of Europe.
In terms of weaving, camu cloth is widely spread among Israeli folk and is one of the elements that represent the country's traditional art. With immigration to Israel in the early 20th century, Camu has become a cultural treasure of the Middle East.
In addition, there is a Harikh cushion in the southern Beinshea Negev region, which plays the role of a black wheel show and spreading good people and good deeds in the history of local agricultural and animal husbandry life.
These handmade items reflect native Israeli culture and values, while also becoming one of the most popular elements of their colorful daily lives.
3. Precious metal carving
1. Technique and style of metal engraving
Metal engraving is an artistic technique that processes metal materials into various shapes and patterns by cutting, carving, filling and sanding. This technique can use different materials of metal (silver, brass, bronze, gold-plated silver, etc.) and there are many different styles and techniques, including casting, roughing, relief, etc.
2. The role that metal carving played in palaces and shrines
In ancient times, metal carvings were widely used in the decoration of palaces and buildings. For example, the floral motifs at the top of the pyramids of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt, the statues in the temples of Babylonia and Greek temples, marble portals, copper castings on the city walls, etc. are highly expressive.
As a solemn and gorgeous art form, metal carving is widely used in many religious sites (such as churches, mosques, Buddhist temples), and also shows different cultural values.
3. The influence of metal carving art on Israeli culture and history
The history of metal carving in Israel dates back to the ancient Egyptian and ancient Babylonian periods in the second and third millennium BC, which is represented by the Jewish metal objects in the temple and the metal aristocracy in the royal buildings.
Over time, this technique gradually evolved into part of local folk arts and crafts and played different roles in different historical periods.
During the Hellenistic period, under the influence of the Roman and Byzantine empires, the carving techniques and styles of ancient Israel showed a trend of diversification. These include a mixture of local features passed down from ancient times or new features formed by external horizontal influences. Examples include silver sculptures, bronze ornaments, bird decorations, etc.
At the beginning of Israel's restoration, the authorities' intense focus on cultural inheritance and renewal, as well as the imbalance of various factors, led to the decline and aggregation of folk creativity and even manufacturing, resulting in the continuous loss of handicraft cultural relics or skyrocketing prices.
Nevertheless, metal carving as a homegrown traditional art form is still widely regarded and protected in Israel today, and is used in home decoration, gift making, and cultural exhibitions
4. Murals and ornaments
1. Materials and processes for frescoes and ornaments
Murals and ornaments are one of the oldest art forms of mankind, often used on interior walls or home décor. The materials of these works can be various natural stones, pottery, woodwork, metals such as copper and iron.
According to the design drawing, a contour is drawn on the coated surface and the blank parts are filled with different pigments and tools. In terms of ornamental stone, it generally needs to be polished and carved to form a perfect shape and pattern.
2. The pattern and meaning of murals and ornaments
The motifs and meanings of murals and ornaments are often associated with culture, beliefs, natural landscapes, historical events. For example, a large number of frescoes have been found in the tombs of pharaohs in Egypt, which depict important themes such as daily life in the society of the time, religious sacrifices, and the world after death.
In China, during the mid-Tang and Ming and Qing dynasties, murals and ornaments were also frequently found in palaces, temples and private residences, depicting themes such as Confucianism, myths and legends, and Zen philosophy. In Christian Europe, frescoes and ornaments were often based on expressions of religious belief, such as biblical scenes and figures.
3. The contribution of murals and ornaments to local culture and religious beliefs
In India, walnut carved animals or mysterious motifs have become representative cultural symbols of the country. In Greece, beautiful stone pillars, statues and reliefs are a stunning cultural heritage of the country.
In Spain and Latin America, mural painting has also evolved into an art form full of distinct national styles and cultural characteristics.
conclusion
1. The importance of ancient Israeli arts and crafts
Israel was the center of cultural and artistic prosperity in the world in ancient times, and Israel's arts and crafts are of great historical value and cultural significance.
Ancient Israel's artworks often include architecture, paintings, jewelry, metalware, pottery, etc., which reflect the interaction between different historical periods, different peoples and different cultures, as well as the expression of religious worship, lifestyles and social customs.
2. The revelation and influence of Israeli art treasures on modern times
Israel's art treasures not only had a very high artistic value at that time, but also had far-reaching enlightenment and influence on future generations.
For example, many of the ancient Israeli buildings and artworks that have been preserved to this day show us the aesthetic concepts, cultural habits, and artistic techniques of the ancient Israelites, which provided inspiration for later architecture, sculpture, painting, jewelry, and more.
The tradition of making Israeli art and the way materials are handled also shed light on modern technology and design. Many modern artists and designers draw inspiration from ancient Israeli culture to create many artworks and designs with a unique modern style.
bibliography
1. Lin Hanhong, 2014, Studies in Ancient Israeli Art, China Social Publishing House;
2. Zhang Hua, 2013, "Craft and Art in the Old Testament," Journal of Shijiazhuang Vocational and Technical College, Vol. 13, No. 4: pp. 55-57;
3. Wang Min and Li Ling, 2016, "On the Characteristics of Ancient Israeli National Art," Shanxi Higher Education, Vol. 29, No. 11: pp. 238-241;
4. Chen Hongping, 2016, "Hebrew Art and Decorative Arts and Their Influence on Christian Art," Propaganda Culture, No. 25: 101-102, p. 110.