Welcome back to another episode of Museum in Lotus. We have Mr Pino and Mr Kan joining us today! In this episode, (click here to watch on Facebook or here on YouTube) we get to find out more about Mr Pino.
Mr Pino started his banking career in the '70s. For 40 years, he worked in the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena in Italy. Founded in 1472, it is the oldest bank in the world. A respectable gentleman with years of banking experience, Mr Pino is also very well-traveled and has a passionate interest in Art.
Let's move on today's main topic, the Kerala Lamp. This lamp is known as Deepasthambham. It originated from Kerala, southern India, around late 17th century or early 18th century. The Malayalam word "Deepam" which means light and "Sthambham" means pillar. The Indian culture has emphasis on lights, for example Deepavali, which is also known as the festival of lights. A time for people to renew themselves. Light also represent the victory light has over darkness.
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| Light will triumph over the darkness |
Deepasthambham has at the bottom three pedestals, one plain surmounted by two ornate ones. The first ornate piece with red pigments has single repetitive petals on each side. The red pigments represent sensuality and purity. The second with blue pigments background has a complete motif of the Lotus flower. Blue signifies infinite and immeasurable.
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| The hosts sharing about the meanings of the lamp |
On the pedestals, sits the strong and elegant World Turtle, also known as "Kurma" which is said to support or contain the world. Kurma is an avatar of the god Vishnu, who symbolises firmness and meditation of one's mind. On the back of the Kurma is a serpent called Naga. Nagas are actually very important in Indian culture. It is believed that when one prays to the Naga, he will have a bountiful harvest.
The lamp is like a symbol of hope, the light in the darkness. Just like how Master Yun's paintings and calligraphy glow in the dark, under UV light. The positive energy from the painting drives us to achieve our goals.
Next, there was a gigantic black inkstone showcased. ( Not for sale of course!) It is called 龙舞天庭 and it has an interesting story behind it. When the huge inkstone arrived outside the gallery, 10 strong men were called upon to carry the inkstone into the gallery. However, the men couldn't lift it, because the delivery men mistook the weight of the black inkstone as 250kg, instead of 1250kg!
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| 龙舞天庭 |
The delivery team and Lotus advisors were in a dilemma, either to send the inkstone back to customs, or use heavy machinery to carry the giant treasure into the gallery. In the end, we decided on the latter.
That day, it was raining heavily, which made the whole issue much more complex and difficult. Bracing the storm, they moved the mega black inkstone. Once the black inkstone touched the gallery floor, the rain stopped immediately! As if the heavenly conflicts were resolved, and smoothened, with the mega black inkstone in place.
There are 9 dragons on the Black Inkstone and since 9 is the strongest yang number, the prosperity of the Lotus Family would also be immense.
The treasures can all be found in the Direct and Indirect Wealth Gallery. You can make your appointment with Cola at 8137 8024 and come on Sunday 24 October , which is Guan Yin's birthday and the lamp will be lighted for all to immerse themselves in all the prosperity!
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| Laurent Perrier Champagne, Master Yun's painting and Kerala Lamp. How serene! |
If you have missed episode 1, click here
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