Turning (Gears) Japanesey -- Oriental Steampunk

Imperial Airship - artwork by James Ng

     Previously in this humble blog, I have discussed wild west American Steampunk and Dieselpunk.  So now we move on to another interesting mix -- Oriental steampunk.  (I use the word with respect; Orient means "east", and was the term used in the 19th century, so it makes perfect sense to refer to it in that manner when referring to a steampunk genre.)  The Asian part of our planet has a history rich with tradition and beautiful art and architecture.  It is those aspects which can be blended with steampunk in order to create something completely different.

 

     Some of the most wonderful examples of Oriental steampunk art are by James Ng, who creates computer-generated images which ignite the imagination.  His characters and subjects transcend the disconnect between technology and humanity that pervades today's societies; they seem to be at peace and one with their unique devices and robotic companions. 

art by James Ng

art by James Ng

     The use of classic Oriental symbols and motifs combines the warmth of tradition with the edgy feel of 'what if.'  You may purchase prints of James Ng's work from his shop here.

     Luxurious and expensive fabrics made and formerly commonly used in the East also provide an opportunity to meld steampunk and eastern style. ( This site seems to have a good variety of silk brocade fabric, though I have never ordered from them.)  In the LiveJournal community "steamfashion" one may find at least one post about Oriental fashion. (The whole steamfashion LJ section seems a magnificent source for clothiers and anyone seeking to spruce up their wardrobe in a steampunk manner. It covers "what is", "how to" and more.)  On other parts of the aethernet, I found talk of creating Victorian dresses out of pure silk brocade and wonderings about how else to integrate the fabrics into a Victorian aesthetic.  As ever, one may just choose to combine the two and see how it turns out!  Perhaps some leather spat boots with miniature paper lamp tassels atop the instep might be nice. (*ponders*)

    If you wish to learn more about the history of Asia during the Victorian period, here is an M.I.T. exhibition and essay entitled "Throwing Off Asia" in which "the remarkably swift "Westernization" of Japan in the late-19th and early-20th centuries was most vividly captured in popular woodblock prints. Images from the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston illustrate the great political, social, cultural, and industrial transformations that took place." 

     I hope these sources will provide you some insights and inspiration from the Orient.  All in all, compared to other types of steampunk, this combination seems almost untouched by steampunk artists.  Perhaps we shall see more of it as steampunk continues to evolve and include so many cultures and forms of art.

 ~DreamSteam

 

In Which The New Swarovski Crystal Colors & Effects Are Revealed

Yesterday I gave you a sneakpreview of the Swarovski Crystal Innovations New Styles due out in theFall.    Today, I’mrevealing the new crystal colors, effects and whatnot that the Austrians willbe unleashing upon the world.

	New Color – Sunflower A rich golden sunshine yellow, ideal for highlight colors, especially in combination with this season’s plum colors, and evoking a rich warm tone.  Combine with gold metal findings for a classic look, or gun metal finding for a fashion forward edge.
	New Effect – Crystal Silver Night A refined, almost translucent silver finish that works perfectly with Black Diamond and Jet Crystal, as well as with gun metal and antiqued silver findings, to work with the latest trend for classic yet edgy metallics.
	New Pearl Color – Crystal Light Gold Pearl A new classic neutral for pearls, ideal for both modern and vintage-inspired jewelry.   Mix with other light-colored Crystal pearls, or mix with gold and silver metallic crystals and metal findings.
	New Protective Coatings – Crystal Bermuda Blue and Crystal Tabac Have you been wondering why Swarovski hasn’t made the truly gorgeous Crystal Bermuda Blue finishes more available?  Turns out there was a problem with the effects, which are applied to the back of the crystals, wearing off with repeated skin contact and scratching easily.  Now that the new Protective Coating is coming out, you will see these finishes available on many more styles.
	New Crystal Prints On Pendants and Beads Do you wish this picture was bigger?  So do we!  But Swarovski  will be applying three different black graphic prints (looks like a paisley, a zebra print, and a botanical motif) onto three different clear crystal bead and pendant styles (looks like one of the baroque styles, and possibly the twist bead and the de-art pendant).  Funky!
	Ceramics Marbled Seagreen – Line Extension A soft sea-green color with varied flecks, including pink.  Will look great paired with soft pinks such as Light Rose and Vintage Rose.  This could also look really good with Vintaj Brass findings!
	Ceramics Marbled Terracotta – Line Extension A down-to-earth color, reminiscent of old clay pots and nature’s autumn colors.  Will look great with brown hues from pale Silk, to Smoky Quartz.