Ancient Chinese Door with Incense

While in China I was in awe with all the doors including temple doors, in all colours, sizes and designs. Over the years I started a series of paintings.

In this particular one you will see two dragon door knockers, these were legends creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore, they signify power, strength. They symbolize protection and exorcising evil spirits.

There are a total of 70 nails. 70 a lucky number in numerology: Order, perfection, hope, love, intuition and wholeness generosity. This number represents the need to send a connection with the spirit realm. I took the liberty to insert a opening with a central panel including three incense sticks as a sensory representation of the holiness into the entrance by absorbing the energy from the good scent. The use of incense originated probably in Egypt for fumigating tombs and it was used in religious rituals in China for the worshipping of deities and ancestors. These ceremonies are considered high culture. The aroma cleans the space for inner and outer journeys. Burning incense is a sign of reverence and dedication.

I use different aromas before I paint to purify the space in my studio.