Shows
Unveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP08 Beyond Blue: The Imperial Journey of Turquoise and Lapis LazuliFor centuries, turquoise and lapis lazuli have been symbols of power, spirituality, and artistic mastery across civilizations. From Cleopatra’s mesmerizing eyeshadow to the striking turquoise masks of the Mayans, these stones held deep cultural significance. In this episode, we explore how turquoise became a prized gem of Tibetan royalty and played a role in a legendary Tang Dynasty challenge—where an emperor tested a suitor’s skill by threading a silk cord through its hollow core. We also uncover how the deep blue of lapis lazuli influenced the famed blue-and-white porcelain bowls of China, cementing its legacy in art an...2025-03-2737 minUnveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP07 Glass: The Forgotten Treasure of Ancient CivilizationsGlass—ubiquitous, practical, and often overlooked—was once one of the most prized materials in the ancient world. In this episode of Unveiling the Orient, Hanfugirl and Thory explore the fascinating history of glass, from its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt to its role in Chinese and European cultures. Discover how glass was once as valuable as gold, how the Chinese imitated jade with glass, and why ancient civilizations treasured it for its beauty and versatility. Along the way, we’ll unravel the connections between glassmaking, Buddhism, trade routes, and even colonial exploitation. Join us for a journey through time...2025-03-1340 minUnveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP06 Pearls of the OrientFrom Mikimoto pearls to Cleopatra's pearl drink, this episode will cover pearl history that spanned thousands of years across civilisations. While we casually chat over the obsession over pearls over the millenniums, we also talk about ethical and sustainability issues that have plagued mankind for as long as history itself. 2025-02-2641 min
Unveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP05 Ancient Calendars: A Timeless LegacyTimekeeping is a universal human need, but did you know that the so-called “Lunar Calendar” isn’t actually lunar? In this episode of Unveiling the Orient, Hanfugirl and co-host Eustacia Tan explore how ancient civilizations, particularly in China and Japan, developed their calendars to balance agriculture, governance, and spirituality.We break down why early societies needed calendars, the surprising accuracy of Chinese astronomical calculations, and how Japan adapted the Chinese system while introducing its own innovations. From the hidden solar roots of the 24 solar terms to the unexpected history of the seven-day week in East A...2025-02-1937 min
Unveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP04 Luscious Greens of Emeralds & JadesIn this episode, we journey into the fascinating world of emeralds and jades in Chinese history—exploring the rise of jadeite, a gemstone that captivated China yet was never traditionally consideredyu (玉).We’ll discuss the historical name for emeralds in China, the origins offeicui (翡翠) and its poetic ties to the kingfisher bird, and how jadeite reshaped the perception of jade in Chinese traditions. But that’s not all—we’ll also dive into some of the most ironic and legendary jadeite pieces in recent history, from the famous Barbara Hutton necklace to Mrs. Wellington Koo’s audacious...2025-02-1239 min
Unveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP03 Sparkling legacy of Sapphires & Rubies in Chinese HistoryIn this episode of Unveiling the Orient, host Hanfugirl Pan Pan and co-host Thory explore the fascinating history of sapphires and rubies. The opening segment introduces their global significance, starting with the iconic story of Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, a symbol of love and royal history. Thory shares her personal love for colored gemstones, contrasting Western and Asian cultural preferences for gemstones over time. The hosts delve into how sapphires and rubies became prized for their beauty and symbolism, paving the way to uncover their rich history in Chinese culture in later segments.
...2025-02-0529 minUnveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP02: Chinese New Year Special with Chinese Metaphysics PractitionerToday’s episode is a special edition for Chinese New Year, and we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Chinese metaphysics. Every Chinese New Year, you’ll see malls and organizations packed with zodiac predictions—promising everything from love to career forecasts.
But just how accurate are these yearly predictions? And how about the taboos and beliefs surrounding zodiac signs? To help us shed some light on these myths and offer a deeper understanding of Chinese metaphysics, I’m joined by none other than Master Sean Chan, a seasoned practitioner who’s here to clear up misconcept...2025-01-2946 min
Unveiling the Orient with HanfugirlEP01 Chasing DragonsIn 1934, news articles started appearing on dragon sightings in northeast China. Within the span of a few months. villagers from several places reported seeing the dragon as depicted in paintings, appearing physically. Villagers rushed to witness what was said to be a dragon carcass and there was even an image published in the local newspaper of the said dragon bones surrounded by the villagers. Could dragons be real? This episode will explore what happened and the many attempts to explain this mystery.
Join Hanfugirl and Chloe Ith as we explore the reports and discussions...2025-01-2140 min