"Opening the Mouth: A Journey through Ceremonial Artifacts" Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of ceremonial traditions with these captivating artifacts. First, we have a Stemmed Bowl from the Qing dynasty, specifically from the Qianlong reign. Crafted by an unknown creator, this exquisite piece showcases intricate designs that reflect the artistic prowess of its time. Next, we move to 18th-century Japan with Nishimura Shigenaga's masterpiece - "Serving Tea under a Willow Tree. " This painting transports us to a serene setting where tea is served amidst nature's beauty. As night falls, "Night Rain of the Tea Stand" captures one of the Eight Scenes of the Parlor. The scene unfolds as raindrops dance on rooftops while tea is enjoyed indoors, creating an atmosphere both cozy and contemplative. Shifting our focus to theater, we encounter "The Actor Sawamura Sojuro III in Ceremonial Attire on the Occasion of His Return. " This striking image showcases elaborate costumes worn during traditional performances. Venturing further into history brings us to ancient China with a Goblet from the Shang dynasty. Created by an unknown artist around 1600-1046 BC, this goblet offers glimpses into ancient drinking rituals and cultural practices. Moving forward several centuries, we discover a Ritual Flaying Knife (Kartrika) from either the 17th or 18th century. Its mysterious origins add intrigue as it represents ceremonial tools used for sacred purposes. A Lotus-Shaped Altar Bowl Stand takes us back to 18th-century China. Its delicate design symbolizes purity and spirituality within religious ceremonies held during that era. Continuing our exploration across cultures and eras leads us to an intriguing Ceremonial Standard (Alam). From either the 17th or 18th century, this standard embodies grandeur and significance in religious processions.