Steve's Genealogy Blog

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei

Posted on August 20, 2019 by Steve

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan was completed in 1972. It is a memorial to the Republic of China’s National Father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

**The National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall**
SOURCE: The National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**View from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall**
SOURCE: View from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**View of Taipei 101 from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall**
SOURCE: View of Taipei 101 from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Garden of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall**
SOURCE: Garden of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen**
SOURCE: Statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Changing of the Guard - 1 — **Changing of the Guard – 1**
SOURCE: Changing of the Guard – 1 (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Changing of the Guard - 2 — **Changing of the Guard – 2**
SOURCE: Changing of the Guard – 2 (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Changing of the Guard - 3 — **Changing of the Guard – 3**
SOURCE: Changing of the Guard – 3 (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Changing of the Guard - 4 — **Changing of the Guard – 4**
SOURCE: Changing of the Guard – 4 (Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

More Ceramics and Bronzes in the in the National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Steve

The National Palace Museum holds a large collection of ceramics and bronzes from throughout China’s history.

**Pillow in the Shape of a Recumbent Child (Northern Song Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Pillow in the Shape of a Recumbent Child (Northern Song Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Lidded Jar with Green Dragons (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Lidded Jar with Green Dragons (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Flask with Dragon and Cloud (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Flask with Dragon and Cloud (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Turquoise Vase with Animal Mask (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Turquoise Vase with Animal Mask (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Vase with One Hundred Deer (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Vase with One Hundred Deer (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Zun Elephants of Peace (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Zun Elephants of Peace (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Spoon with Lotus and Sanskrit Letters (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Spoon with Lotus and Sanskrit Letters (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Central Figure from Buddhist Triad (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Central Figure from Buddhist Triad (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Left Figure from Buddhist Triad (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Left Figure from Buddhist Triad (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

Ceramic Dishes and Bowls in the in the National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Posted on August 18, 2019 by Steve

Ceramic dishes and bowls from throughout the history of China are displayed in the National Palace Museum.

**Ceramic Basin with Wood Grain (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Ceramic Basin with Wood Grain (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Bowl with Sky-Blue Glaze and Purple Splashes (Yuan Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Bowl with Sky-Blue Glaze and Purple Splashes (Yuan Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Dish with Dragon in Sancai Polychrome (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Bowl with Dragon in Sancai Polychrome (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Dish with Dragons and Clouds (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Dish with Dragons and Clouds (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Dish with Lotus Flowers (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Dish with Lotus Flowers (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Plate with Chrysanthemums in Polychrome (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Plate with Chrysanthemums in Polychrome (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Plate with Red Fish and Waves (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Plate with Red Fish and Waves (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Lotus-Rimmed Bowl (Northern Song Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Lotus-Rimmed Bowl (Northern Song Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Hollyhock-Shaped Bowl with Dragons and Phoenixes (Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Hollyhock-Shaped Bowl with Dragons and Phoenixes (Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

The Art of Chang Dai-chien in the National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Steve

Chang Dai-chien (1899-1983) was born in Neijiang in Sichuan. He first learned painting from his mother, and later he studied in Shanghai under Zeng Xi (1861-1930) and Li Ruiqing (1867-1920). He left China in 1949, exhibiting his painting in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 1976, he settled in Taipei at a studio he called “Abode of Maya.”

**Four Panels of Lotuses in Ink (Chang Dai-chien, 1945)**
SOURCE: Four Panels of Lotuses in Ink (Chang Dai-chien,1945) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Flowing Waters in an Autumn Valley (Chang Dai-chien, 1948)**
SOURCE: Flowing Waters in an Autumn Valley (Chang Dai-chien,1948) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Halls of Immortals at Huayang (Chang Dai-chien, 1949)**
SOURCE: Halls of Immortals at Huayang (Chang Dai-chien,1949) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Scenery at the Garden of Eight Virtues (Chang Dai-chien, 1953)**
SOURCE: Scenery at the Garden of Eight Virtues (Chang Dai-chien,1953) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Vast Shoals and Distant Mountains (Chang Dai-chien, 1969)**
SOURCE: Vast Shoals and Distant Mountains (Chang Dai-chien, 1969) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

Jade Carvings in the National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Steve

The aesthetic of jade is greatly appreciated by all Chinese. The stone is hard, yet glistens as if wet with water.

Jade Bi-Zun Vessels (Mid-Qing Dynasty) — **Jade *Bi-Zun* Vessels (Mid-Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Jade *Bi-Zun* Vessels (Mid-Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Jade Ewer (Mid-to-Late Ming Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Jade Ewer (Mid-to-Late Ming Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Jade Gong Vessel (Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasties) — **Jade *Gong* Vessel (Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasties)**
SOURCE: Jade *Gong* Vessel (Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasties) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Jade Miniature Mountain of the Orchid Pavilion Gathering (Qing Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Jade Miniature Mountain of the Orchid Pavilion Gathering (Qing Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

Bronze Masterpieces in the National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Steve

The Bronze Age in China started in the early 17th century B.C.E. and lasted from the late Xia, the Shang, the Western Zhou, and the Eastern Zhou Dynasties.

**Incense Burner (Han Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Incense Burner (Han Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Lei Wine Vessel (Late Shang Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Lei Wine Vessel (Late Shang Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Pu Food Container (Mid Spring and Autumn Period)**
SOURCE: Pu Food Container (Mid Spring and Autumn Period) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Weapons (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties)**
SOURCE: Weapons (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel - 1 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties) — **Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel – 1 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties)**
SOURCE: Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel – 1 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Yi Water Vessel (Late Western Zhou Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Yi Water Vessel (Late Western Zhou Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Yi Water Vessel of Yi-yue (Mid Western Zhou Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Yi Water Vessel of Yi-yue (Mid Western Zhou Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**You Wine Vessel of Zhao and Ladle (Early Western Zhou Dynasty)**
SOURCE: You Wine Vessel of Zhao and Ladle (Early Western Zhou Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Zun Wine Vessel in the Shape of an Animal (Mid Warring States Period)**
SOURCE: Zun Wine Vessel in the Shape of an Animal (Mid Warring States Period) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Zun Wine Vessel in the Shape of a Bird-Headed Animal (Mid Warring States Period)**
SOURCE: Zun Wine Vessel in the Shape of a Bird-Headed Animal (Mid Warring States Period) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel - 2 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties) — **Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel – 2 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties)**
SOURCE: Ya-chou Clan Bronze Vessel – 2 (Shang to Western Zhou Dynasties) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Hu Wine Vessel of Lady Ji of Zeng (Early Warring States Period)**
SOURCE: Hu Wine Vessel of Lady Ji of Zeng (Early Warring States Period) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Hu Wine Vessel of Song (Late Western Zhou Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Hu Wine Vessel of Song (Late Western Zhou Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

**Hu Wine Vessel of Zeng-bo-qi (Late Western Zhou Dynasty)**
SOURCE: Hu Wine Vessel of Zeng-bo-qi (Late Western Zhou Dynasty) (National Palace Museum, Shilin District, Taipei, Taiwan); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 19 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Taipei | Comments Off

Hong Kong and Kowloon from the Water

Posted on July 7, 2019 by Steve

Viewing Hong Kong and Kowloon from the water provides a much different view than one gets from the land.

**Taikoo Place**
SOURCE: Taikoo Place (Eastern District, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 17 April 2019.

**Kwun Tong District, Kowloon**
SOURCE: Kwun Tong District, Kowloon (Kwun Tong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 17 April 2019.

**Public Housing Estates in Kwun Tong**
SOURCE: Public Housing Estates in Kwun Tong (Kwun Tong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 17 April 2019.

**Ma Wan and Ma Pui Tsuen**
SOURCE: Ma Wan and Ma Pui Tsuen (Kwun Tong District, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 17 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Hong Kong | Comments Off

The Kowloon Park Bird Lake

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Steve

The bird lake in Kowloon Park includes a flamingo pond, a waterfowl pond, landscaped planting, and some bird shelters. In addition to the birds that are kept here, numerous native birds visit the bird pond, too.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) — **Greater Flamingo (*Phoenicopterus roseus*)**
SOURCE: Greater Flamingo (*Phoenicopterus roseus*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) — **Lesser Flamingo (****Phoenicopterus minor**)
SOURCE: Greater Flamingo (*Phoenicopterus minor*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) — **Black-Crowned Night Heron (*Nycticorax nycticorax*)**
SOURCE: Black-Crowned Night Heron (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

**Black-Necked Swan (*Cygnus melancoryphus*)**
SOURCE: Black-Necked Swan (Cygnus melancoryphus) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Nene (Branta sandvicensis) — **Nene (****Branta sandvicensis**)
SOURCE: Nene (*Branta sandvicensis*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba leucopsis) — **White Wagtail (*Motacilla alba leucopsis*)**
SOURCE: White Wagtail (*Motacilla alba leucopsis*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Black-Collared Starling (Gracupica nigricollis) — **Black-Collared Starling (*Gracupica nigricollis*)**
SOURCE: Black-Collared Starling (*Gracupica nigricollis*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) — **Common Tailorbird (*Orthotomus sutorius*)**
SOURCE: Common Tailorbird (*Orthotomus sutorius*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) — **Eurasian Tree Sparrow (*Passer montanus*)**
SOURCE: Eurasian Tree Sparrow (*Passer montanus*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Masked Laughingthrush (Pterorhinus perspicillatus) — **Masked Laughingthrush (*Pterorhinus perspicillatus*)**
SOURCE: Masked Laughingthrush (*Pterorhinus perspicillatus*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Hong Kong | Comments Off

The Kowloon Park Aviary

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Steve

The aviary in Kowloon Park includes 7 planted enclosures that house more than 90 birds from about 20 species.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) — **Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (*Ara ararauna*)**
SOURCE: Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (*Ara ararauna*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) — **Galah (*Eolophus roseicapilla*)**
SOURCE: Galah (*Eolophus roseicapilla*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) — **Nicobar Pigeon (*Caloenas nicobarica*)**
SOURCE: Nicobar Pigeon (*Caloenas nicobarica*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) — **Pied Imperial Pigeon (*Ducula bicolor*)**
SOURCE: Pied Imperial Pigeon (*Ducula bicolor*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Yellow-Headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix) — **Yellow-Headed Amazon (*Amazona oratrix*)**
SOURCE: Yellow-Headed Amazon (*Amazona oratrix*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Yellow-Naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) — **Yellow-Naped Amazon (*Amazona auropalliata*)**
SOURCE: Yellow-Naped Amazon (*Amazona auropalliata*) (Kowloon Park, Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 16 April 2019.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Hong Kong | Comments Off

Kowloon Park, Hong Kong

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Steve

Hong Kong’s Kowloon Park is home to many treasures, including the trees, the animals, and even the stairs to the park. The stairs are decorated to reveal paintings that can be viewed from Nathan Road.