Omens Collection

Pair of Qilin, Qianlong period (1736-95) (cloisonne & champleve enamel with gilt metal
HSC272142 Pair of Qilin, Qianlong period (1736-95) (cloisonne & champleve enamel with gilt metal) (for detail see 272143) by Chinese School (18th century); length

Roman augurs. An augur was a priest and official in ancient Rome who interpreted omens by observing the behaviour of birds. Cassells Illustrated Universal History, published 1883

Priests consulting the omens in Classical Rome

Page Book Omens ca 1800 India Ink opaque watercolor
Artokoloro

Page Book Omens ca 1800 India Gujarat Ink opaque watercolor
Artokoloro

1557 Lycosthene 1492 Einsisheim meteorite
The discovery of the Einsisheim meteorite (Alsace) in 1492. Woodcut with early handcolouring from a page of Conrad Lycosthenes (Chronicle of Prodigies and Omens)

1557 Lycosthenes rain of stones meteorite
A deadly shower of stones, comet, and discovery of Einsisheim meteorite (Alsace) 1492. Woodcut with early handcolouring from a page of Conrad Lycosthenes (Chronicle of Prodigies and Omens)

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"Unveiling the Mysteries: Exploring Omens through Time and Cultures" Step into a world where the celestial and earthly realms intertwine, as we delve into the captivating realm of omens. From ancient Rome to 18th-century India, these enigmatic signs have fascinated humanity for centuries. Intricately crafted during the Qianlong period, a magnificent pair of Qilin statues stand as guardians of wisdom and fortune. Adorned with cloisonné and champlevé enamel, their gilt metal frames shimmer in reverence to the power of omens. Drawing inspiration from Roman augurs, priests who deciphered bird behavior to foretell future events, Cassells Illustrated Universal History offers us a glimpse into this ancient practice. Published in 1883, its gravure captures priests consulting avian messengers amidst grand temples. Traveling eastward to India circa 1800, an intriguing page from an omen book emerges. Inked with opaque watercolors on Gujarat paper, it reveals intricate illustrations depicting various auspicious signs believed to shape destinies. The year 1557 witnessed extraordinary phenomena that left people awestruck. Lycosthenes documented a meteorite shower in Einsisheim alongside a rare gynandromorph transgender human figure – both perceived as potent omens by those who beheld them. Amongst Lycosthenes' accounts lies another astonishing event - a rain of stones meteorite that fell from the heavens above. This celestial spectacle ignited curiosity and fear alike among witnesses who pondered its significance within their own lives. As we explore these diverse manifestations throughout history, one thing becomes clear - our fascination with interpreting signs transcends time and cultural boundaries. Whether seeking guidance or simply marveling at nature's mysteries, humans continue to find solace in unraveling these cryptic messages from beyond our mortal realm.