Updated: July 20, 2007
espite the influence of the California missions on the design of the Mission Inn, there is also a strong Asian or Oriental influence. Frank Miller had a great affinity for the people of Japan and other parts of the Orient. Miller amassed a large collection of Oriental art. Bells and gongs, religious statuary, including several Buddha’s, lighting fixtures, and ceramic pieces were among the objects displayed throughout the hotel. The Court of the Orient, and the Ho O Kan, Fuji Kan, and Pagoda Rooms were among the areas housing the collection.
Within the collection are several wooden carved pieces. Furniture, including several panels and tables, predominate. In addition to the Mandarin’s Journey, there are other panels in the collection, although not nearly as spectacular as the Mandarin’s Journey. A second panel has two large Ho O birds facing each other. The wood panels were typically hung in doorways to allow for increased airflow as well as for decoration. |
