Set deep in the countryside are a cluster of old barns that we enjoy visiting especially when searching out interesting gifts.
They are filled with eclectic artifacts that the owners have sourced from several Asian countries - some old, some early to mid 20th century and some reproductions.
A painting of the Empress Dowager Cixi - circa 1890
Old teak cow bells from Rajasthan - they make a delightful, mellow, throaty sound
The elegant 1930s Japanese lacquered pot with spout was for pouring sake
Calligraphy brush stands used for jewellery
Silver Miao Tribal necklace from Guizhou in SW China
along with a silver Miao Tribal headdress
It was an invited Open Day; Visitors were plied with tasty, freshly made Asian snacks that kept magically appearing from the tiny kitchen.
Wooden ghee pots, ladles, and more cow bells hanging from an old peg rack, but do we really need an old ghee pot or a cow bell? interesting to see but I think not.
Chinese rice jar
There were lots of things to tempt us, but we resisted.
We particularly admired these Rajasthani lacquered dhubbi boxes also from the 1930 period.
However, we did successfully fulfill our quest, and returned home with some pretty Indian bangles for all the girls.
which we hope that they will enjoy finding in their Christmas stockings.
along with a silver Miao Tribal headdress
Wooden ghee pots, ladles, and more cow bells hanging from an old peg rack, but do we really need an old ghee pot or a cow bell? interesting to see but I think not.
which we hope that they will enjoy finding in their Christmas stockings.
Hello Rosemary, Your photos remind me of my more active period of collecting in the Taiwan antique markets. Today, there is little available that is Chinese, but a lot more of Tibetan, Indonesian, Japanese, etc., all amid a welter of reproductions. I'm glad you found the pieces you were looking for.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - I can imagine what fun it was looking arounbd the Taiwan antique markets when you first arrived judging by the interesting artifacts that you have shown from time to time on your blog.
DeleteI can imagine you want to take it all, but just looking at is also a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYou are right - it was fun looking and find out just what some of the things actually were.
DeleteA tempting array indeed Rosemary, and lovely to look at. I would have been very tempted by the teak cow bells, and also the pretty rice jar. The dhubbi boxes are beautiful, but well done on finding the pretty bangles, a perfect stocking gift.
ReplyDeleteDear Patricia - the cow bells made a very captivating sound, and I imagine that if you owned one you would make it ring every time you walked past it. The pretty rice jar was lovely, but well over a £100.
DeleteSome intriguing items there. I too would have liked to hear one of those lovely cow bells.
ReplyDeleteGlad your mission was accomplished and that you did not yield to temptation! I think an Indian bangle would be a delightful surprise.
I didn't yield to temptation which I would have done a few years back, but now I really ought to be getting rid of things.
DeleteI want to wear that tribal Miao necklace and headdress to work.
ReplyDeleteLove this comment Debra - you would look fabulous.
DeleteWhat an interesting place to look around and do a bit of shopping. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a great place to visit Catherine - we only visit once a year as it is not very near to where we live.
DeleteDear Rosemary, Wow! What a shot that first one. One could take lots of time looking from one corner of the photograph to another and always want to go back to the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved boxes with lids...I could not have resisted taking at least one home with me.
Dear Gina - my fingers itched as I thought that they were lovely, but I have so many different little boxes that really I should be getting rid of some not buying more.
DeleteLovely indeed, but as I tell myself when we visit Japan it really doesn't fit our decor which is early mess.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that if you purchase these Asian artifacts then they really need to compliment the style that you like and have in your home already.
DeleteSome lovely stuff there. A definite step up in quality from the re-loved furniture trend presently sweeping the country. One thing I noticed about current antique roadshow type programmes is how low the prices have dropped at auctions for items of real quality and craft you would think would command higher bids. The influence of E-bay type sites maybe? I used to watch them thinking Wow- big money... now it's usually- is that all!
ReplyDeleteI have noticed the same thing Bob - however, I know that items can be on the rise and very popular and then suddenly go into decline. On Bargain Hunt they had a lovely Victorian frosted glass and hand cut glass tazza dish, very similar to one that I have myself. It went for the lowly figure of £20 and I am sure that I paid about £85 for mine when travelling through Ireland.
DeleteAll looks good and we here in Tasmania have shops that sell similar to what you are showing us.
ReplyDeleteYou have to be careful that you are actually getting the genuine article and not a reproduction. The owners of this barn are scrupulous in telling you if it is genuine or not.
DeleteWhat a fascinating assortment of goods. I really like the porcelain from the east.
ReplyDeleteI like eastern porcelain too - it seems to fit in comfortably within any setting.
DeleteI don't think I would have resisted the rice pot
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely but quite expensive - a few years ago I would not have resisted, but now I realise that I need to actually get rid of stuff.
DeleteSome really great stuff , I don't think I would have been as brave as you to resist the temptation !
ReplyDeleteHello Jane, yes, everyone else was walking out with lots of stuff even though it was rather expensive.
DeleteSome beautiful things there. I tend to get intimidated when faced with so much, though, not quite sure why!
ReplyDeleteIt is true that places like this can eventually become rather overwhelming.
DeleteWhat an unusual place to discover in the heart of the countryside. It looks much more interesting than visiting the high street. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI would much rather visit here than a high street any day, and they also hand out delicious snacks.
DeleteI have collected Chinese Blue & While porcelains / pottery for years .. I love it . I also have the red with black trim tea cups/bowls.
ReplyDeleteI love the blue and white porcelain too, it blends and compliments so many interior situations.
DeleteI can imagine that the silver head dress was very heavy. Very interesting items.
ReplyDeleteI was very much lighter than I had imagined.
DeleteWow! A interesting post I must say...
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Thanks Titti♡
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