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Gorgeous and Stunning comes in two basic shades. There's Gorgeous and Stunning ... and there's Gorgeous and Stunning. The second one--for those of you who have an ear for these nuances--surpasses the first by far. Which brings me directly to that time--Opium Wars aside--when the China Trade was flourishing partly due to Tea being introduced to a western world hoi-polloi who had never before experienced this delectable drink.
Which brings me to my little image for the week ... and the incredible craftsmanship that grew out of that time. I can not laud or exalt or glorify or extol or even magnify enough the magnificence or even the splendorositousness of the item you are about to see. It's a China Trade ivory sewing box with workmanship such as you will most likely never again see. This my friends is a literal statement ... and so secure am I in this utterance that there exists not a twinkling of worry that I might be overselling the item ... leading you--dear reader--on to an ever descending slope of disappointment which will only lead to a black hole of anti-climax after viewing this box. Nay nay dear souls ... this is a must see for you will never see this quality of workmanship again. Unless of course you do ... but that's another story.
Our hand-carved ivory sewing box depicts Europeans in scenes of daily life. I do not have a value on it. I do not even know if there is a value on it. To the highest bidder and all that. I will show you two images. One of the box ... and one of an enlarged panel on the box. The artist--whoever he was--has my complete and total awe. Was he a genius ... or was he insane? Perhaps one needs a little of both plus an inordinate amount of patience in order to achieve this level of art.
So ... I've said my piece. Go ... take a look ... and get back to me ... and let me know if you think I was exaggerating. A quick aside. This is a rather large image and may take some time to load. I did this in order to give you a closer view at the detailing. Forgive the insufferable wait-time which I'm sure could have been better spent doing other things ... though I can't image what.
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And there ya have it. That's it for this week folks. Catch you all next week. Benjamin Mark
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