Blue and White Ceramics

Some of the beautiful ceramics we saw at the Shanghai Museum. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit. We did not see all the exhibits, only the ceramics, calligraphy, Chinese seals and jade galleries. Now where are those pamphlets I brought back?

At each level, there is a little gift corner where you can buy reproductions or items related to each gallery. It was fun to see what they had for sale. But there is also a larger gift shop on the ground level with everything you could imagine. As they did not charge for admission, we decided to support them by getting two items - a book on Ancient Chinese Jade and a ceramic water decanter for painting. It fits in your palm perfectly.

More Wigjig Necklaces

I found a different motif for the Wigjig here. I adjusted the pegs a little so it does look different. The first necklace is made with Swarovski crystals - nine red round (6mm) and one baroque pendant crystal AB (16mm). Matching earrings are made with the same red round (6mm) Swarovski crystals. Chain, toggle clasp and earring hooks are antique silver metal tone.

The second necklace is made with Swarovski crystal pearls - nine deep brown (6mm), one bronze twist crystal pearl nugget (9mm) and one briollete pendant crystal silver shadow (11mm).  Matching earrings are made with the same deep brown (6mm) Swarovski crystals. Chain, toggle clasp and earring hooks are antique silver metal tone.

A Pyramid of Fatty Pork

It was juicy, tender and delicious and yes it was one continuous strip of pork carved out from a block of pork. The chef must be very skillful to do this. Look at how thin it is. This braised pork was served with greens and freshly steamed pumpkin buns.

Christmas 2011 Snowflake #43

This Broomstick Picot Snowflake pattern is from Martha Ess' new book 'Playing with Picots'. Do you love it? I do!! and it was quick to tat. I am amazed at the broomstick effect and it was fun. Thank you Martha. You can link to this page for the book purchase. The grey one is tatted in Lizbeth Size 20 in Silver (#605) and the white one is tatted in Milford Size 60.

Flower, Bird, Fish & Insect Market

We chanced upon this market at Xizang Nan Lu after visiting Dongtai Lu Antique Market. AAA found this market far more interesting because you get a glimpse into the insect for pets/gaming trade that the locals indulge in. It was a hive of activity and we were happy to be there. Majority of the shops here were chock full with insects such as cicadas, grasshoppers etc. and all the interesting stuff that comes with rearing and fighting insects. There were some bird pet shops, an aquarium shop, plant & flower shop, a shop that sells fishing equipment, etc. 

Walnuts - I did not know what they were for but they must be prized as some were displayed in showcases. I looked it up and I found this article on Walnut Therapy which was very interesting. We may even find some inspiration for tatting designs in them. Watch this report by CNTV here.  Now I wish I had bought a pair.

What did I actually buy here? I bought some jade beads which I strung up into a necklace and a pair of earrings.

Dongtai Lu Antique Market

Dongtai Lu is filled with street vendors selling antiques - original and reproductions. We were there quite early and some stalls were not open yet.

 

On our first trip to Shanghai, we bought one of these clocks. It does not keep good time and needs to be wound every day. They are probably reproductions but a lovely touch to your desk.





The above two mechanical clocks are interesting. I also saw some old combination padlocks but instead of numbers, you have to choose the right Chinese characters.

Old colourful biscuit tins

Ceramic figurines

You must be wondering what I bought. Just a chain maille(?)  bracelet with a dragon head.

Now how did it become a choker? Buy 2 bracelets and you get a better price.

'Iris by the Lake' Necklace

I bought this lampwork vessel years back from an Etsy seller Devil Woman Beads. I often keep things I love for some time before deciding what to do with them. I even kept them with coordinating beads thinking I would string them together to make a necklace, one day. Well here it is. 

The lampwork vessel came with a gold wire around its neck but it did not match the wire I used for the wigjig motifs so I tatted a ring around it. It is then wired with beads into a short chain with a lobster hook which can be attached anywhere on the long necklace. I used charoite beads and green fresh water pearls with copper-toned chains and findings.

This necklace is another birthday present for a good friend.

Thinking of Gian

Look Gian. She is almost smitten.  

Do cheer up!!

 What am I looking at?

What blue eyes?

Oh, those blue eyes!

Hmmm . . .

Old Teapots

Would you like having tea from these old teapots? They are actually ceramic art pieces we saw at the Shanghai Museum. These two below are water jugs.

Will show you more on another post of what else we feasted our eyes to. Maybe next week.