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When I assemble the various objects in my collection to write about them for this blog, I am amazed at the variety of different sources from which they have come. It’s certainly true that Roger’s ethnic emporium has provided the lion’s share ( odd that we can’t have an expression of this type using English fauna - still, ‘Lion’ is certainly suitable in an ethnic context). Anyhow, the piece illustrated above, which measures some 80 x 90cms, did not come from Roger’s Cut Price Ethnic Fantasmagoria, or whatever he should call it.
No, its provenance has to do with an altogether more salubrious establishment. This again is situated in one of our grander local burghs, and is a purely Chinese outfit, run by a purely Chinese person (or not, I’ve never asked - but she certainly looks the part.) Her merchandise is impeccable - a far cry from Roger - and as for the prices: she takes no prisoners. If you are beginning to wonder what I was doing purchasing items, even AN item, in such surroundings, I shall have to clarify.
First, this was long before the days of Roger’s Ethnic Extravaganza; second, I was comparatively well off at the time - that’s to say, I had a bit left over each month after the bare necessities had been taken care of; third, and finally, this was in the early days of my collecting career and I was a good deal more gung-ho than of late - I suppose I could afford to be, too. I really don’t know whether at the time I paid a valid price for it, but I have the impression that these things have greatly appreciated in value. This is, so far as I know, late nineteenth century, embroidered on silk, and seems to be replete with a large number of buddhist symbols. I’m not entirely clear what function such things played - i.e. in which religion and context, in their original setting.
I still go to this shop once in a while and gawp at the wonders it contains, but now I feel like an intruder, since I no longer have the kind of purchasing power required to justify my loitering there. Fortunately, antique shop owners are usually a fairly tolerant breed, and I have yet to be barred from anywhere on the grounds of obvious impecuniousness.
Enjoy!
