Making a splash

My blogging very much taking a backseat this week, as I was sidetracked by two time-consuming events.

The first is one I have very much been interested in and for which I now have a key role - the renovation of our condominium - including the swimming pool and its surrounds, (above), as mentioned previously here. Another key element we have to consider is the entrance; Grand Entrances has some excellent points on this subject, and luckily we are blessed with cathedral-high ceilings in the lobby, so the bones are there.

The second was a very unwelcome bout of gastroenteritis, which laid me low, but from which I am now mostly recovered. Thankfully unrelated to that other 'flu plaguing many parts of the world, but doubtless hyped out of all proportion to keep the 24 hour news services in full flow.

Eclecticism on acid?

Whilst I am reluctant to be judgemental, (oh really?), I'm just not getting this.

This is the Paris apartment of Jacques Grange and "very much reflects his own style. Ask him what that is and he'll say it's all about mixing pieces from different periods."

Yup, no argument there.

I liked the work he did here, but not sure of the plot for his own story.

Sakura

Whilst our spring has well and truly sprung into summer in Bangkok, and the blossom that we enjoy has largely blown away, sakura or cherry blossom is in full bloom in Japan, and at Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture, one the three most famous castles in the country, sometimes referred to as White Heron Castle, because of its whitewashed exterior.

An ingenious maze-like entrance pathway was created to make approach difficult for invaders, and to enable them to be watched and attacked by the defenders.

Cornered

Hepplewhite inlaid corner wash stand, mahogany, dovetailed arched back splash, lower shelf over dovetailed drawer, British, early 19th century, 43 x 24-1/2 x 16 in. Estimate USD300-600.

Irish Chippendale corner chair, carved mahogany, pierced splats, carved cabriolet legs with hairy paw feet, probably Irish, 18th century, 33-1/2 x 26 x 26 in. Estimated at USD2,000-3,000.

Chippendale style téte a téte, carved mahogany, pierced splats, dragon-carved hand grips, leaf-carved cabriolet legs, 20th century, 32 x 51 x 26 in. Estimated USD500-1,000.

Hepplewhite corner music cabinet, black-painted surface with painted reserves, single door opening to shelved interior, British, 19th century, 30-1/4 x 23 x 16-1/2 in. Estimated USD400-800.

You'd have to be talking to someone really interesting so as not to feel trapped in the téte a téte, otherwise you really would feel cornered.

The other pieces of furniture are less threatening, and are all up for auction on 9 May.

Time capsule

Queen's House designed by Inigo Jones in the C17th, and the wings of the National Maritime Museum, opened by King George VI in 1937, approached from the Thames. This was formerly the Royal Hospital for Seaman, founded by William & Mary in 1694. The second picture shows the interior of this building, with its magnificent ceilings.

The 183 acres of Greenwich Park are the oldest royal park, with its history dating back to 1427 when it was inherited by the Duke of Gloucester, brother of Henry V, and it was also the birthplace of Henry VIII. Different buildings preceded those depicted.

It is now perhaps most famous for Greenwich Mean Time, adopted for usage in 1847.

Overcoming hurdles

An uneasy calm has been restored to the city, following military intervention last night and the surrender of the protesters' leaders. I don't suppose that will be the end of it for one minute, but it usually helps if there is a time for reflection, and I hope this provides it.

Coincidentally details of this this rare D. H. Chiparus sculpture of an athlete, in bronze patinated metal, circa 1920, 11" x 7" x 18.5" high, price EUR850, were sent to me by French Cab this morning, which I thought very apt.

A celebratory glass of something cold and fizzy to toast the truce is very much in order once the sun is over the yard arm. Or perhaps even a cocktail, but not of the Molotov variety, much in evidence these last few days.

Sawasdee Bimai

It's Songkran, the Thai New Year, and this the Buddha statue in our lobby over which one pours scented water. A new ritual for me this year was a member of our staff placing a pulang malai (garland) in my hands and pouring water over them, expressing greetings and blessings for the new year.

This year is an unusually long holiday, beginning yesterday and announced only the previous evening, to try and alleviate the ongoing political demonstrations that have been plaguing the capital, and which caused unusually greater traffic chaos to a city quite used to such things. The demonstrations appear to have moved to the coastal city of Pattaya, where the ASEAN summit is taking place, and which was disrupted this morning.

More than ever, I'm hoping for peace this year.

Of biblical proportions

Arthur Greuell (Belgian, 1891-1966) "Judith and Holofernes", oil on canvas, with artist's studio address on old label en verso, 48" x 52". Presented in the period ebonized wooden frame in the 17th-century Dutch taste. Reference: Benezit. Greuell, an accomplished portrait painter and book illustrator, studied at the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Brussels from 1905 to 1909. His work was exhibited at the Paris Salon, Salon des Artistes Independants, and the Salon des Tuilieries.

Caravaggio - Judith beheading Holfernes 1598-1599

This gem (top picture, not the Caravaggio!) slipped through my fingers when I was outbid at auction on Saturday. But I followed my usual habit of not exceeding my limit, and it probably deservedly went for 40% more.

As noted in the condition report: a desirable lot; the artist has skillfully drawn the movement and musculature of the figures in a dramatic monochromatic palette in the style of Caravaggio.

It would certainly add terrific drama to any room, and I found the monochromatic scheme particularly attractive. First however, I would have to build more walls, as the apartment is practically papered with pictures. Well, it would be a design challenge to find the space, a vitual exercise I was enjoying, until I realised it wasn't necessary.

I'm convincing myself that fate decides these things, but I'm secretly rather disappointed, even if (cash) richer.

Feeling lyrical

Lyrical lamp

Eternity disc

Orion area rug

These are three of the products designed and made by Michael Fiebrich Design. Do please visit the website for more information.

Pearls of wisdom

This pair of framed Chinese Imperial Silk Robe Panels, 18th century, the imperial yellow-ground silk, with embroidered five-clawed dragons clutching the "Pearl of Wisdom and Knowledge" among clouds and above rock work and cresting waves, two facing panels from the front of a man's robe, glazed, h. 39-1/4", w. 28-1/4", is estimated at USD1,800-2,500 and will be auctioned on 4 April.

The top picture depicts an empress's twelve-symbol robe of the Ch'ing dynasty in yellow satin, embroidered with silk and gold threads, with further information here.

The two panels for sale would be an attractive and dramatic addition to a decorative scheme that favoured this pretty yellow.