THE CORINTHIAN COLUMN

As ewer

2012-01-25T15:28:00.000+07:00

A Pair of Wedgwood Basalt Ewers, emblematic of water and wine, mounted as lamps. Height 15 inches.

For sale at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. Estimate USD2,000-4,000.

If you didn't like the black and white version, you are unlikely to enjoy these either. Even as lamps I find them rather desirable. But not essential.

Enter the dragon

2012-01-23T09:49:00.001+07:00

The last time we ushered in the Year of the Dragon was in 2000, just after the new millennium began. On that occasion we were just packing up our life in Hong Kong, to move to Edinburgh. In the intervening cycle much has changed, and personally by and large for the better.

Yesterday morning's quiet was broken by the premature rat-a-tat-tat of firecrackers, ahead of the first day of the new year today. The above is a photograph of the first snuff bottle I bought, probably nearly 40 years ago. I hope the dragon will bring good fortune to all of us.

And may your laisee packets be overflowing with crisp new banknotes.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Beautiful eyes, and an eye for beauty

2012-01-18T17:30:00.002+07:00

It seems Miss Elizabeth Taylor had a less well known talent, and one that in my view surpasses all her others - a good eye for pictures - no, not movies, but the type you hang on the wall, and are usually oil on canvas, and have iconic names painted in one of their corners. The story is here, from the Daily Mail.

Not essential, but desirable

2012-01-17T12:16:00.000+07:00

Pair of Wedgwood Solid Black Jasper Wine and Water Ewers, England, late 20th century, from the St. James's Collection of limited editions, each with white relief, including the Sacred to Neptune water ewer with figure seated atop the shoulders and holding the horns of a marine monster below the spout, and the Sacred to Bacchus wine ewer with figure seated atop the shoulders and holding the horns of a ram's head below the spout, each with printed and impressed marks and in a limited edition of 50, ht. 16 in.

I quite often spot things in my daily trawls of the auction houses, and think how exquisite they are, but not things I couldn't live without. This pair of Wedgwood ewers is one such item. Their sale at Skinner in Massachusetts, MA, achieved an affordable price of USD2,800.

Hedging

2012-01-10T16:09:00.004+07:00

Not far away from where we were staying in a farmhouse in Perthshire is the great hedge of Meikleour, an impressive living wall of beech trees over 30 metres high and 520 metres long. Originally planted in 1745, it is officially recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest hedge in the world. The top image is from a postcard sent in 1932, (as below too), the tweet of its day

Going to Kirriemuir from here. Weather improving. Hope to go to Braemar tomorrow.

Love to all, Gladys.

and the image herebelow from a book of photographs by Allan Wright entitled Perthshire.

I have had to use these because it is well nigh impossible to stop on this narrow road when in a car to get the ideal photograph. It was apparently planted by a wife in memory of her husband who was killed at the battle of Culloden, a bloody defeat of the Highlanders of Bonnie Prince Charlie by the Hanoverian Duke of Cumberland.

When in Rome

2012-01-06T16:24:00.001+07:00

I recently posted about a visit to Venice, which was in 2003, and one of the commentators remarked that she felt her visit to Rome qualified for the same designation as a "religious experience". I concurred, and have been rifling through some old photographs and came across these I took in 1993, of St Peter's and the Vatican.

I was obviously enchanted by the Swiss Guards at the entrance to the city, wearing their dark blue winter cloaks. I was in Rome ostensibly to attend a financial services conference. It was mind-numbingly tedious, so I persuaded my boss that there was really no particular merit in both of us attending.

Surprisingly he agreed, and I therefore spent the next day walking the length and breadth of the city for about 6 hours, bathed as it was in glorious November sunshine. My visit was not a religious experience based on the obvious reason, but the stunning architecture at almost every turn. I suppose in another sense it did not take me much longer after this visit to decide that financial services and international banking no longer held the sway it once, (or ever?) held, and I began to explore other avenues of interest.

But the adage "when in Rome, do as the Romans" remains valid for many other cities and experiences in life. I quite often forget it living here, but life is easier when I am reminded, and when I adhere to it.

Are we there yet?

2012-01-02T14:03:00.001+07:00

I suppose if I worked I would be savouring this period of the year which is much interspersed with holidays. But I don't, and the holidays mean there are too many people at a loose end

probably partaking in that exercise which I find in my life I can only undertake if I'm in a good mood - shopping. Because I live in a condominium, areas that are delightfully free of fellow residents, such as the pool or the gym, usually have a smattering of these people to remind one it isn't all mine.

Today is yet another official holiday in lieu of New Year's day falling on a Sunday. And therefore, as on weekends, we choose our activities carefully. We used the gym rather than the pool, but as it turns out, both were devoid of people. But yes, this holiday malarkey does seem to drag on, and we only have another two new years to play with in the near future - the Chinese one at the end of this month, (which sees a huge influx of tourists from our Chinese-dominated neighbours), and the Thai one in April, which is best avoided because most things are closed. But anyway, the joy of Friday is that it will be Twelfth Night, and according to my rules on these matters, all sparkly and ghastly decorations have to be removed. In fact tomorrow might be a good day for the staff to begin that process, involving as it does unwrapping miles of lights that the poor trees and bushes have had added to make sure we are all truly jolly. Oh, that thought has already cheered me!

The Gate of the Year

2011-12-31T14:40:00.002+07:00

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:

"Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown!"

And he replied:

"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."

So, I went forth, and finding the Hand of God,
trod gladly into the night

And He led me toward the hills
and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So, heart, be still!

What need our little life,

Our human life, to know,

If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife

Of things both high and low

God hideth His intention.

The Desert 1908

Marie Louise Haskins 1876 - 1957

This poem was quoted by King George VI

in his Christmas 1939 broadcast.

Early birds

2011-12-30T13:52:00.000+07:00

Apart from one man sitting in a nearby cafe in St Mark's Square, our only companions were the pigeons. On our first day in Venice we arose at around 5.30 am to avoid the crowds.

There were a couple more people in front of St Mark's, but it was indeed a joy to be far from the madding crowd. These pictures were taken during our visit in May 2003. The other day we were discussing having "religious experiences", and we both felt that our visit to Venice was one such candidate for this description. As our gleaming varnished water taxi motored into Venice, our jaws dropped at the staggering beauty, the surreality of the architecture, and the set-like features of our own movie. Not one day of our trip disappointed. A return visit is long overdue.

As they say: nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Bird of paradise

2011-12-29T15:50:00.003+07:00

Luigi Lucioni (1900-1988)

Still Life - Bird of Paradise

signed and dated 'L. Lucioni 1941' (lower right) oil on canvas 30 x 26 in. (76.2 x 66 cm.)

Sold at Christie's for USD25,000

I'm finding the last few days of Twenty Eleven to be rather unsettling. This time of year is usually one when I enjoy reflecting on the preceding twelve months, both the good and the bad, and I begin to anticipate, usually with a great deal of optimism, those that will follow. Whether this is because of the huge changes that have taken place throughout the world in the most unlikely and unexpected scenarios, or whether the economic situation seems eerily dark, I am not sure. I am in need of days of introspection. I am finding the hustle and bustle of daily life, which is exacerbated by the madness of commercialism, to be rather tiresome. I am in need of stillness. This rather beautiful picture, by one of my favourite artists seems to perfectly illustrate that requirement.

Melt me

2011-12-28T17:20:00.001+07:00

We were given an introduction to a couple living in Bangkok, so we invited them for a drink last night. They brought with them a suitably named present - Melt Me - a delicious looking box of handmade chocolates, which are mixed with matcha or green tea, and come from Hokkaido. These will no doubt get a devoured over the next few days, but it is a remarkably clever gift, considering my other half comes from Hokkaido, (a fact they did not know). Cocktails moved on to dinner at one of our favourite eateries, and it is nice that we got on famously, and will be seeing them again very soon.

Chocolate covers caramel

2011-12-27T17:19:00.001+07:00

The clubhouse at the swimming pool underwent a transformation in its colour scheme, from caramel to chocolate. I do think the new flavour is infinitely more sophisticated. Unfortunately I don't seem to get around to taking photographs of this area until the late afternoon, when the sun has hidden itself behind the neighbouring high rises, at the time of year when it is at a lower angle. So these do tend to make it look a bit sullen, but I assure you it's not.

Bangkok is currently experiencing cool breezy weather, (hence the ripples on the water today). This does of course mean that swimming is a bracing affair, and one I have not undertaken since Friday. However, our cool spells never last that long, so I will be back slicing through the water in no time. The change of colour is part of ongoing works in progress, enjoying a brief hiatus during the festive season, (which seems to be a feature of life here now too). This is both good and bad. Good that it is still being tweaked to perfection, but bad that it does not seem to have an end date in sight. But as I've explained before, time is not really an important feature of life here.

Pugilism day

2011-12-26T14:22:00.001+07:00

Minoan youths boxing, Santorini, c.1500-900 BC

Perhaps the real reason why today is called boxing day - children fighting over the presents they were given on Christmas day.

Light

2011-12-25T11:33:00.000+07:00

The chandelier in the staircase at the castle. October 2011.

The Queen's View

2011-12-24T13:49:00.000+07:00

The Queen's View, Loch Tummel, Scotland. October 2011.

But which Queen?

Paraprosdokian (2)

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000+07:00

16. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

17. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
18. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
19. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
20. There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
21. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.
22. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
23. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
24. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
25. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
26. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
27. A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.
28. Hospitality is making your guests feel at home even when you wish they were.
29. I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila.
30. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
31. Words of Wisdom "The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
32. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

Images: Colours at the Castle; the landscape gardens, and ornamental pool. October 2011.

Paraprosdokian (1)

2011-12-22T13:52:00.001+07:00

PARAPROSDOKIAN -- "Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation." "Where there's a will, I want to be in it," is a type of paraprosdokian.

1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.
3. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
8. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
10. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
11. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.
12. Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'
13. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
14. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
15. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Image: Conifers at the Castle; the burnside walk. October 2011.

Since you asked...

2011-12-21T11:10:00.000+07:00

Well, this is what we've ended up with. Not the worst that it was, but tacky enough, to offend my delicate sensibilities. And yes, after the new year, the florist is going to get a few lessons too.

The backside of the tree; perhaps that describes it perfectly?

My own attempts, in their early stage were these:

Stark, sure.

But if you recall, (care?), there was a theme of white lights only, and red, gold and silver boxes to cover the base.

This is our newly refurbished lobby. Frighteningly stark too, but you may appreciate that this approach is to try and eliminate horrors that creep in, when you blink. I was also mindful of not having a theme, or a specific cultural context. Thai artifacts can be extraordinarily beautiful, but to be so they require serious amounts of money, which our budget did not cater for.

The fabrics were chosen for their neutrality, durability and bearing in mind the usage; the carpet was created to incorporate those colours, which by necessity have to be muted and verging on the dark to hide wear and tear for as long as possible.

My initial photographs (night shots) were prior to some simple decorative pieces, (the urns from previously), and the re-instatement of the flowers, (but see above) were reintroduced, and before the Christmas tree dominated the dialogue. Minimalism is not my forte, but in public spaces it works well, providing the place is kept tidy.

The tree of strife

2011-12-20T12:56:00.001+07:00

A sandstone statue of The Tree of Life, on my balcony

Those who have been following my blog recently will have noted the slightest vexation with the decoration of our building's Christmas tree. But I am now long since over that.

Recently we watched Terence Mallick's The Tree of Life, as depicted on this DVD cover. It does appear to have a high rating, but it was an unusual experience to say the least. There was an early sequence wthin it when I very nearly switched it off. Like a number of movies I have been watching recently there is a strong element of self-indulgence which may well be a jolly experience for the director, but for viewers it borders on the tedious. The only redeeming feature was the rather fine acting by the three young sons of Brad Pitt, and Mrs Brad Pitt. The rest of it would probably do quite well as a first time submission at movie school, (or whatever it's called).

So strife and trees seem to be my theme this week. I probably haven't quite flogged this horse to death enough yet; we'll see - still a few more days until the blessed event to do that justice.

Plan B

2011-12-19T12:07:00.002+07:00

The first plan for Leifnorris House, (later named Dumfries House)

The second plan for Dumfries House, signed by Lord Dumfries and John, Robert and James Adam. It is believed these drawings were made by Robert.

It is interesting to note that the higher cost determined that the first plan for Dumfries House was the main reason why the more modest, (but in my view) infinitely more elegant version was chosen. The cost for this was nearly GBP8,000 in 1754. Obviously a case of the less is more school.

Images are from the Dumfries House guidebook.

Men in black

2011-12-18T14:01:00.002+07:00

Wolfe at the door

2011-12-17T13:49:00.003+07:00

I am going to make everything around me beautiful. That will be my life.

Elsie de Wolfe, Lady Mendl. December 20, 1865 – July 12, 1950

Lady Mendl's expressed ambition is one that resonates with me too. I do worry, it's almost becoming obsessive. And then of course there's the big question of definition. What is beautiful to me, might not be to others, (as shocking as that thought is).

In trying to avoid the abomination we quite often have seen here at the residence around Christmas time, I asked if I could supervise the decoration of the Christmas tree that is installed in our lobby every year. Accordingly, I spent some time last Thursday ensuring that the use sparingly approach was adopted in place of chuck everything in sight on it one of previous occasions. This was essentially the attachment of white lights to the artificial tree, (yes, sorry, but remember where we are). The only other adornment was an angel(-ish), stuck on the apex, and the base was to have boxes in gold, silver and red, surrounding it. All appeared to be going well, although I should have realised the potential for disaster when I was shown new baubles that the staff had purchased, rather than the paper requested to cover the boxes. Last Friday, I came down to the lobby on my way out to dinner, and discovered to my horror that my endeavours had been reversed, with flashing lights, incorrectly sized baubles, tinsel of varying colours and sizes, and to cap it all, (well the reverse actually), the tree was, as in previous years, now on a large glass coffee table with a forlorn piece of white sheeting hanging around it rather lamely like an ill-fitting table cloth.

It was not the time to address this travesty, but naturally I attempted to do so. Subsequently on Monday I was able to partially reverse some of the worst aspects of this. In the meantime all the flora, (including the newly planted and therefore rather sensitive trees and bushes), in the forecourt and swimming pool areas are having almost every inch of their lives covered in white lights. The more is more school of glitz clearly prevails here, and fight it as I might, in the vain attempt at making everything around me beautiful, I will just have to live with this until the first week in January, when we shall be able to see these features in their natural beauty. That's of course if they've survived their electronic onslaught. At night we can probably be seen from the moon; perhaps even Mars.

Colour inside the lines

2011-12-16T15:19:00.000+07:00

I think the insides of these shelves look rather stunning with their red and orange interiors. The effect is more dramatic with the black outline. Other colours would work well. The furniture maker Moissonnier uses the scheme to great effect in some of the pieces they make too.

These images are from Maison Française, (Oct/Nov 2006). Last night we gave a farewell dinner for our dear French friend, departing these shores for the mega metropolis of Shanghai, the one-time Paris of the East. We toasted our happy days here with Taittinger. Unlike the political establishment in France, I am extolling the virtues of that country, as opposed to their current extraordinary attempts at denigrating the British. Certainly no entente cordiale going on there.

All good things come to those who wait

2011-12-15T14:47:00.002+07:00

I am not someone who could be labeled an impulsive shopper. In fact the opposite is true. I coveted this convex mirror in the shop when I first saw it about nine months ago. I went to look at it several times, (a ploy I frequently use in my mind I think to talk myself out of buying something). I even took my sounding board, (better half), to view it with me, and despite the goading to just buy it, (dammit), I wavered once again. The next time I went, determined to buy it, it had apparently been sold.

Yesterday I was on a quest for something quite different, but by chance passed the same shop, and lo and behold, there was the gigantic convex mirror, (it's 76cm in diameter), in its black frame with gold inner rim. And it was being offered at a 50% discount. My original reason for buying the mirror, discussed here, was to remove the James Ross paintings which I was noticing were the direct target of afternoon sun on their 275 year old delicate canvases. This problem, as I recounted, had been resolved. But I wasn't completely convinced about the solution that I had found. The fan print sort of worked, but not as gorgeously as I had hoped. Et voila, the proper solution presented itself yesterday, and today the mirror hangs in its rightful place. Thankfully I hadn't completed the recent re-arrangement, so the wall holes have not required too much adjustment. I'm so delighted I could practically dance. Lest anyone accuse me of narcissistic tendencies, convex mirrors don't actually cater for those!

A Dance to the Music of Time

2011-12-14T13:15:00.002+07:00

A Dance to the Music of Time by Nicolas Poussin 1634-35, Wallace Collection, London

We are in the midst of watching an adaptation of Anthony Powell's twelve volume cycle of novels which, (according to that great know-all, Wikipedia), is an often comic examination of movements and manners, power and passivity in English political, cultural and military life in the mid 20th century.

I once read the first volume, A Question of Upbringing, but I don't recall going much beyond that. However, I can strongly recommend viewing this Channel 4 series of four films if you enjoy a social history of Britain from the Twenties to the Seventies. It's a thinking man's version of Downton Abbey, with all the joys of costume, design and set. In some ways it sums up the adage, "Wealth is wasted on the rich".

Girl talk

2011-12-13T13:06:00.001+07:00

Chinese School: Figures in an Interior Setting, Oil on canvas, framed. 19th Century, 19 1/4 x 24 1/4 inches (48.9 x 61.6 cm). Estimate USD2,500-3,500. For sale at Michaan's Auctions, Alameda, CA.

One assumes these ladies are not the best of friends. The one standing next to her companion on the bench appears to be whispering or laughing into her sleeve. The woman with the young girl appears to be pointing, and one cannot imagine it is an act of politeness. The picture has delightful colour combinations, particularly the red lattice over turquoise. Perhaps the one in green is making the comparision about the dress code of the lady sitting, as in, "Who would wear a dress like the curtains?".

Raise a glass

2011-12-12T12:53:00.000+07:00

I don't know whether these are still made, as they are a tear out from an Elle Decor in November 2008, but they strike me as a very elegant combination of modern and classical. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, as they are made by Paris-based 5.5 Designers together with the iconic French crystal house Baccarat. The Apparat collection is the superimposed silhouette of historic Baccarat pieces onto contemporary shapes.

In the red

2011-12-11T14:51:00.001+07:00

One of my commentators on the newly refurbished pool stated how much they liked black-tiled pools. I agree with this, and the one at Amanpuri, in Phuket is a stunning example:

Recently I was thumbing through a slew of design magazines, and came across two examples of red-tiled pools, (as above). The first is from an hotel in Sao Paulo, and the second from a holiday home in Puerto Rico. Despite having a sanguine approach to life, the red leaves me cold.

Bare necessities

2011-12-10T12:44:00.000+07:00

The recent flood disasters in Thailand have left supermarkets short of a number of items - obvious ones like bottled water, loo paper, tissues, cleaning products etc, but the biggest pain at the moment is the lack of soda water and tonic water. A combination of the depots that store these and the factories that make them being still surrounded by floodwaters, makes deliveries almost impossible. Last week I found a source for the soda, but alas today it too was depleted. However, I was a man on a mission, and have now found another source, which I imagine will also fast disappear. As I was on my own, and not in need of an arm-lengthening exercise, I restricted my booty to only ten bottles. Unfortunately the shop does not deliver either, and as a beggar rather than a chooser, I will have to make another surreptitious trip with the help of a bearer or two, to pick up a further hoard. There is of course no one who can tell me when normal supplies will resume. Somehow 7-Up or any other fizzy stuff makes the joy of drinking vodka completely muted. I suppose dry martinis might be the answer, but we all know the outcome of that road to ruin.

Tangled web

2011-12-09T12:18:00.001+07:00

Antique Japanese okimono representing a group of baskets. The ivory baskets have intricate carving, different shapes and decorations. It dates to the Meiji period and is not signed. Length: 9" (23 cm.). Width: 6" (15 cm.). For sale at auction at Bureau Art Gallery, Madison Avenue, NYC. Unsold.

Testing the waters

2011-12-08T12:54:00.000+07:00

We passed up the dubious honour of christening the pool on Monday when it re-opened after its six month renovation. As mentioned, there was some desire to open on Monday to mark a public event, even if not all aspects of the project are completed. Nonetheless, on Tuesday with no one else around, we took the plunge, and resumed our exercise habit, repeated once again yesterday evening. It's nice to have it back. I was, and remain slightly unsure about the colour choice of the clubhouse cladding, but it does quite distinctly complement the aqua (obviously) tones of the pool's rough hewn stonework tiles. The landscaping is in my opinion quite inadequate, and will like the other "defects" need tweaking before we should accept the finished work. The frangipani trees in front of the chaises longue need time to settle, and for the delightfully scented flowers to provide the joy to those who like to lie in the sun, or indeed gaze at the stars. The palms are currently struggling too, but in due course they should be happy enough. For those of you who may recall, this was the scene when I left in September. Other aspects of the renovation are gradually coming to fruition, but rectifying the niggling detail seems to be painstakingly slow. But the devil is in the detail. Oh yes. I'm currently using a softly softly but persistent approach. I wonder how long that will last!

Brass bats

2011-12-07T12:56:00.001+07:00

The Road to Parnassus wrote recently about the use of the bat motif on furniture, both from China, and Europe. I mentioned that I owned a pair of red lacquer wedding chests, and here is the catalogue image of them. Unfortunately they are not with me in Bangkok, as we left them behind in storage when we moved here. We bought them as an anniversary present in 1992. You will note a slight variation in the execution in the cross bar between the legs at the front. Within the cupboard there is a single shelf in the middle of each and with a wine rack, this afforded an excellent storage for bottles, in the dining room, where they used to live.

These two images of the last dining room where they resided were taken by two different professional photographers, so their interpretations are amusing in themselves.

Royal Fireworks

2011-12-06T12:16:00.000+07:00

Last night from our balcony we watched fireworks across the Bangkok skyline, as they were ignited at about eight o'clock to commemorate the 84th birthday and 7th cycle of the country's monarch.

We preceded the illuminations with a souvenir from our recent visit to Perthshire - pheasant pate - and accompanied that with our latest tipple, a glass or two of chilled dry sherry.

The building commemorated the day by re-opening the swimming pool, after its renovation; more about that to follow.

Simply Grand

2011-12-05T11:36:00.002+07:00

I was much flattered by the kind remarks made by Simply Grand about the top on my coffee table:

I know we're supposed to be focused on the silver coasters--and they're beauties, as is your red crystal--but holy kamoly! Is that a black Vitrolite top on your desk? A shaped Vitrolite top? This has to be the world's most glamorous work surface ever, Jacob's, Ruhlmann's & Deskey's pieces included.

So I'm obviously not one to pass up that flattery, and here I am, unashamedly making the most of it, like some fading screen goddess. The choice of black moiré silk over which the glass was placed, was because it was the same fabric used to cover two armchairs and a sofa. My room's scheme was essentially black and white, aided by the use of architectural prints or black and white etchings, and the very occasional use of burnt orange, (visible in these photographs).

Sparkling conversation pieces

2011-12-04T11:40:00.000+07:00

Well, they worked for me, but I think they will be used for their intended purpose.

Coaster to coaster

2011-12-03T17:18:00.002+07:00

My acquisition of stuff has diminished over the years and anything that I do buy has to have a specific purpose. With this criterion, I bought these two silver coasters for the bedtime glass of water. But of course judging the diameter of the coaster and the normal kitchen glass base that is used for night time hydration proved to be an inexact science. Only these rather dainty cut crystal old fashioned glasses fit, and I would be loathe to use them for the desired purpose, lest in a state of semi consciousness I whacked the whole caboodle onto the floor. So I shall have to find other better fitting everyday glassware, or I could use them as receptacles for votive candles. The perforation might create a pretty twinkle of silver; I shall try them tonight when friends come round for preprandials, and see whether I am sufficiently dazzled by the experience.

An acquired taste

2011-12-02T17:03:00.001+07:00

Apparently it's not only non-Brits who recoil in horror at the taste of Marmite. A recent traffic accident reported here spilled 20 tonnes of it onto the M1. The "love it or hate it tag" has worked in its favour as a marketing ploy. Personally I'm in the "love it" camp. I was therefore rather thrilled to see an XO version available in the supermarkets in UK, and purchased a jar, as yet unopened. If you find extremes in savoury flavours too much to bear, you are also unlikely to enjoy another candidate:

Patum Peperium - The Gentleman's Relish. But it too finds favour in our household, and a jar of it was acquired for our return to the tropics.

Need to know basis

2011-12-01T14:30:00.000+07:00

Do stylists for minimalist interior design shots feel it's a requirement to humanise a picture such as this, by placing a pair of bedroom slippers, and a garment slung over the chair? Just asking.

Wu meets Pollock

2011-11-28T19:14:00.001+07:00

The Sotheby's Asia newsletter dropped through my letterbox the other day and this picture by Wu Guangzhong entitled The Lion Grove Garden, reminded me of the work of Jackson Pollock. It was sold in April 2011 for USD3.7m

Rich pickings indeed, but that was well and truly eclipsed by Lotus and Mandarin Ducks by Zhang Daqian, which sold for USD24.5m. Yes, that's right, you read it correctly - twenty four and a half million dollars. Sales in Asia for Sotheby's has exceeded USD1 billion in 2011. Thank goodness I prefer a different genre and style. I should simply hate to compete with that.

Salvation salivation

2011-11-23T14:55:00.001+07:00

Perhaps it seems vulgar to comment on the price of the furniture saved at Dumfries House by the intervention of Prince Charles through his Trust.

But the figures are staggering, so indulge me, if you will. In the Blue Drawing Room, (first picture), the Thomas Chippendale chairs have been recovered in a blue silk damask woven to the Dumfries House pattern. In this room there are four chairs, but in other rooms, (in the family parlour there are many more), and scattered throughout the house - 14 in total, and they were delivered to Lord Dumfries, (the 5th earl) in 1759. The chairs and the two sofas, (one only partially seen in this photograph) cost GBP63 and GBP22 respectively. The breakfront bookcase also delivered from Chippendale in 1759 cost just over GBP47.

You may know that the saving of the house and furniture was very last minute. The guide informed us that the furniture had already been packed and was being transported by van to Christie's in London. Each chair had bids of GBP1m on them. The bookcase started off at a bid of GBP4m, but we now know there was a bid of GBP25m. As the only one of its kind, it is perhaps not surprising that it attracted a great deal of interest from potential buyers world-wide.

The Pink Dining Room, is apparently one of the Prince's favourite rooms. Lovely though it was, it did not shine for me quite like the picture gallery on one of the upper levels, (not shown).

The testers of the Chippendale bed are covered in silk damask, and the skill with which this has been applied is truly remarkable:

The mirror above the chimneypiece in this bedroom is by Chippendale and is again valued at some staggering figure - several millions of pounds.

The monetary values aside, there is great beauty to behold, and if you ever get the chance, go and visit. You have to book, but the personalised tour is an extraordinarily great experience.

All images are from postcards, or from the Dumfries House guide book.

Welcome sunshine

2011-11-20T17:48:00.003+07:00

We returned home yesterday afternoon after a long but comfortable flight during which we enjoyed excellent service from the staff of KLM. In all four of our sectors this year we have seen noticeably better levels of service, and I am happy to give praise where it is due. The car and driver were at the airport to meet us, and we were whisked home in a very short time. During that journey I was looking for obvious signs of flooding, but none were apparent. On the approach to Bangkok from the air it was clear there were great swathes of countryside underwater however. But the joy was to see bright sunshine and blue skies, something sorely missing from our recent days in Scotland.

And then at home the concierge transported our luggage upstairs to the flat, which was in an immaculate condition, and dressed with two beautiful bouquets of flowers. I had telephoned the maid a couple of days earlier to advise her of our impending return and to stock the fridge with the starter items in the usual fashion. Flowers are a new phenomenon to this routine, but very welcome obviously.

Last night we enjoyed a couple of cocktails and a light dinner before settling down to watch television. But instantly I knew I would fall asleep. As it was 9 pm, I thought it was a reasonable hour to retire to bed, and we even had discussions about getting up at 6 am for a walk in the park. It was after 3 pm when we awoke today that I realised that fantasy would not be possible. After 18 hours of slumber I'm rather hoping I haven't put a complete kybosh on tonight's recumbancy.

It is indeed good to be home. And there's no place better than one's own bed!

The Scottish play

2011-11-17T00:10:00.000+07:00

About 6 miles away from the farmhouse is the pretty village of Dunkeld on one side of the Tay River, and Birnam on the other. In a quest for a good walk we came across these two trees, one an oak, and the other a sycamore.

To give a better perspective, my trusty companion demonstrates the width of the oak's trunk.

On its other side is a large hole - the first 10 feet of the tree are hollow.

It is one of the oaks referred to in Macbeth, and although perhaps not as old as the trees described in that, (C11th), it is certainly ancient; the sycamore is reckoned to be 300 years old.

But enough of this country life. We are itching to go home, and so this morning in a wild act of spontaneity brought forward our plans to do so, and will leave on Friday, allowing time for my better half to catch his breath and go off to Japan for a commemoration. The previous schedule would have only permitted a 9 hour interlude between journeys, and what is the joy in that?

Ones that got away

2011-11-15T19:33:00.001+07:00

As the season progresses the quantity of pheasants diminishes. When we first arrived here nearly two months ago it was quite difficult to avoid driving in to flocks of these. Several that have survived seem to have taken refuge in the little front garden, but their fate may well be sealed after the next shoot at the weekend.

We, who were also ones that got away, are now scheduled to return to Bangkok next week. Whilst the flood situation there is far from over, we are lucky that our area has not been affected by the flooding, and is unlikely to be so. The volume of water in the areas that are flooded is apparently reducing.

As lovely as our enforced break has been, it will be nice to return to our own home. This desire is enhanced by that bane of Scottish winters - the dreachy weather. Although we override any desire to sit in and curl up in front of a fire, the walks either long or short do not compensate for the rigourous exercise regimen that we have when we are at home, and we shall have our work cut out, (a work out if you will), when we return and have recovered from the jet lag. Unfortunately the swimming pool is still out of action, but other aspects of the renovation have (apparently) been completed. I dare say I may have some views on that when I see it for myself.

Remembering

2011-11-13T21:06:00.000+07:00

Being in UK on Remembrance Sunday has reminded me of some of the things I liked about living here. Last night on TV we watched the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall, and today the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Both rather moving, as they were interspersed with stories of those who have lost, and those who have been lost. This is of course very real for those countries involved in conflicts in far flung corners of the world, and does remind one that these ventures should not be undertaken lightly.

If we remember we may avoid the mistakes of the past.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", which was first published in The Times in September 1914.

The shooting party

2011-11-09T01:19:00.001+07:00

The owner of the estate warned us that there would be a shoot today, and on Saturday, and hoped we would not object. Shooting is very much part of the commercial interest of an estate, and of course I had no objection. I did not however realise that one round of it would be in such close proximity, but the intermittent pops of the guns soon alerted us to that.

The same view from the dining room.

The shooting party taking a break, in the courtyard outside the back door.

One of the black labradors giving his opinion on the whole proceedings. After they left there was the distressed yelping of a brown spaniel, who had obviously been left behind. So I called the owner and he came to pick up the itinerant pup.

Great Stewardship

2011-11-08T00:16:00.005+07:00

We returned to the pretty little farmhouse in Perthshire on Saturday, after our week in Northumberland. Prior to leaving I had booked a Grand Tour of Dumfries House, near Ayr about which I have previously written.

Although slightly out of our way, the property was in fact equidistant in the route I had planned. I shall write more extensively about the visit when I have the means to scan images, but let me just provide a little teaser, with these photographs. The house and its contents were rescued by a trust established by Prince Charles, (who also glories under the title The Great Steward of Scotland). I have to say it was one of the most remarkable visits I have ever made to any historical site, an experience enhanced by the intimacy of the tour - there were only 6 of us - and by the expert knowledge of the guide. The Great Steward himself had just been visiting two weeks earlier, and comes to stay on a regular basis.

Our return has coincided with some extraordinarily beautiful autumnal weather, with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. This does of course mean there is frost at night.

Last night at about the midnight hour, and fortified by cocktails, dinner and wine, we donned suitable layers of clothing and ventured out to experience this magical kingdom bathed in bright moonlight, and the sky adorned with stars, wonderfully visible because of our remote location. Happily we have the house for another ten days, before we return to our base at the castle and decide whether it's safe to return to the water, (in Bangkok). Part of me is looking forward to regaining the normality of our lives in our own space, but the other part is still savouring this unexpected but enchanting refuge.

Vinos de Jerez

2011-11-02T18:55:00.000+07:00

I do not seem to be able to indulge in a glass of sherry when I'm in Bangkok, so it was a joy to find a bottle of fino (dry) sherry when I was stocking up for our week at the lodge. Chilled, and with a mixture of tapas, it made for an enchanting aperitif. It reminded me so much of a preprandial (lunch time) ritual performed by grandmothers, (mine certainly), and bank managers, that used to be commonplace in England, but which seems to have largely disappeared. Perhaps if bank managers brought back the offering of sherry to their customers, they wouldn't take their eye off the ball in risky businesses about which they know so very little.

But of course that would assume there were still such things as bank managers, and there was still the opportunity to talk to a person. Is this perhaps the solution to the financial crisis? I am drafting a letter to Christine Lagarde right now.

Tinned salmon

2011-11-01T17:15:00.000+07:00

"You see that man in the river over there? Why don't you get him a tin of salmon? That's the nearest he'll see to one!"

So said the old Geordie as we walked across the River Tyne in Corbridge this afternoon.

The bridge which crosses it is C17th, and the church

C7th. Pity about the cars, but it is still one of the prettiest villages in Northumberland, with quintessentially English shops, such as this

fruiterer and florist. There was probably even a shop that did sell tinned salmon, but we didn't look, so that we could spare the blushes of the fisherman.

Lodging in a lodge

2011-10-31T05:35:00.008+07:00

Our peripatetic lifestyle continues, and yesterday we moved to the north of England, and to a lodge at the gates of an estate in Northumberland. Essentially Victorian, as is the Hall, (main house), it has been extended sympathetically so that the additions are not discernible from the exterior. These include excellent bathrooms and a kitchen and utility room. Unfortunately the rest of the house is decorated in a style that does not amuse me hugely. Despite that, it is spacious, immaculately clean, and with four bathrooms and four bedrooms, we are obviously not cramped, even if we are aesthetically cursed by any perceived deficiency.

The area is familiar to me as a child, because my grandparents lived close by, and indeed just we visited the last house, (below) where my grandmother lived, and died, (33 years ago I realised today).

The geographical contrast between where we have been in Scotland and this area, which at its northern most part borders Scotland is really quite apparent, in architecture, landscape and population, the latter almost, (but not really), causing a sense of claustrophobia. This may in part be due to weather that can be several degrees warmer, and that difference becoming more exaggerated the further south one goes. But we're very undecided about that, even if the temptation to visit the National Gallery's exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci is adding to the list of reasons why we should.

Chilling out

2011-10-27T00:54:00.002+07:00

The terrible flooding in Thailand has meant we have delayed our return to Bangkok, where the deluge in the capital is just beginning, as the water is released through the dams to flood out to the sea. We are therefore Siamese refugees once again.

So that the permanent residents of the castle are not overburdened with our extended stay, we have been accommodated in the flat, (the middle section of the above photograph). This has literally meant chilling out, a term I loathe in general parlance, but one that seems to apply to the more frigid air in the mostly unused rooms. But very kindly we have also been allowed to annexe the library which interconnects, and which has television and wifi, and a large fire, which is crackling away as I type.

This morning's sunshine allowed for an enchanting constitutional.

and reminded me that there is much colour in a garden that is bedding down for winter.

The back of the flat with its ivy covered sitting room bay window nestles between the main part of the castle, and the Victorian servants quarters, the facade of which has been completely renovated, but which now houses wood and garden machinery.

Any froideur is alleviated by views like this, from my breakfast table this morning,

and good thermal undergarments, which we stocked up on yesterday. With a likely return date to Bangkok very uncertain, we have decided to rent another house, this time in the north of England, (Northumberland), and will repair there at the weekend to plan our next move.

Waterworld

2011-10-18T18:55:00.002+07:00

The much heralded Indian summer has turned into more of a Himalayan autumn. By and large we have been more subjected to rain and wind than anything else. This morning there is a dusting of snow on the hills surrounding the valley in which the castle is situated. Happily however, the sun does appear to be making some attempt to shine, and we shall as usual be making the most of it, by venturing out into the tundra. But very often you blink and it has disappeared.

A few days ago, when we were still residing at the farmhouse, we drove north to the Falls of Bruar, and on the way passed this gem of a house, with its glorious Georgian symmetry.

The falls themselves have created some spectacular rock erosion, spurned on by torrents of water, which seem to be de rigeur in this country.

Significant amounts of water seem to be afflicting Thailand, with about one third of the country under water. It is difficult to establish how day-to-day life is affected in Bangkok, but I'm taking soundings, and if necessary will delay returning. In the meantime a visit to somewhere dry and sunny would be welcome; perhaps the Sahara.

In the meantime, we are throwing more logs on the fire and enjoying the occasional cocktail in these cavernous apartments.

Autumnal falls

2011-10-14T16:36:00.000+07:00

One of the hopes for this Scottish visit was to witness the turning of the leaves, and happily that phenomenon is happening before our eyes.

Yesterday we visited The Hermitage and experienced breathtaking natural beauty, including the falls on the River Braan, and follies and plantings created by the dukes of Atholl.

The overcast weather meant that there were very few fellow travellers, except at the viewing point at Ossian Hall, (above).

A couple can be seen on this bridge, taking in views of another waterfall.

Whilst through the trees a substantial farmhouse, which disconcertingly for me was asymmetrical, both in its window and door placements, appeared ominous through the woods and Scotch mist..

The pathway beyond this bridge was closed due to a landslide, but we did manage a decent walk of about 5 miles, which has eluded us thus far, based as we are on a working farm, with restrictions placed by fields, gates and roaming animals. Autumn is of course a very busy season for farmers, as they harvest and gather, so there is much machinery criss-crossing the small farm roads and pathways.

Cutting corners

2011-10-14T00:37:00.001+07:00

The architecture of the farmhouse which is our current home requires door frames to be cut to allow for the coombed ceilings

and also require one to be a little careful when close to the sloping roof.

On a number of occasions I have forgotten this, and a swift bang to the head has remedied that oversight.

Not even seeking divine intervention by using the the prie dieu placed strategically on the upstairs landing has helped.

Shortly we shall be returning to the more substantial rooms of the castle, so no ducking required there.

From a mountain to a Millhole

2011-10-04T17:45:00.002+07:00

Despite less than co-operative weather, our current abode - Millhole Farmhouse, on the Glendelvine Estate in Perthshire, is suitably accommodating, providing as it does the requisite respite from the elements in comfortable and luxurious surroundings.

Having spent three nights here, we are acclimatising. The owner is a member of the Lyle family, (whose company made the famed golden syrup), and who merged with Tate's to form Tate & Lyle in the 1920s. He very kindly showed us how to use the essential gadgetry required for today's living, such as wifi and satellite television. No roughing it here, I'm afraid.

I am pleased that this year's choice of Scottish getaway is proving to be as good a one as last year's. For me, as I'm sure for many of my readers, the quality of the interiors is a significant factor in making a decision about whether a holiday let will be to my liking. (It seems odd that many who let out their own houses make such little effort.)

Further reports from the front line will follow.

Break away

2011-09-27T12:42:00.000+07:00

- an autumnal break, and hoping to catch the change in colours, the Indian summer, and to enjoy the culture shock. With any luck the time away will afford a noticeable, (and welcome) difference in the renovation project here in Bangkok upon our return.

Given the aspirations of Scotland's current leadership, any inference you might take to the break up of the United Kingdom, is purely intentional.

Don't spare the horses

2011-09-25T15:17:00.000+07:00

Alfred de Dreux (1810-1860) White horse galloping with two dogs. 1857.Oil on canvas.

This rather splendid picture was sold on Friday by Koller Auctions, Zurich for CHF110,000. (USD121k). It is somewhat reminiscent of the work of George Stubbs, but with a slightly more friendly price tag.

Several seconds, and two firsts

2011-09-22T20:30:00.003+07:00

John Hoppner RA (British 1758-1810), oil on canvas, 30" X 25", Portrait of Emilia Charlotte Lennox, second daughter of Lord George Lennox. Half figure portrait, wearing bluish green dress with black lace shawl.

One of the joys of the upcoming visit to Scotland will be to see this newly acquired portrait by John Hoppner, whose self portrait in the National Portrait Gallery is herebelow:

Emilia's father, Lord George Lennox was the second son of the 2nd Duke of Richmond, and thus a descendant of King Charles the Second. Charles, (who was himself the second son of King Charles I), had no legimiate heirs, but plenty of illegimate ones. Diana, Princess of Wales was descended from two of them - the dukes of Grafton and Richmond, and therefore Prince William, (Duke of Cambridge), will become the first monarch in the present reigning family to be a descendant of the House of Stuart. It is perhaps fitting that the picture will in future reside in Scotland.

However, for me, this Hoppner is my first.

Sugar and spice, and all things nice

2011-09-19T12:10:00.000+07:00

Our friends must have thought we clearly looked as though we were in need of food parcels last week. We had lunch with a Thai friend, who has opened a Thai snacks shop called Sri, (a play on the name of the goddess Lakshmi, and pronounced confusingly as "see"). The patrons of these intricate and time consuming delicacies include royalty in their number; we were given a selection of produce, and I can attest to their tastiness.

Subsequently another friend returned from a trip to his native Corsica and brought back with him a multitude of edible delights, including a jar of home made fig jam, which we have applied liberally to a number of foods, (the pâté he brought too), but also to our French toast on Sunday morning. If you've never had fig jam I can highly recommend it, but whether it will be as good as this version, I do not know. I shall try and see if I can find a jar when I'm on my upcoming travels. I suspect the ingredients will not be so heavily populated with plump figs.

Off colour

2011-09-18T15:40:00.000+07:00

oil/canvas board, impressionist landscape with side-wheeler on a river, signed l/l "M. WANKER" (partial signature loss), 18" x 24"; Estimate USD400-600. For sale at auction from Matthew's Galleries, OR.

I'm not sure whether Maud Wanker's name is worse than the intials (J.E.R.) of a friend of mine, called King. It's almost worth buying the picture for the name of the artist. Understandable why there is a partial signature loss perhaps.

Perfectly paired

2011-09-16T14:57:00.000+07:00

Pair Vintage buttoned red leather- upholstered Chesterfields, early 20th century, each upholstered in fine patinated brick-red leather, turned wooden feet, 29 x 75 x 36 in

Fine Pair Dutch Baroque Style Carved and Gilt Wood Mirrors, Continental, late 19th century, each finely carved fruit wood with burnished and stippled gilding with red bole, exotic birds and dragons in relief, each set with six candle shelves, 22 x 62 x 23 in.

Pair Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces, French, third quarter 19th century; finely cast, 13 in., mounted to 31-3/4 in. obelisk-form mahogany mounts

Pair of French cast iron and marble urns, 12''h.

It is quite often strange that pairs of items come up for auction in the same sale. Apart from the marble urns from Rachel Davis Fine Arts, in Cleveland, OH, the other items are offered for sale by Brunk Auctions at Asheville, NC. As a devotee of neoclassical and symmetry, I could happily use all of these items in any decorative scheme. Perhaps I just need a pair of properties to do that.

Hallelujah

2011-09-12T10:29:00.001+07:00

A contemporary from school sent this video to my brother and me, with the annotation "we didn't have this much fun at school". The chapel at school used to look like this:

but after a substantial bequest by a former pupil, it was transformed into this:

and the interior into this.

The condition of the bequest was that the chapel needed to be used four times a week. Accordingly we had two choral practices and two services per week. It was a timetable universally unloved, and indeed something that might have been more fun, if we were allowed to perform as those in the monks' habits on the YouTube clip. However, it has left me a wonderful appreciation of choral music, particularly the work of Handel's Messiah. Hallelujah!

Non U

2011-09-09T18:30:00.001+07:00

Attributed to Chow Kwa (Chinese, active 1850-1885), The Low House, Shanghai, circa 1865-1870, watercolor on paper laid on card, 10-3/4 x 15-1/4 in.; Provenance: William Blydenburgh, New York; Private Collection, Little River, South Carolina. Titled verso as "The Blydenburgh House at Shanghai" and illustrated by Carl Crossman, Literature: Illustrated in Carl Crossman, [The Decorative Arts of the China Trade,] (Suffolk, UK: Antique Collectors' Club, 1991), p. 198, ill. plate 98. The house was rented by the merchant William J. Blydenburgh of New York City, 1864-1876.

This rather classically designed building is charming. I was recently re-watching Empire of the Sun, which takes place in Shanghai at the beginning of the Japanese invasion, and the story begins at a British residence not unlike this one. (I confess that I really only watched the very beginning of it, as it became rather tedious.)

The name of this China Trade watercolour was rather interesting for me, as there is a hotel in Hong Kong called The Upper House, owned and operated by the Swire Group. The name plays on that given to the House of Lords in Britain, and the fact that the hotel is situated in the top section of one of the properties owned by the company. I can certainly recommend the bar, and the rooms look spectacular, although I have not had the need for one.

Reflecting black

2011-09-06T12:22:00.000+07:00

Kaga ginjyo (pure rice sake).

Japan has not had a very good year, thanks to natural disasters, the tsunami in March, and now the deadly typhoon Talas. The stoicism of its people is remarkable.

And you are?

2011-09-02T17:58:00.003+07:00

Luigi Lucioni (American 1900-1988). Portrait of a Young Man holding a Red Book. 24 x 22 inches. Estimated at USD7-10k. Unsold.

This was one of a number of Lucionis that were for sale at auction in the same sale held by Northeast Auctions, NH, which included a slew of China Trade pictures, about which I wrote previously. Perhaps because there were quite a few listed, the interest, (judging by the prices) seemed lukewarm.

Luigi Lucioni (American 1900-1988). Design for Color, 20 x 27 inches. Sold for USD18,000 (with an estimate of USD25-40k).

The young man with his red book has a pleasant demeanour, but it was not sufficiently interesting for me to warrant owning the picture.

"And you are?" must rank as one of the most offensive ways of asking the question "may I know your name?" Eddie and Patsy in AbFab were asked this when when being looked up and down by an assistant in a judgemental way and witheringly responded: "You'd better drop the attitude; you're just a shop clerk." Or, as my rather fiery Greek friend said when confronted with a similar situation in London, "Listen, I'm on this side of the counter, and you're on that side. Are we clear? You serve me."

We all have days when we do not wish to be trifled with. (Apparently.)

Wall holes

2011-08-29T15:36:00.001+07:00

Not Warhols.

The sun has been casting its rays on a pair of C18th overmantel pictures by James Ross that were on a wall in the hall. The effects of sun damage are quite often severe, so in order to minimise that I finally got around to changing where the Ross pictures were hung, and replaced them with a less important fan image, which is large enough to cover a myriad of holes from previous picture groupings. (Those that remained have been filled in, and the wall awaits repainting.)

a fan of the sun

Now of course I had to move four Japanese woodblock prints to accommodate the Ross pictures. These are in the process of being hung where the fan picture used to be. All of these moves has of course necessitated changes in the positioning of the holes and screws for their previous pictures.

Details, details. I don't tend to rearrange pictures on a regular basis, for obvious reasons.

Back to front

2011-08-25T18:00:00.000+07:00

An array of Burmese and Thai Buddhas are displayed in the small dining room adjacent to the main dining room in the house in Hong Kong where we stay. The tranquility is emphasised by a variety of pots of Phalaenopsis, which are back-lit by a pair of handstanding Chinamen lamps, (from Shanghai Tang).

All the tea in China

2011-08-23T11:07:00.001+07:00

Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, NH held a Marine, China Trade & Sporting Arts auction at the weekend. I only discovered the sale the day before, and unfortunately was too late to bid. China Trade pictures are one of the categories that I collect, and these two (oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches) sold as a pair, and depicting a scene of tea being brought from the fields for sorting and another of negotiations for its sale to a tea merchant, appealed to me greatly. Like much relating to Chinese art at the moment, it is attracting a large premium, and at a starting price of USD25,000 these were no exception. They sold for USD29,500.

There was the usual array of the more traditional scenes, of Hong Kong Island:

of which I thought this was the best. It sold for more than twice its estimate at USD19,470.

Even this rather crude interpretation of the classic image of Hong Kong Island, sold for USD23,600.

Initially I was disappointed that I had missed the boat, (literally in a couple of cases) on the opportunity, but on reflection, the pickings were all a bit rich for me, and fully priced.

Mr Fancy Pants

2011-08-21T12:26:00.001+07:00

Suitable for painting the town red. Which is what I did.

Notes from a bombsite

2011-08-19T17:30:00.000+07:00

Swimming Pool Clubhouse

Swimming Pool

Lobby

Corridor - almost there

Construction at la residence seems almost painfully slow, some three and a half months after it began. It looks very unlikely to me that it will be completed on schedule, by the end of October. Renovation of the swimming pool has been delayed by the discovery of a leak, which has now been rectified, and an unusually wet rainy season. The lobby has been delayed by the need to decide on buying and installing a new aircon. Happily the bitching about finalising the corridor has resulted in some progress - almost 90% - as above, and so at least getting from the lift to the apartment is now no longer in a dustbowl. On Monday I am finalising the choice for the area rugs for the lobby, which have been designed to our specification and colourway. Thereafter, I will be interested to see a bit more progress before I skip off to Scotland for a break. For part of the time this charming little house (below) will be our appropriate antidote to the noise, and the rest will be spent staying at the schloss, which we shall have to ourselves for a week.

Of course Rome wasn't built in a day, as we all know, and progress does eventually produce results which are not always obvious at this stage of the proceedings.

Needing a fix

2011-08-16T11:06:00.001+07:00

Today the repairman from LG will be appearing shortly to fix the flap on the ice-making compartment in the fridge. His visit will be one of a constant stream of tradespeople who cross the threshold to maintain the efficiently functioning place I call home.

Yesterday, as part of their three monthly maintenance, the water filter company came and changed the filters; on their previous visit they had to replace the pump aswell. Last week one of the airconditioners stopped producing cool air; the condenser had burnt out, and had to be replaced. A few weeks earlier the airconditioners had their regular cleaning. A month ago the hinge of one of the sandblasted glass cabinet doors in the kitchen broke, and temporarily moving one of the other three to even the load, also broke that. Replacement was difficult, as they are German, and not standard. However, a source was found, and a stock for future failures has been acquired, as well as replacing the two offenders.

All fairly mundane stuff. I react quickly to getting things fixed. I am lucky that I can rely on the technicians and maintenance staff at the condo, who are usually available instantly, and will even change a light bulb, (and yes, I've had that done, for the plant uplighters on the balcony, which are particularly fiddly). Happily other service providers are efficient and turn up when they say they are going to do so, (and if I'm not available, someone else is, to let them in and pay them).

So, I've no complaints on that score, nor indeed about the costs of maintenance - spare parts are high, but labour is cheap, and in the case of the condo staff, free. But as we get older, and the more gadgets we have, managing this process becomes almost a full time job. I am thinking of my ancient father in this particular instance, who appears to have become very acquisitive of new gadgetry recently, (a laptop, in addition to his desktop; a device for recording TV programmes, and various other emergency alarm devices to alert the appropriate authorities should he need medical assistance), in addition to the numerous other machinery we all have.

As one of my female friends said to me, (of herself): "I need a wife". I wonder what will need fixing next. I have a hunch it's the computer, which is be very temperamental. My finger is twitching towards dialling the computer man...

His Royal Highgrove

2011-08-13T19:19:00.000+07:00

Time to enjoy one's garden.

Ready for their close-ups

2011-08-11T14:01:00.000+07:00

Cocking a snook at the paparazzo, Claridges in London has appointed an artist in residence, David Downtown, who will draw pictures of clients, with their permission. The story is from The Guardian, image of Twiggy from changethethought.com.

Keeping it real

2011-08-08T16:44:00.000+07:00

WILLIAM R. DAVIS

Trompe-l'oeil of three envelopes. Signed lower left "William R. Davis A.S.M.A.". Oil on canvas, 9" x 12". Sold for USD5,000 at Eldred's, East Dennis, MA.

WILLIAM R. DAVIS

Trompe-l'oeil of stamps. Signed in self-portrait stamp in second row. Also signed verso "William R. Davis A.S.M.A". Oil on canvas, 6" x 8". Sold for USD11,000 at Eldred's, East Dennis, MA

Images from Eldred's

Putting on the glitz

2011-08-02T11:11:00.001+07:00

Last week I was besmirching the talents of local furniture designers with their unusual glittery chairs and other case goods. This article from the Daily Mail about the Royal Collection of Fabergé might also fall into the same category, except of course he was a skilled jeweller, and he had royal patronage, particularly from the Russian Imperial Family. Nonetheless, I would venture to say that the pieces Fabergé created were completely extravagant, and other than in a museum collection, not particularly relevant to day-to-day living for lesser mortals, especially given the context of Russia at the beginning of the C20th. This phenomenon is perhaps true of a lot of great art, whose creation is only possible by the patronage of the very rich, whether they were Medicis or (are) Saatchis.

Image from Mieks Fabergé Eggs

1911 15th Anniversary Egg - gift from Tsar Nicholas II to

Tsarina Alexandra

Hate hate relationship

2011-07-26T19:25:00.000+07:00

After lunch today I was on a quest to find more suitable candidates for replacement table and floor lamps for the lobby of our condo, and I came across these shop displays, which I felt were worthy of recording for their hideous quality. Unfortunately I only had my phone camera with me, so it is perhaps not too easy to see the complete ghastliness of the confections on offer. In the first picture an attempt at a Louis something suite is made more excruciating by the silvered outlines on the black frames, with diamond studs. Dear Lordy lord, who designs these abominations? More importantly, who buys them? Well, perhaps you're relieved that the quality of the pictures isn't too focused. Needless to say, I wasn't looking for lamps in these shops. Just some amusement, which was satisfied.

Feeling like a tart

2011-07-25T17:10:00.001+07:00

We rarely have successive evenings out at a weekend, and on the night when we're not out, supper can often be of the takeaway variety. This weekend saw no such outside assistance, and instead we conjured up this black olive, tomato and tapenade tart.

Cut the puff pastry into approx 11x11 cm pieces. Place on a baking tray, and cover with 4 tsp of tapenade, (or olive pesto), leaving a little room around the edges to allow the pastry to puff up. Arrange tomato slices slightly overlapping, on top of the pastry and tapenade. Place slices of mature cheddar on top, and then 4 halved black olives. Sprinkle with an Italian herb mix, salt and pepper. Place in a pre-heated 200C oven, and cook for 12 minutes, or until the pastry has risen, and is golden. Serve with a dressed tomato and oak leaf salanova salad. Consume wantonly.

Monkey business

2011-07-22T17:52:00.001+07:00

Today I was expecting the corridor in my condo to have been substantially completed. This assumption was based on assurances by the building manager. However, as on previous occasions, the work is far from complete. In fact, it doesn't look very different to the image shown in this post, and that is more than three months ago.

A few missiles were launched earlier on in the afternoon, and the next suggested date for completion is Wednesday next week. I have my doubts. I am not altogether surprised about the delay either. Any renovation project that I have experienced in the past always overruns. But I think it does no harm to express one's displeasure, to keep contractors on their toes. It seemed fairly obvious to me for some time that there was going to be a delay, simply because there has been very little evidence of any work being undertaken. In addition, the other design consultant and I discovered last week that the large mirrors that will face each other, (in replacement of the wooden section of the wall with an oil painting in it), had been produced in glossy rather than matte black. All 60 of these have all had to be redone.

Yesterday I was asked my opinion about removing large trees to accommodate the landscaping design in the forecourt of the property. It turns out large trees are actually quite small, and they indeed should be removed, (and re-utilised elsewhere). But it also highlighted that the perspective drawing for the landscaping bore little resemblance to the planting scheme that was started at the beginning of the week, so some revisions will have to take place.

The adage about peanuts and monkeys springs to mind, but instead, I will try and remove that thought by partially utilising something similar in the contents of what is on these monkeys' trays.

This Whimsical Pair of Polychrome Standing Butler Dummy Board Figures, in the form of costumed monkeys, each in colorful patterned hats and tunics with striped pantaloons, holding an ebonized circular tray, standing on a rectangular base painted as an Oriental carpet, h. 69, is for sale at New Orleans Auction House on 30 July, with an estimate of USD500-800.

Pink velvet

2011-07-17T16:52:00.000+07:00

A simple elegant sashimi supper comes in the form of seared tuna. First cover a block of tuna in olive oil. Then roll it in a herbed layer of breadcrumbs. Sear it very briefly on all sides in a hot frying pan. Refrigerate. Slice and serve with grated daikon and grated ginger, with soya sauce. Accompany with a cold salsa made from cooked celery, corn, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and freshly diced papaya. Pink perfection.

Double Dutch

2011-07-14T18:27:00.005+07:00

When I first saw this house in Italy, in House & Garden in 2008, I was particularly struck by the calm and collected ambiance effected by the limited colour palette. This was enhanced by the large pair of sombre but stunning C17th Dutch portraits. Originally these were one double portrait. On occasion I have seen similar pictures up for sale, and have been tempted to purchase them for a similar effect.

But alas, the price tag of these, and the elusive hilltop house in the Marches region of Italy, have rather delayed this ambition.

For now, at least.

Dying embers

2011-07-09T20:04:00.001+07:00

Last Sunday we were taking our usual walk in the park and I was captivated by the fallen flowers from the flame of the forest trees. Their mixture with the green of the grass is a wonderful colour combination. It also made me think of the dying embers of a fire. On the eve of Thailand's general election I wondered too if that was a metaphor for what might lie in store for the future of the country. Would the embers be flamed by the polarisation that has beset the country over the last few years?

Monday produced a landslide victory for the party associated with the colour red. Its ability to form a government seems assured. But nothing is ever quite as it appears.

Today's walk found very few of the flame trees still in bloom, much of it to do with the end of the season, but also the extreme heat we have been experiencing, not from fire, but from the sun.

Love hate relationship

2011-07-08T18:28:00.001+07:00

There is much to admire in this drawing room from an article in House & Garden, Feel the Quality, March 2010. For me it combines my favoured elements of modernity - the floating coffee table, with an antique chest on stand in close proximity. But sadly it also incorporates a pet hate for me, festoon blinds, (sometimes called Austrian blinds). Picky picky, I know, but this is what I'm about today. These window treatments are far too reminiscent of badly fitting knickers, or babies nappies. When I bought my starter flat in Kensington, London, way back when, I had it decorated by an interior designer who chose the same blinds for the large drawing room window. Apart from anything else, they are prone to malfunction, and in northern climes, it is much better to allow light from the top half of the window to come in, and to protect your privacy with a gossamer cover on the lower level.

Rant over. Carry on, do.

Marinade in heaven

2011-07-06T13:06:00.000+07:00

Apple Ratatouille with Spiced Pork

This dish could not be simpler, and was quite delicious. It combines apple with pork, a tried and tested marriage, and has the added saltiness of black bean sauce.

Marinade:

3 Tbsps black bean sauce

2 tsps Chinese 5-spice seasoning

2 Tbsps soy sauce

350g pork tenderloin

100g kidney beans

1 large onion, sliced

3 Tbsps oil

2-3 plump cloves garlic, sliced

1 small aubergine, diced

1 green pepper, seeded and sliced

1 large cooking apple, peeled cored and diced

400g tin chopped tomatoes

225 ml dry cider

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Mix the ingredients for the marinade, then add the pork and coat thoroughly. Leave to stand for at least 1 hour.

Saute onions, garlic, aubergine and green pepper until softened, but not browned. Then add the remaining ratatouille vegetables, the apple, and the cider. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender.

Preheat oven to 200C. Roast pork in same marinade pyrex dish for 30 minutes.

Serve sliced pork over ratatouille.

Recipe adapted from High-Fibre Cooking by Rosemary Moon.

Heaven. Again.

Maid; in heaven

2011-06-30T23:33:00.000+07:00

On Tuesday I received the happy news that our maid, (hereinafter forever to be referred to as the saint), is returning from upcountry to Bangkok and will rejoin the household from Monday. If I could, I would be doing cartwheels rather like the priest in Westminster Abbey following the marriage of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.

In the two months since she has been away, helping her father to recuperate from an operation, we struggled for a couple of weeks without help

and then decided the joys of doing housework were more limited than we remembered from when we last did them on a long term basis. So we escaped to a friend's house in Hong Kong where this would not be our department. At the beginning of June we employed a lady who used to work next door, and who still works part time for another resident in our condo. She is of good heart, and of good cheer, but having to repeatedly show her how to make the beds, and how to properly iron shirts etc etc, was beginning to lose its appeal.

This lesson has reminded me how very lucky we are to have the saint. I had rather blithely thought that we lived in a city where employing good domestic help was a synch. It's not! And finding the right person to work for you is blessing divined in heaven. This all derives from being a complete fusspot. I think this comes with the territory. Some of you may be familiar with the US television programme Flipping Out, in which the main participant, Jeff Lewis runs a property refurbishment business from home. Whilst I find some of his behaviour bizarre to say the least, I do identify with his attention to detail. Emily Evans Eerdsman wrote about this trait in the designer David Hicks, (follow the link to the New York Social Diary). I think if you don't pay attention to the detail, the whole thing falls apart.

Tea ceremony

2011-06-28T19:37:00.003+07:00

I'm sure the rest of the world is blissfully unaware that a general election will take place in Thailand on Sunday, the third of July. Voters have the opportunity to vote then, but they also had the opportunity to do so last Sunday, for those who do not live in their constituency.

This procedure is accompanied by a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol on the day preceding voting, and the day of voting, whether one can, (I can't), or not.

We had a friend visiting from abroad over the weekend, and he invited us to dine on Saturday night. It only occurred to me much nearer the event that it was unlikely that we could have glass of wine with dinner, and I thought this a rather irksome situation of many that apply for no apparently good reason. Preprandial was fine, as we gathered chez nous for cocktails, and I then began to ring around various establishments to ascertain whether wine would be served. Several said "no" outright, others hedged, and some positively agreed to do so. Naturally we chose a restaurant with the affirmative answer.

When we arrived at the designated restaurant and ordered from the wine list I was asked to go to the bar to taste the selected bottle. It was then decanted into a teapot and served at the table, and poured into pretty Japanese teacups. Such was the success of this process that we had to order another pot of tea, to replenish that which was obviously too cold, (or more realistically, empty). As the old adage goes, "necessity is the mother of invention".

After our dinner we ventured to our usual watering holes, where the blanket requirements aforementioned were completely irrelevant. The only downside is that unfortunately this allowed for a very very late night.

I felt as though I was living vicariously through an episode of Boardwalk Empire.

Although ours was not Fornasetti's architettura teapot, (pictured), I did see one today and was reminded of my evening, and the beauty of his style.

That map again

2011-06-23T15:33:00.001+07:00

About a year and a half ago we, (as in those in my blogosphere) were all about the reproduced Etienne Turgot map of Paris, so I was amused to see an older version, c.1900 for sale at auction recently in South Carolina at Charlton Hall auction house. It sold for USD2,400.

The particulars of the lot are:

Description: Monumental Turgot bird's-eye view map of Paris, after Louis Bretez and Claude Lucas circa 1900, spectacular uncolored view, mounted as four-panel screen.

overall framed H98" W127" framed panel size: H98" W31 3/4"

Provenance: West Virginia, private collection.

As referenced by Geographicus Fine Antiques Maps:

Louis Bretez (fl. 1700-1740) was a French born sculptor and painter active in the early 18th century. Bretez was a member of the Academie Royale de Peinture et Sculpture in Paris where he specialized in perspective with regard to architecture. Bretez's greatest achievement was his production, with Claude Lucas, of the monumental Turgot Plan of Paris. This spectacular map, one of history's greatest achievements of urban cartography, occupied Bretez from 1734 to 1739. It depicts Paris from a bird's eye perspective with extraordinary detail to the level of individual buildings and trees.

Michel-Etienne Turgot (1690-1751) was a French businessman and civil administrator in the first half of the 18th century. From 1729 to 1740 he held the mayor-like office of Prevot des Marchands de Paris ("Master of the merchants of Paris") under King Louis XV. Turgot's greatest claim to fame is his commissioning of Louis Bretez to assemble the spectacular Turgot Plan of Paris, one of the greatest feats of urban cartography ever undertaken. Turgot's more famous son, Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, attained prominence as a statesman and economist under Louis the XVI.

Alphonse Taride (fl. 1850-1930) was a prolific Paris based publisher active in the late 19th and early 20th century. Publishing as "A. Taride", the firm produced a large corpus of work including numerous maps, tourist guides, and pocket plans of different parts of France. With the advent of the automobile and improved roadways in the early 20th century, the name "Taride" became synonymous with high quality roadmaps. Taride has his offices at 18-20 Boulevard St. Denis, Paris.

I thought the display of the map in four panels might be an interesting alternative to framing 25 individual sheets, which is how the Conran map is sold. Mine is still all wrapped up and awaiting the monumental wall space in my large chateau, (in the sky).

A question of attribution

2011-06-19T11:31:00.005+07:00

'Vision of Cathay', by George Chinnery 1774-1852

watercolour, 9"x13"

This watercolour which is described as being by George Chinnery, whose self portrait is hereunder,

is of Hong Kong Island (in the foreground) and entitled "Vision of Cathay" (British installation on Hong Kong Island, c. 1841). Cathay was an alternative name for China, which has largely fallen out of use. Hong Kong was formally ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. The stretch of water is what was later named Victoria Harbour, and the mountains in the distance are the nine dragons, (Kowloon), with the highest peak that of Taimoshan. It is possible that the building in the foreground is Flagstaff House, mentioned in a recent post. The buildings to the right are the first offices of the trading Hong, Jardine Matheson.

I was lucky enough to secure this picture at auction recently, but it has been sent to my storage in Scotland, and I have not yet been able to examine it closely, or indeed to get anyone to produce a photograph that will do it justice, (since rectified, as above).

Many of Chinnery's pictures were unsigned, but given the style it is considered to be by him. In researching its provenance I discovered that it was once in the collection of Sir Bruce Ingram, the son of the founder of The Illustrated London News, and himself a connoisseur of drawings and watercolours.

A photograph of Hong Kong in 1870, although much later and after some reclamation, shows a similar aspect of the harbour, and Kowloon in the foreground.

Gloria in excelsis Deo

2011-06-17T11:21:00.000+07:00

I have renovation on the mind. Not only our rather modest renovation of the condominium where we live in Bangkok, which is proceeding noisily as I type, or indeed the renovation, or restoration of Dumfries House. We are now considering sprucing up a few aspects of our own apartment. And now this article from the Telegraph describes the completion of the restoration of St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. This as you will note took 15 years, and I'm rather hoping our little project will be a bit swifter. The engraving is of the completed design by Sir Christopher Wren.

Senior service

2011-06-10T09:43:00.000+07:00

HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, KG (Knight of the Garter), KT (Knight of the Thistle), OM (Order of Merit), GBE (Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire), AC (Companion of the Order of Australia), QSO (Companion of The Queen’s Service Order), PC (Privy Counsellor), born 10 June 1921.

90 Facts about Prince Philip. In the words of Her Majesty the Queen: "He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know."

It's remarks like these that have really endeared many including myself to today's newly annointed nonagenarian, especially: ‘You are a woman, aren’t you?’ to a Kenyan woman in 1984, after accepting a state gift.

Making an entrance

2011-06-08T19:25:00.000+07:00

The entrance is one of the aspects I like most about the house where we were staying recently in Hong Kong. This pleasant feature is much aided and abetted by the light from the cupola. The walls are polished plaster, and a number of the furnishings are Chinese, including the long pine alter table with two large famille verts vases converted into lamps, and the antique Chinese rugs.

I previously showed the hall and entrance to the drawing room in this post, last year.

Clearly since these photographs were taken we've made an exit, and returned to our own home. But the break has achieved its objective - to see things in a different, (and positive) perspective. So much so that a recent plan to swan off to France in a couple of weeks is just too adjacent, and has been shelved for the time being.

Unfreezing Dumfries

2011-06-05T11:22:00.000+07:00

For anyone who is a lover of Palladian and Adam and Chippendale, this article from The Telegraph and its pictures will make your heart sing. A trip there is clearly going to be on my itinerary the next time I'm in Scotland.

The iLife

2011-06-02T14:29:00.002+07:00

I am not overly enthralled by technology, in so far as I do not feel the need to have the latest gadget. For some months we have been in discussion about buying an iPod to plug in to our aging but efficient hi-fi system. It was to buy just that when we were shopping in Hong Kong recently. But our eye was caught by the iPad 2, and after realising this could perform that function and also be a much less cumbersome piece of kit for travelling, we set about inquiring how we might obtain one.

A shop we have used before claimed that it was getting a new supply in, so we asked that we be notified. Of course this never happened, but last Friday after persistent enquiry the salesman said they would be getting them at 5 pm. A later enquiry at 5 pm suggested they would be in store at 6 pm, and at 6.30 pm we were assured that they were in stock, so we hot-footed it down to Central, only to be told that they were still stock-taking. (Driving from the Peak to Central in Hong Kong on a Friday evening is not usually a good idea). Anyway, we paid for it, and picked it up the following morning.

After a bit of heated discussion between ourselves yesterday, we were able to set up the iTunes/iPod functions, and hey presto, we now have an additional source of music, and probably a number of other things, when we've worked out what it can do. As you can see it is a very portable device, smaller than and as thin as a Sotheby's catalogue.

One of my occasional bouts of iNsomnia occurred last night, so the more old fashioned eye pad will be in greater use today.

Absolusion

2011-06-01T14:55:00.001+07:00

I was delighted by the design effort used on this bottle of Absolut vodka, whereby the label is reversed, and only correctly readable from the other side of the bottle. The theme is enhanced by a cocktail recipe, which has to be viewed in the silvered mirror on the adjoining disc.

Like the evening that followed, there were elements of Absolut power corrupting Absolut-ly.

(From what I've heard.)

China trading

2011-05-31T12:49:00.001+07:00

It seemed appropriate that I should leave bids on these two pictures at auction during my recent visit to southern China.

Both pictures are Chinese, late 18th/early 19th century, ink and colour on paper, the top the view of a butcher's shop, with a pen holding a sheep and a goat, back of the shop with large vessels on a shelf, a sheep's carcass and meat hanging from hooks on a rod, shop owner chopping ribs as a customer waits, man with baskets of radishes outside, 12 x 15-1/8 in.; in modern gilt wood frame,

the lower picture shows the interior view of a poultry shop, chickens and geese in cages and pens, a display of flattened ducks and other items hanging from a rod, a man delivering baskets of live egrets as another man processes a bird, shop owner behind counter, a customer purchasing a chicken, 12 x 15-1/4 in.; modern gilt wood frame.

These were sold as two lots, and ideally you would want to secure them accordingly.

What is therefore surprising is that the top picture achieved USD900 and the lower one USD2,600. I did not secure either, and I am relieved because one without the other would have been annoying. I do think both prices are the worrying side we are witnessing in Chinese art.

Fish in water

2011-05-29T12:39:00.000+07:00

It has been fun to sightsee in the intervening periods between serious purposes, such as visiting the tailor. He has very kindly obliged and completed our orders yesterday, which means we have no excuse to linger longer than our scheduled departure.

In a city with extraordinary wealth, it is a complete contrast to see some old skills still being hammered out; herewith the manufactury of letter boxes.

And the contrast of zany pattern on the side of a high rise residential building, and the former Flagstaff House in Hong Kong Park, which once overlooked Victoria Harbour.

The koi in a pool eloquently reminding me that our permanent resident status means we are not fish out of water in our former home.

On a silver platter

2011-05-26T14:05:00.001+07:00

Our time in Hong Kong seems to be passing very quickly, and tomorrow we will have been here a week. It's tempting to extend, and our visit to the tailor may require that, if he is not able to complete our orders by our scheduled departure.

In the meantime we are literally basking in the sun on the first seriously gorgeous day weather-wise. This morning we hiked the trail up behind the house, and returned for a spot of lunch on the verandah. Later on this afternoon we intend to swim, although the temperature is remarkably cool, so that may only be one of those thoughts that count.

It is a huge privilege to be able to stay at this house, and avoid the bustle of a city with serious ADD, and given our social schedule, this is the first day we have been able to indulge in the beauty and the quietude afforded by the paradise where we are residing.

Last night we took advantage of tickets very kindly provided by a friend, to visit the Hong Kong International Art Fair, but it was very oversubscribed, so we made the quick ten minute tour, and hot-footed it to a bar near to where we were meeting friends for dinner.

The silver tray table is a recent acquisition of the owner, which seems to aptly sum up the service and lifestyle we are enjoying.

Dust to dust

2011-05-17T15:47:00.000+07:00

Corridor renovation in progress

Corridor pre-renovation

Pool renovation in progress

with men at work

Pool pre-renovation

I was waiting in vain for my post of 11 May entitled Dust to dust to be restored, after Blogger went barmy at the end of last week, and removed it. But it has disappeared into the ether. In it I was lamenting the fact that our maid's temporary but lengthy absence has coincided with the long overdue renovation at the condo. Whilst of course I am happy that has at last begun, the work in one of the priority areas, (the corridors), has meant that dust is more plentiful than usual, and my enthusiasm for removing it has waned. The renovation does seem to be taking an inordinately long time for two reasons - one there seems to be an unusual system to the scheduling, and two there are a great number of public holidays in May, on which days no work is allowed to take place.

Anyway, enough of this malarkey. It's time to retrace our footsteps taken one year ago on 16 May, when in less happy circumstances, we evacuated from Bangkok during the civil unrest, and hightailed it up to Hong Kong. This year we are leaving for less dramatic reasons. The need for a break, both from the dust and the lack of domestic assistance, which will be more than adequately taken care of at the house on the peak, and the current lack of swimming facilities, by the pool at said house.

Dust to dust is perhaps a more prescient title than I realised.

Lazy boys

2011-05-05T13:09:00.001+07:00

My recent acquistion of two chaises longue for the prime purpose of watching television required a bit of adjustment to the cushion arrangement, and two large back cushions were made to my order, as well as two additional low rectangular ones. I'm pleased to say these changes are a success, and made viewing the royal wedding for more hours than are probably good for anyone, an enjoyable and thoroughly relaxed experience.

As I'm now the maid pro tem, I hope my commendations about such work being good for the soul will bear fruit, and I can polish my halo more frequently than polishing furniture.

Lazy boys have become busy boys.

Cambridge blues and royals

2011-04-30T14:08:00.000+07:00

King William IV by Sir Martin Archer Shee, c 1800

1765-1837. King from 1830-37

There are not many similarities between the last King William and the new Duke of Cambridge who will one day become the next King William. The title conferred upon him by the Queen was not the one I thought, (Clarence), but rather that which William IV's younger brother held.

But both William IV and Prince William of Wales do seem to favour a more frugal lifestyle to the person who was their predecessor, (George IV in William IV's case, and Prince Charles whom we assume will be Prince William's predecessor as king).

These historical pointers notwithstanding, the one attribute that struck me as a casual observer, was what manly men both princes William and Harry are, compared to their father and uncles. This is enhanced by their almost indifference to the status which they hold, a trait not unlike their grandmother.

Okay, enough already.

Fighting fit

2011-04-28T13:08:00.002+07:00

An impromptu dîner à deux on Saturday night after a fraught day, ended up in a bar where we met Christian Develter, some of whose paintings we went to look at yesterday at his studio near the Chao Phrya river in Bangkok. The bar meeting was not only a chance encounter, but one that was rather blurred and resulted in me feeling a shade of blue the next morning not unlike the Javanese boxer depicted above.

Happily this rather unwelcome state of health did not linger too long and I am not singing the blues, (or indeed belting out the arias quite like la Callas might have).

The frustration of last Saturday's proceedings, (a condo EGM and AGM) might have needed a good scream to get it off my chest.

But instead I am feeling calm, and indeed rather cheerful about life. Do check out Chris's work on his website. The large canvases certainly create a dramatic statement in any interior.

What's in a name?

2011-04-26T10:34:00.002+07:00

Clarence House, London

Clarence House was built between 1825-1827 to a design by John Nash, and commissioned by the Duke of Clarence, who became King William IV in 1830. There has been specualtion about the title that will be conferred on Prince William on the day of his marriage, (so as to provide his wife with a title and name). The royal dukedom of Clarence is one such name mentioned, and it would indeed be an interesting repeat, as William will accede to the throne as King William V.

The popular press will doubtless continue to call Catherine "Kate", just as they called the late Princess of Wales "Princess Diana". Neither were born royal princesses, so they cannot correctly use that nomenclature.

Clarence House is attached to St James's Palace, and shares gardens with that property. It underwent extensive renovations after the death of Queen Elizabeth, who had lived there from 1953 until 2002. It is now the London residence of the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and will remain the London residence of the newlyweds.

Images of the interior of the house can be seen on the British Monarchy website here.

My photograph is from a visit to London in autumn 2008. It is perhaps surprising to note the very minimal security, in the person of one sentry.