• Fall 2025 : China
    The locals' dance/exercise group.
    They all pulled us in with them.The locals & tourists: we couldn't speak each other's language, yet we were all able to communicate.A different version of those fun lions.These were all built 1/2-size.Chinese are known for their lacquer & silk works. That big screen back there: ¥68,800 (~US$9,700).The attention to detail is nothing short of astonishing.This piece is ~4.5' x 2.5' and costs ¥88,880 (~US$12,500).¥18,880 (~US$2,650)Looks like a singing, but this too is all silk threads. ¥18,000 (~US$2,500).¥39,800 (~US$5,600).This is a floor stand, ~4'H x 5'W: ¥268,000 (~US$37,600).A little larger than the peacock: ¥1,388,000 (~US$195,000).All silk, but the colors are different (pink on one side, white on reverse) w/ NO VISIBLE KNOTS!!Same flower, blue on one side pink on reverse.

    Dancing locals, Terra Cotta Museum, Silk

    October 11 in China ⋅ 🌧 57 °F

    Morning visit to Xingqing Park -- a hub of local activity where there a groups who regularly start their day together in exercise, singing &/or dance. We had an opportunity to join in on a local morning dance/music gathering. On the other side of the park, our guide's mother was engaged in an exercise group with whom she has participated every day for the past 25 years. (!)
    We then went to the Terra Cotta Museum to view the bronze chariots & horses (~1 mile from the warriors). It seems carving large-scale sculptures of bronze is 'easy' and the real skill is carving smaller pieces. As such, the Emperor had these chariots & horses carved at 1/2-size of real life; he was, in effect, 'showing off'.
    After the museum we headed to the silk shop for the requisite tourist-shopping experience. The silk creations were aMAZing (as were some of the prices). All were true works of art!!    Read more