Presents from the Future

One of best things about Will coming home is he comes home with PRESENTS.  They are reflective of some of the best art and crafts from the area.  In Kuala Lumper, one speciality is pewter.  Being in the Orient, they also are tea experts. So, meld the two traditions together and Will brought home a beautiful pewter tea caddy, from Royal Selangor International. 

The caddy he bought called is the Four Gentlemen because of the decorative sides. In Chinese art the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum are known as the Four Gentlemen. 

The bamboo (to the left) is pliant yet strong, alluding to resilience and humility, its tall stem seeming to represent the pursuit of excellence.  The chrysanthemum (on the right) is said to personify simplicity, honesty, and perfection. 

The plum blossom (on the left) is able to withstand the cold of winter, and symbolizes perseverance, courage, and willpower.  The orchid (to the right) is admired for its beauty and fragrance and represents a perfect cultured individual. 

The company visited the show Will was running and he got to take his hand at working some pewter.  He hammered out a bowl with our initials. It is really pretty and handmade!