The Young Medics

Great to have so many young medics from Taiwan in the clinic.  Lots of sharing.  Very enthusiastic bunch.  They are on a study tour and will be visiting the Orang Asli camps.  

Happy learning and Happy holiday!

Pewter Pitcher

Pewter is primarily an alloy of tin, with small amounts of other metals for durability.  Modern pewter is lead-free and safe to use. It consists of 95% tin, along with copper and antimony.  Pewter is easy to shape.

The first pewter pitchers were produced in Europe, where they served wine and provided water during travel, especially on boats and ships.  Pewter pitchers remained popular throughout early American history, serving water, milk, and other beverages in homes.  During the Victorian era, they were used for social gatherings and parties.

 

Quill Pen

 

Quill pens have a rich history dating back to the 6th century. These elegant writing tools were widely used during the Middle Ages and even played a role in significant historical moments. Crafted from bird feathers, particularly those of swans, geese, and turkeys, quill pens were prized for their durability and ability to hold ink. Writers would sharpen the feather's tip, hollow out a small section to hold ink, and then dip it into an ink bottle. The quill pen's reign eventually gave way to fountain pens, which allowed continuous writing without frequent ink refills. Still, the quill pen remains a symbol of education, literature, and artistic expression.

The addition of a metal nib to quill pens occurred during the 17th century. This innovation allowed for more precise writing and improved ink flow. The metal nib replaced the traditional feather tip, making quill pens even more versatile. 

Candelabra

The word “candelabra” originated from Latin, where “candēlābrum” (candela, candle, -b(a)rum, holder) means a “candlestick.”

The earliest recorded candelabra dates back to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. These candelabras were typically made of bronze and served as candle holders with multiple arms. 

In modern times, electricity has relegated candleholders to decorative use. Interior designers still draw inspiration from candelabra and candlesticks when creating light fixtures and accessories.

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Teapot.

 

Large Chinese Blue and White porcelain teapot. 

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Teapot.

 

A Chinese porcelain teapot with a spout and handle, decorated in cobalt-blue to both sides with dragon design.

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain. Bird Rice Wine Flask.

Blue and white porcelain with bird spout design and motifs of phoenixes. The blue and white color combination signifies purity and sophistication. These flasks were not only functional vessels but also symbols of status and taste.

Blue and white porcelain gained prominence during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and reached its zenith in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

 

Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase.

The blue and white Chinese porcelain vases have a fascinating history.

1. Ancient Mesopotamian Influence: Underglaze blue and white pottery was initially introduced by the ancient Mesopotamians, who used cobalt oxide pigment to imitate lapis lazuli. Later, during the Islamic Abbasid Caliphate, blue and white pottery gained popularity across the Middle East.

2. Chinese Beginnings: The very first blue and white pottery in China emerged during the early Tang dynasty (618–907 AD) in Henan. However, these early pieces were earthenware rather than porcelain.

3. Yuan Dynasty Innovations: As cobalt arrived in China via the Silk Road, Yuan dynasty potters experimented with it. The porous surface of the vessels required precise brushwork. Initially greyish black, the heat of glazing transformed the cobalt into a brilliant blue.

4. Ming Dynasty Transformation: When the Ming dynasty began in 1368, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor) shifted from the detailed Islamic style to a dominant Chinese style.

 In this vase, do you see the face of a person in the tree?

 

Chinese Jade Peach Bonsai Tree.

A Chinese jade peach bonsai tree is a delightful and symbolic creation. These miniature trees often feature coral-colored hardstone peaches and leaves made of nephrite jade. They're not only visually appealing but also carry cultural significance. In Chinese culture, the peach symbolizes longevity and immortality. 

Chinese Ceramics. Hexagonal Plant Pot with Saucer.

 

The hexagonal ceramic plant pot style has a rich history dating back centuries. It gained prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) in China. Crafted by skilled artisans, these pots featured intricate designs, often incorporating blue and white patterns or floral motifs. They were not only functional but also served as decorative pieces. Over time, this style has continued to evolve, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

TOBE @ 15 Clarke Street. Exhibit: Artifacts

Zao 1.0

ZAO 1.0 by Ipoh Women Ceramicists.  An exhibition at 22 Hale Street. 

Some of the affordable ceramics created by young artists. Very talented indeed. 

I like this one. 

Catching on with designs of old cave paintings. 

So cute.  Will live much longer than the real ones in a fish bowl. 

Sleeping beauties.

Very imaginative.

The plants on top the sculptured buildings are real.

Keep off.  Once broken, considered sold!

Great pieces to collect.

Very life like.

The artist's profile.

Transformation!!

 

Self-Publishing - An Introduction

 

An informal talk sponsored by Lahat Road YMCA.  Self publishing is fulfilling and not complicated. The simplest is to publish a family photo book as a legacy project.

To view video recording:  Click Here. Click Here. 

My Plumbago plant.

 

I have been having this plant for a long, long time.  A real beauty and needs little care.

The Plumbago plant, scientifically known as Plumbago auriculata, is a beautiful shrub that's also referred to as the Cape plumbago or sky flower. 

Origin: It is native to South Africa and thrives in warm climates.

Size: In its natural habitat, it can grow between 6 to 10 feet tall with a similar spread.

Appearance: Plumbago is known for its sprawling branches that resemble vines and is prized for its profusion of blue phlox-like flowers.

Growth Conditions: It blooms best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil but isn't too fussy about the soil type.

Hardiness: It's a hardy plant that, once established, is drought-resistant and has few pests or diseases.

Care: The plant may become leggy, so occasional pruning is part of its care. However, excessive pruning can reduce blooming.

Propagating the Plumbago plant can be done through several methods, including stem cuttings, root cuttings, and seeds. Here's a step-by-step guide for each method:

Best to propagate the plant by stem cuttings.

Stem Cuttings:

1. Take 3 to 4-inch long cuttings from a healthy Plumbago plant.

2. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.

3. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

4. Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight until roots develop.

5. Once rooted, transplant them to a larger pot or your garden.

Heritage Gallery by Old Town White Coffee

The new building looks great at night.  Like the high arched windows. The gallery is at the top floor.  

Bobo Chacha with their own peculiar mix of ingredients. Came in a single bowl.  Asked for another bowl to share the goodie. 

Ginger chicken rice.

Ground floor near the main counter.  The staircase is just beyond.  There is no lift for the elderly to visit the heritage gallery upstairs.

The side entrance with the main counter on the right.

Some old pics showing people making coffee.  Perhaps the original brew. 

Another sitting area on the mezzanine floor.

Old Town Earth Cafe.  Not sure what it is all about regarding the Earth.  

The Gallery.  All about local coffee stuff. 

This is the store where one can buy coffee home. 

Area to sample coffee products on sale.  No barista today.

A view of the street below from the veranda on the highest floor. 

Interesting place to visit.  Grandiose building!