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Pipe Dreams: The Opulence of Chinese Opium Accessories
Continue ReadingBeginning in the 18th century, recreational opium smoking became an entire culture unto itself, replete with beautifully crafted paraphernalia that provided an opportunity to express one’s taste and aesthetic refinement. We’re honored to have recently become stewards of a vast collection of antique Chinese opium accessories. A feat of collecting that took a decade to […]
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As You Wish: The Ruyi Symbol and Magical Mushrooms in Chinese & Japanese Decorative Arts
Continue ReadingIn modern pop culture, “as you wish” is the catchphrase of secretive pirates and all-powerful genies. Say it aloud at a party, and film fans will immediately think of Wesley’s devotion to Buttercup in The Princess Bride. It’s a phrase from fiction, one that builds on our fascination with objects and people that could magically […]
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Moon Garden Magic with Jeanne Nolan
Continue ReadingJeanne Nolan of the The Organic Gardener is known for creating gardens that are as nurturing as they are beautiful. For Nolan, a home garden can be touchstone of daily life: a source of food and cut flowers, a place of meditation and play, and an endless source of creative inspiration. Like us, Nolan is […]
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MK Pritzker at PAGODA RED: A Celebration of Illinois Design
Continue ReadingIn his introduction to A House That Made History, designer Michael Smith describes Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker as a “dynamic and deeply engaging” couple. Their longtime friend is spot-on, as our community discovered with Mrs. Pritzker at PAGODA RED as she signed copies of her new book with Rizzoli. A House […]
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Luxe Life: The Custom Homes of Chinese Songbirds
Continue Reading“Songbirds brush the eaves in flight and fish dart through the waterweed, men of elegance and taste, apprehending their nature, do not weary of watching them all day long.” – Wen Zhenheng, translated by Tony Blishen The practice of keeping a small songbird as a pet is a longstanding tradition in China dating back to […]
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Yaji Gardens: Antidotes to Modern Life
Continue ReadingIn ancient China, elaborate gardens were closely associated with the upper class—who enjoyed palatial estates and grounds stocked with rare flora and fauna. But a new, more intimate garden gained popularity during the Mongol occupation (in the late 13th and early 14th century). In concert with a renewed emphasis upon the arts, the spaces—designed specifically […]
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Travelogue: Following The Tea Horse Trail to Tibetan Art
Continue ReadingThe Tea Horse Trail is the southern equivalent of the historic Silk Road trading route. As the name suggests, the Tea Horse, which first emerged during the Tang Dynasty, was used to ferry tea from Southern China up to Tibet.There, it was traded for Tibetan horses and salt. On a memorable mother-son trip, PAGODA RED founder […]
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Wabi Sabi: Real Love & Perfect Imperfection
Continue ReadingRemember the Velveteen Rabbit? In the famous children’s book, a boy takes the stuffed rabbit everywhere: out to picnics on the grass, into the garden, and into bed, where it sleeps with the boy every night. The more love wears off on the rabbit, the shabbier it gets, and the closer it comes to the goal of becoming “real.” The Velveteen […]
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The Art of Incense with Cinnamon Projects
Continue ReadingA beautiful object creates a moment, whether it’s a sculpture that draws you into conversation or a Qing peachbloom vase filled with complementing peonies. Few objects, however, create the impact of an incense censer. Alone, a great censer, also known as a burner, is an objet d’art. But alight with fragrant, gentle incense, the censer transforms […]
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Red Alert: Spirit Tea
Continue ReadingCoffee is a drink that seems tailor made for the rush of modern life — whether it’s a quick shot of powerful espresso, or a latte to go. Tea, on the other hand, does not care to be rushed. Tea asks for more: a kettle, some patience and time. Taylor Cowan and Jordan Scherer, co-founders […]
