Blue and White Porcelain Vase Bookmark

Reading is also one of my interests but I just start to collect bookmark.  On the last day of my Xi'an Trip (25/12/2012), I bought this Blue and White Porcelain Vase Bookmark from Muslim Market which is located opposite to Citadines, the hotel where I stayed.

Since I did not check baggage, I almost had to leave it behind in Xi'an because of its bladelike shape.  I then explained to an official at the immigration counter that it's a bookmark I bought from a souvenir shop and I love it so much.  Finally a young official (man) seemed to understand an old lady and allowed me to carry this bookmark with me on the plane.

It has already been used once when I read Thai novel about Chinese Dress (Chi-p'ao or Qipao in Thai; Cheongsam in English).

Jade Bracelet

Jade has a long history in China, and is note for its strength, beauty, ethereal power. The Chinese word for jade is "Yu" meaning "one who rules".  It is a Chinese culture for parents to give their daughters jade bracelets because they believe the jade bracelet will protect them from evil and disaster.

Jade bracelet is also good for one’s health because of the chemical elements it contained. When worn for long time, it will promote one’s blood circulation.

On my trip to Xi'an (November 2012), my son in law's mother bought two of  this white jade bracelet from a souvenir shop outside the Terracotta tomb and gave one to me.  I was very impressed to receive a souvenir from the one travelling together on the same trip even though it has not been unearthed from the tomb.

Mirror

I visited Xi'an, China during 19/11/2012 - 25/11/2012.  It was a backpack tour.
Bought this as a souvenir to my friends. 

I keep this one for myself

The lady at the front of the mirror represents YANG GUI FEI who was known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his later years.

Teapot

Miniature chrome teapot

Tea is the Britain's number one drink. The British have been the largest per capita tea consumers in the world.

You may have heard the word "high tea". I used to believe that high tea involves things like manners, lace and dainty foods. After doing some research when I wanted to post this miniature chrome teapot, this is what I learnt.

High tea is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. It is also known as meat tea. High tea usually consists of cold meats, eggs or fish, cakes and sandwiches.

The term “high tea” was originally used to distinguish it from “low tea” or afternoon tea. Low tea was served in a sitting room where low tables (coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs. The word high referred to a table such as a dining room table and it would be loaded with dinner dishes like meats, cheese, breads, shepherd's pie or steak and kidney pie.

This is one of my collectibles from England brought to me by my eldest daughter.

Balalaika

Balalaika is a stringed musical instrument of Russian origin and is a traditional symbol of Russian culture. Balalaika has always been an original gift for guests of all Russia, who are interested in Russian folk music.

Balalaikas come in number of sizes. The smallest is The Piccolo Balalaika; The Prima is the most common size. It is approximately two and one-half feet in length. There are two more larger sizes, i.e. The Second and Alto Balalaikas. Since the real balalaika is rather large and it is not always convenient to carry, a miniature balalaika is therefore the best option to serve as a souvenir.

Another magnet collectibles from my eldest daughter.

Switzerland Cow Bell

A cow bell is a bell worn by freely roaming livestock, so they don't run away without being heard. While bells were used on various types of animals, they are typically referred to as "cowbells" due to their extensive use with cattle.


This red metal cow bell was added to my collectibles in the year 2007 by my colleague, Pi Yao who claims that 80% of my collectibles (excluding what have been bought by my daughters) came from her. Um, may be she's right.