Museum in Lotus Special: Chinese New Year 2022 Part 3

On 19th February 2022, the 19th day in the Lunar year of the Tiger, Lotus on Water galleries celebrated Chinese New Year. Mr Pino DE Giosa (P), who features in the Museum in Lotus 莲中博物 documentary series, together with Ashley Sim (A), help us appreciate the rare antiques that was used in the re-blessing ceremony. 

Let us spend some time to appreciate these artefacts,  and understand how they add value to the re-blessing ceremony and bring even more huatness to our Lotus on Water galleries.

A: Hello everyone, I am Ashley and together with Mr Pino, we are going to introduce the Hibachi.

P: The Hibachi is a brazier which holds charcoal. In another words, its purpose is to create warmth during the winter.

P: This hand carved Hibachi dates back to the Edo period (江户时代) in Japan, between 1803 to 1867. The beautiful grain of this hollow wood takes centuries to form. The Japanese use a technique called Maki-e (日语:蒔絵まきえ), a lacquer decoration tachnique in which patterns are drawn with lacquer, and then iridescence from shellfish is sprinkled and fixed on the surface of the Hibachi. This a very complex process to master and produce, so this beautiful piece was certainly owned by an extremely wealthy family.

The inside of this Hibachi is made with copper because copper is not a strong conductor of heat, which helps to preserve the external wooden shell. The copper internal is all hand beaten. Notice how its natural colour matches the exterior lacquered wood perfectly.

A: It is amazing how Master Yun uses items with such rich heritage and culture for all his re-blessing ceremonies. The level of thought and consideration into every detail is absolutely unbelievable. For customers of Lotus on Water, the value we get is priceless.

What is also priceless in my mind is this thousand hands sandalwood Guan Yin sculpture.

This specific sculpture belongs to Master Yun’s personal collection. In fengshui, Sandalwood is used to boost indirect wealth, creativity and inspiration. I personally think the level of detail in this sculpture fully justifies the $128,868 price tag, especially when we can keep it for generations to come.

For those of us who want the benefits of sandalwood at a more affordable price point, let me introduce the sandalwood imperial dragon pendant.

This design has been bought my many people during the pre-launch, and I believe stocks of this piece are running low and will not be reproduced. If you have not yet seen this in person, I strongly recommend you to make an appointment with Cola to witness the level of finishing and unique sandalwood scent of these pieces.

With that, we have come to the end of our session. My heartiest appreciation to you, Mr Pino, for joining me in hosting our CNY reblessing event today. I have learn a lot from you.

P: Thank you very much for having me as presenter. You are very kind.

Special thanks to Mr Pino and Ashley Sim for the knowledge and guidance.

Museum in Lotus Special: Chinese New Year 2022 Part 2

On 19th February 2022, the 19th day in the Lunar year of the Tiger, Lotus on Water galleries celebrated Chinese New Year. Mr Pino DE Giosa (P), who features in the Museum in Lotus 莲中博物 documentary series, together with Ashley Sim (A), help us appreciate the rare antiques that was used in the re-blessing ceremony. 

Let us spend some time to appreciate these artefacts,  and understand how they add value to the re-blessing ceremony and bring even more huatness to our Lotus on Water galleries.

A: Hello everyone, and welcome back to our mini Museum in Lotus session! Ashley again here with Mr Pino. We are now going to re-introduce the Pillar of Light that we used during the Winter Solstice re-blessing session last year in December and there is something very exciting I really need to share with you, Mr Pino.

P:Yes

(Pillar of Light with 91 rings in the day)

A: The first prize in today’s 4D draw is 9410, which uncannily also happened the last time we used the Pillar of Light during the winter solstice re-blessing ceremony. 

If you’re wondering about how did this number came about, in mandarin we say that the Pillar of Light has “九十一个位”, meaning that there are 91 vacancies for rings to be re-blessed on the Pillar of Light. The pronounciation of 91 in mandarin is similar to the pronounciation of the numbers 9-4-1.

And the basic shape of the ring is a circle, which numerically resembles the number zero, so the Pillar of Light having 91 vacancies for rings derived today’s 4D first prize winning number 9410!

P: Fantastic!

A: Our heartiest congratulations to all our customers who have bought this winning number. Understanding the immense power of this Pillar of Light, let’s now take a look at it in detail.

P:Thank you very much. First of all, this originates from the south of India, a state which is called Kerala. The reason that this is called the Pillar of Light is because it is a direct translation from its original Indian name. Are you wondering how this is so important to the Indian tradition and culture?

(Pillar of Light lit up in the night)

P: In the Indian culture, worshippers will pour oil in the lamp and light it up using wicks. Just imagine the beautiful sight of this gorgeous structure with all the lights! The underlying meaning is about light winning over darkness, and celebrating knowledge over ignorance.

A: Darkness, yes!

P: But it is not only limited to these dualities. It is also about celebration and happiness. I can very well envision many happy faces both in those days and also today going around appreciating the light and soaking in the good vibes.

It is an absolutely beatiful spectacle. Look at how the lamp is in the day adorned with a bed of fresh rose petals with 91 individually customised Lotus on Water signature Heaven and Earth jadeite rings for the re-blessing ceremony. After which, it is fully lit up and we witness the light literally dancing in the night.

Now, when you wear such a ring that has been designed using the teachings of fengshui and blessed to such a degree, it gives you an extra boost of power. And for those who have the oppportunity to wear two of these rings, its power grows to another level.

A: These are really awesome rings! And these team up with the Pillar of Light that chases away the darkness to bring victory and righteousness. There are even more symbols and unique features at the bottom of the Pillar of Light. For example, the turtle, the naga, and the snake at the bottom and the lion on top! 

We have more and more customers buying these rings, we call them the 双龙夺珠戒指, Double Dragon Heaven and Earth ring, a signature of Lotus on Water that is created by Master Yun. For anyone interested, you may reach out to Cola at 81378024 and fix an appointment with him to understand more about your life destiny, upgrade yourself, upgrade your luck, and upgrade your prosperity.

A: I sincerely hope our audience will have the opportunity to purchase these rings because there are many customers who bought these rings and can testify that they indeed work. Wearing the ring on different fingers evoke different blessings. The middle finger boosts direct wealth and prosperity, and the baby finger attracts benefectors and converts obstacles to opportunities. Since so many people have achieved that, I’m sure you can too if you give yourself the chance! 

Mr Pino, is there anything else that you wish to share about this Pillar of Light?

P: I just want to say one more word and I leave you all in peace.  We must remember that the lion represents power. Therefore the transmission of power is not only through the re-blessing by Master Yun, but also from the Pillar of Light as these ring sit on the beautiful lamp. The lion stands for power, courage, and positive force.

A: In summary, wearing the Lotus on Water signature Double Dragon Heaven and Earth jadeite ring will boost the wearer’s courage, power and positive force. Congratulations again to all our customers who have placed your rings on this gorgeous Pillar of Light!

Special thanks to Mr Pino and Ashley Sim for the knowledge and guidance.

Museum in Lotus Special: Chinese New Year 2022 Part 1

On 19th February 2022, the 19th day in the Lunar year of the Tiger, Lotus on Water galleries celebrated Chinese New Year. Mr Pino DE Giosa (P), who features in the Museum in Lotus 莲中博物 documentary series, together with Ashley Sim (A), help us appreciate the rare antiques that was used in the re-blessing ceremony. 

Let us spend some time to appreciate these artefacts,  and understand how they add value to the re-blessing ceremony and bring even more huatness to our Lotus on Water galleries.

 

A: Hello everybody, welcome online and welcome to Lotus on Water galleries re-blessing ceremony! I am Ashley and together with me, we have  the antique expert, Mr Pino. Hello Mr Pino!

P: Thank you very much, It is a pleasure to be here with you and for a special occasion as tonight, we really have a unique and original re-blessing ceremony.

A: Yes! Thanks very much, so how are you feeling Mr Pino? This is our second time hosting such a segment together, right?

P: Very well. And yes, it is the second time we are hosting together. How are you?

A: I am feeling awesome because I know the re-blessing ceremony this time round is a new level-up from all our past events.

P: Yes.

A: For every single event, Master Yun and his team curates new ideas and finds new ways to help their customers reach another higher level of prosperity and elegance. The reason we are standing outside today is because we are going to introduce some antiques to our online audience through your expertise and do a close up on the Heart Sutra seals.

P: Fantastic. We are going to start with this beautiful Chinese table from the 19th century, from 1801 to 1889, within the Qing Dynasty (清代). It is a very interesting one. Now as we see the structure is relatively simple. It has a rectangular shape on the front, a gentle curve on the side, and a very fine column at the bottom.

P: Its predominantly black and reason why it is black is because it has beautifier lacquer applied, which must be layered at least 14 to 15 times. On top of this, we have an amazingly beautiful scenery. The level of detail make it look almost like a painting. When we look at the sculptures we notice dignitaries and aristocrats. Each one and every one is adorned in beautiful attire and mostly painted in gold. And if we look closely, these are slightly raised. Look at their faces!

P: If you take a look at the mountains, it is even more evident that they have been embossed. Now what else do we see in the dignitaries? Their beautiful attires are mostly in gold, which contrasts very beautifully against the dark coloured lacquer. Also, gold evokes a sense of exuberance.

A: Prosperity, and wealth!

P: Yes, now what else do we see? We see very common elements in the paintings of the Chinese during these centuries. Take a look at these beautiful trees.

A: Oh yes, I call these Chinese trees because I do not know what they are specifically called in English, but these are kind of trees we often see in Chinese paintings and calligraphy.

P: Absolutely right, then we see rocks.

A: And the prominent roof tops of palaces.

P:Yes, then we also see the repetition of houses from the other side. Notice how the figures are all standing on land and the background is basically black, which is representation of water. We need to understand what the symbol of water means for the Chinese.

A: Money?

P: It means money!

A: Which I love a lot! Apart from my husband, of course.

P: So again it is all about prosperity, it is all about the good vibes and a wonderful calming scenery.

A: Right, so Mr Pino, I assume such a table would belong to a wealthy family.

P: Extremely wealthy family.

A: And this is the table that Master Yun will be using later for the re-blessing ceremony. I shall not reveal too much details now, but we will be using stamping some seals.

P: Yes

A: Let me show you something interesting. Would you mind helping me hold the microphone?

(A opens the box of seals)

P: Amazing.

A: Absolutely! This is one of the five boxes that contain the full collection of Heart Sutra seals. In Buddhism, the Heart Sutra is also known as the heart of the perfection of wisdom sutra. Buddhists believe that chanting this sutra will bring you mindfulness, calmness, and helps to remove obstacles in life. Replacing negativity with a more calm and peaceful mind will in turn attract more prosperity and elegance.

Special thanks to Mr Pino and Ashley Sim for the knowledge and guidance.

Museum in Lotus Special: Winter Solstice Event Part 1 The Pillar Of Light

Master Yun always incorporates new and interesting concepts into his re-blessing sessions. And this Winter Solstice event was no different. Let us find out more with Ashley and Mr Pino!

Ashley (A): Hello, Thank you Mr Kan. Happy Winter Solstice to all who are online. I am Ashley and as what Mr Kan mentioned, we have with us the industry expert in antiques, Mr Pino to celebrate with us this wonderful Winter Solstice.

Mr Pino (P): Hi Ashley, Thank you Mr Kan for the invitation, together with Master Yun. It´s a pleasure for me to be here and to be able to a give a brief explanation of this wonderful pillar... lamp.

A: Yes, this is a very special pillar of light. Mr Pino would actually share with us later. So, what is so special about this today is that there are 91 unique rings from all our customers who are here which are placed on the Lotus petals and this itself is a very priceless antique. So over to you Mr Pino.

P: Ok, so just let me tell you the significance of the pillar of light. In other words, there was oil, wicks and therefore it would be illuminated. And its the kind of energy which i believe each and every ring will receive tonight from the blessing that will take place very shortly. At the base of this wonderful lamp, there is a turtle.

A: It's a magnificent turtle.

P: Yes, beautiful, it is holding the entire world and its holding the entire pillar of light.

A: Supporting it.

P: It's strong, it's full of energy, its solidity. At the same time, we have the Naga. The Naga in Indian culture, means serpents. They are demi-gods. They actually belong to the sun god. They are protectors of ancestral treasures, so they are here to protect every single ring. Over above, we have 7 wonderful dishes, these dishes are representing the lotus. And we are here at Lotus.

A: Ah yes, Lotus on Water. Actually, Lotus symbolises purity to me.

P: It also signifies rebirth and enlightenment. So many meanings. Now on top of that, we have this beautiful Raja. The Raja means the Lion. So what the qualities that this wonderful Raja is transmitting to the rings? Courage, confidence.

A Symbol of Power, The Raja

A: Oh, my husband needs that. *Laughs*

P: At the same time, power. As well as, it brings, in my opinion, extremely good energy and good luck. Look at the abundance of the petals. They are almost reminiscence of the light that would emanate from this 19th century, South Kerala lamp. The pillar of light.

A Mesmerizing Beacon of Purity

A: From India right?

P: Yes.

A: Ok, so maybe I can share with you and Mr Pino more about why the rings are on here. As mentioned previously by Mr Kan, there will be a very special re-blessing session. For this Winter solstice event, this is what will be going to be used. It is a valuable, priceless antique. With all its unique features, like the turtle at the bottom, which means to be in control, supporting. So its really for the clients to be in control of different aspects of their life. And there is also the Naga which is like when Buddha was meditating, a Naga was protecting him. So the Naga will protect the ring owners from the negative vibes, the negative energy. As well as the petals that will purify the powerful energy housed in the rings. So with Master Yun blessing, all the positive energy would infuse with the ring, making them even stronger.

A: It would be awesome if you stay with us and do remember to watch Master Yun's blessing at 5.28p.m. and whatever we mentioned just now may be part of the questions that Mr Kan and his team may ask. so back to you Mr Kan.

P: Thank You.

--YJ

Museum in Lotus Special: Winter Solstice Event Part 2 The Meiji Chest

Master Yun always incorporates new and interesting concepts into his re-blessing sessions. And this Winter Solstice event was no different. Let us find out more with Ashley and Mr Pino!

Ashley (A): Hello, thank you Mr Kan again and welcome back to another mini session of Museum in Lotus with Mr Pino and Ashley, me. So before we start to introduce to them another treasure here that Master Yun had done his blessing just now with all the gold bars lookalike right? So just a reminder for all who are online, do remember to stay online with us till to the end of this session, because the session we are in may provide answers to some of the questions that will entitle u a chance to win the grand prize. So another introduction for them. The grand prize includes this book signed by Master Yun. And of course this basket of great prizes. There are champagne, some of the incense, as well as a book featuring Master Yun. As well as some little pixiu that are made of jadeite.

A: I will let the main stage Mr Kan to introduce. If you have seen and follow us so far, you would have noticed that during the re-blessing session, Master Yun was actually using a long brush, together with the red Vermillion and the Qinan powder to bless each and every gold bar like object. Mr Pino, do you know what is inside this box?

Pino (P): I think its incense?

A: Yes, you are very smart. So knowledge is king. This is something that you can buy to activate the energy in the 5 lucky directions of you house. As for the 5 lucky directions of your house, you would need message Cola or leave a message on Facebook to find out more about them. What comes inside the box is incense from different parts of the world. So lets come back to this to very nice looking chest of drawers. So Mr Pino, would you share more about this special antique.

P: With pleasure. But before I define or tell you about some of the more important characteristics of this chest, I would actually like to call this chest, the chest of wealth.

A: Chest of wealth? Wow!! I would love to have this.

The Five Path of Weath Incense

P: I would explain why is it called the chest of wealth, as we can examine the chest, there are 3 drawers. They are all of the same size. Let me tell you the period in which it was made was from 1868 to 1912 and it was during the Meiji era.

A: Ah, the Meiji era. It was like more than a century ago right?

P: Yes. Japan saw the abolishment of the caste system, the start of rapid industrialisation. A wonderful emperor who...

A: Transformed Japan right?

P: Yes, transformation. When we look at the 3 similar drawers, they have in common many things. first of all, the beauty of the ironwork, this is all hand-forged.

A: Handmade, you mean?

P: Yes, hand-forged, one by one. Of course there will be slight difference cause they are handmade, but not exactly the same thing.

A: It is exactly like how the fengshui paintings are like. Master Yun hand draws all his fengshui paintings and fengshui calligraphies. No one is the same, they may be similar but not the same.

P: When we look at this 3 circular strong hardware, we see 3 locks. This shows that this beautiful chest is used to store beautiful clothing, silk clothes. So they had to have simple mechanism to protect their treasures.

A: So, Mr Pino, you are saying that during the Meiji era, people who have this chest are usually from well to do families?

P: The aristocrats, the well to do people, you know.

A: Ya, and with their expensive kimonos or I should say silk kimonos is almost like Master Yun clothes just now if you noticed. it is made of red silk with golden threads. Very expensive stuff. Only well to do people have it.

P: And over here there is a smaller chest. as we can see there is another mechanism. Probably used to store accessories. And here is a small door when opened will reveal 2 smaller drawers.

A: It's just like a safety box right?

P: It is a safety box. You are absolutely right. All of this drawers have locks to store treasures that the family had. To conclude, a very beautiful chest. Made with soft wood. everything of the metalwork is handmade. Some are ornamental, while some are structural, for example here, this metalwork is used to hold the wood structure together. Finally, we have this little button is to let the handle to rest so that is will not damage the soft wood.

Mr Pino Explaining the Details on the Meiji Chest

A: Wow, what an insightful sharing by Mr Pino. Thank you Mr Pino.

P: Thank you, it was a pleasure.

A: So if you have bought the 5 paths of wealth incense and is over in the chest congratulations to you. Later we will share more about the 5 different lucky directions. But for now let us bring it back to Mr Kan and his little tigers!

P: Thank you.

--YJ

Museum in Lotus Special: Winter Solstice Event Part 3 Hsun-ok

Master Yun always incorporates new and interesting concepts into his re-blessing sessions. And this Winter Solstice event was no different. Let us find out more with Ashley and Mr Pino!

Ashley (A): Thank you again Mr Kan and the Little Tigers. This is the last session of our mini Museum in Lotus. Ok, Mr Pino, let us share with them a little bit about these two things that if you have been with watching with us so far, you would have noticed that when Master Yun was doing his reblessing and the sword display performance, he was actually using the top of the sword, which is so called the dragon head to point inwards to this, this item. I will let you explain what is this.

Mr Pino and Ashley Explaining the Hsun-ok's Material

Pino (P): Yes.

A: From there he was actually throwing this (throwing the flower petals into the air). Much more beautiful than the way I throw anyway. Pino, would you share with them more about this. Is very unique. A golden colour, a red colour and it seems like the material itself is very different.

Pino (P): I would like to summarise by saying that tonight we have presented three different objects.

A: Yeah.

P: From three different countries.

A: Yes.

P: We have presented something from India. We have presented something from Japan and now this is from Burma.

A: Which is Myanmar as well?

P: Correct!

A: Modern days.

P: What they actually have in common is the dating that they are all the 19th century.

A: Ok, more than a century for all these items. Oh my god! The way I touched it is like......

P: What they were used for? First of all, these were called the Hsun-ok.

A: Hsun-ok, Ok.

P: Now we can see that these have been used since the 13th century in Burma and these are offering containers which actually ladies either wearing them on top of their heads or around their arms bringing into the monastery.

A: Ah yes, because Burma or Myanmar is Buddhist countries right?

P: Correct.

A: We have seen like a lot of monasteries all over the countries.

P: Yes.

A: In Yangon, in Mandalay, in Bagan. These are something that they bring. And to put their offerings inside.

P: Yes, to put their offerings.

A: Ok.

The Gold and Red Hsun-ok

P: Now, why would they bring this to the monasteries? And to the monks?

A: Yes. It was like....very possible. Haha.

P: To gain merits. This was the reason.

A: Ok.

P: Now what did they contain? They contained actually food.

A: Ok.

P: So they were actually feeding. It was an act of charity towards the monks.

A: Oh, yes, yes, yes.

P: And only the very wealthy family would be able to afford to buy something like this.

A: Only very wealthy family.

P: Only very wealthy family.

A: I see.

P: The differences between the two of them is evident. First of all, I would like to underline that this one in red is more rural. It's not as refined. It's not as beautiful. It's not as accurate as the other one.

A: Ok.

P: This is made of bamboo rattan.

A: Ok.

P: And on the top of this, we will see a beautiful fennel and this would be reminiscing of the monasteries in Burma. Very similar to them .

A: Yes, but that's pretty heavy actually.

P: Yes.

A: How can they ever carry this on their head? 

P: But can I say women when they are devoted. When they are doing something for merits, they will carry anything even if it is heavy.

A: Yes, I mean if this were to bring me merits, you know, to bring my husband prosperity and home harmony. I will do everything even if it was 100kg .

P: Yes, you will do it. And when we look at this, this has at least 13 layers of lacquer.

A: Oh they painted 13 layers?

P: 13 but after they basically layered the lacquer, they would sort of been sandpapered. But it's not sandpaper. It's a different kind of technique that they use. 

A: Right.

P: At the end, it would be completed. 

A: Ok.

P: The beauty about this piece.

A: Yes.

P: If we see the red lacquer, we see also some black. 

A:Yes.

P: Because some of the layers were actually black. 

A: Ok. 

P: And this difference that we see of the black and the red is so called Negoro. The Negoro effect. Negoro is a Japanese word. 

A: Ok

P: And collectors will go crazy for something like this.

A: Wow, how about this? This would be made of wood?

P: This is a rural one. I would say that. 

A: So those live in the cities would use that.

P: Right , these would be in cities. This is actually made out of wood, more refined . 

A: Wow！

P: Now, you just look the difference. Here we have the gold and we have here beautiful symbols. And it is very detailed.

A: Ya. very very exquisite.

P: And inside it's also red. 

A: Red signifies a lot of good things for Asians.

P: And then we would see that red is a sign of prosperity. then extremely beautiful, extremely tale.

again very wealthy family. and to gain merits. aesthetically extremely beautiful. 

A: yes and for you guys to be watching us, having Master Yun's blessings and stuff, I like to bring your attention to some other items that Lotus has. And I also want to introduce to you, Mr Pino.

P: Yes.

A: This is something that's just as exquisite as these Hsun-ok that Mr Pino has mentioned. And these are actually what we call as the white inkstones and these are used by the emperors in ancient china. What they do with these  are not to hit the head of of their servants or maids or you know, try to kill someone with it. No, these are not marbles for information right? These are actually something that they will actually placed on the tables, study tables and use the ink , you know, something like that.

Ashley Explaining the Use of The Imperial White Inkstone

A: So if you where to purchase this from Lotus right, we'll be sharing or rather giving this thing we call it in mandarin the 朱砂墨. Ok, it's actually made of vermillion. As can see on this exquisite piece, the red lines on top, these are actually the red vermillion threads, right?

A: So, these are something that I can relate to hsun-ok. Is because first of all, its very exquisite you know? These are used by the well to do families, emperors and empress, and secondly, instead of getting merits through offering of food you can have your wishes come true. When you do this inking on the white inkstone. So, if you were to put it at the right direction and meditate, you manifest about whatever you want,  like to resolve conflicts with colleagues, you know, better relationship with, or maybe like bigger business opportunities, right? you just have got to think of it to manifest on this, right?

A: Constantly but remember the key thing is right direction. So you have got to call Cola to find out alright. These are some items that you can use for your permanent fengshui and yeah I will just think that is this something that every home will have and should have and when you have a business or an office, it's also a very good item for you to possess, so there we go, Mr Pino, this is the end of our session.

P: Thank you very much, thank you

A: I really enjoyed the session and great learning session,  thank you.

P: Thank you

A: So back to you Mr Kan.

 

I hope that these special sessions of Museum of Lotus has brought you greater understanding of the unique artefacts in Lotus on Water and how they link with Master Yun's re-blessing session. Therefore, your re-blessed collections will become even more powerful and infused with more prosperous energy!

--YJ

Museum In Lotus《莲中博物》Episode 1: The Indian Dowry chest

Lotus on Water sells only things related to fengshui, and we only sell them first hand. From the earth, to the talented carvers, and then into the hands of our lovely clients.

There are many beautiful artifacts in the Lotus on Water galleries that are not only magnificent but have a rich history. However, none of them are for sale as they are Master Yun's personal collections. Very tasteful, meaningful and inspiring, definitely worth appreciating!

Click here to watch on Youtube

Thus, Lotus on Water have launched the Museum in Lotus to share these fabulous collections with you! Click here to watch on Facebook. Together with Mr Kan, we have Mr Giuseppe de Giosa (Pino), an Italian gentleman with decades of experience in European, Indian and Tibetan antiques. They will be hosting the series and we are all going to learn the 'pro' way of appreciating antiques. Let's go!

Today's artefact is something I am sure everyone has seen when lighting incense at the Art Gallery. 

Gorgeous piece of craftsmanship, isn't it?

The majestic box is actually an Indian Dowry Chest from the 18th to 19th century, which was used to safekeep the bride's gifts from the groom. These gifts are usually gems or money.

The sheer size of this chest allows us to infer the huge wealth of this Indian family who commissioned this piece of furniture that plays a significant role in ancient Indian culture and marriage.

Furthermore, the design of the chest is also very detailed. Light iron rosettes in each panel decorate the chest while half lotus motifs are placed on each side of the chest. The intricate carvings show the high level expert's ability who was commissioned to create this chest.

Carpenter paid lots of attention to the details, just like Master Yun

Master Yun stores his unfinished paintings in this chest. Just like gems, Master Yun's paintings are also very beautiful and of the highest quality. This chest only holds treasure.

Master Yun's incomplete paintings stored in the precious chest

Lastly, an elaborate lock system is used to provide security for the contents inside the chest. It includes hand-forged iron chains, which are at the upper front of the chest.

Special lock system from the 18th century

This is going to be an enriching and exciting series with lots of knowledge of the tons of antiques in Lotus on Water. Remember, Museum In Lotus streams every Tuesday at 7.30pm on Facebook!

~ Yi Jie