Everyone should have a ‘curiosity cabinet’. Odds and ends collected over the years, gifts,
memos, sentimental things or Tat as my husband calls it. Tat or not, and mine is very good looking Tat
indeed, once assembled beautifully these objects are looked at in a
completely different light. Well positioned and styled objects, no matter
whether they have great value or provenance come into their own when arranged in
a ‘still life’ way, alone they have far less personality.
The sum is greater than
the parts.
I have all kinds of things from cornucopia vases to papier-mache
coasters, Iranian marquetry boxes, favourite Salviati drop vases next to a much
cheaper Sia vase of a similar shape. Miniature dolls house furniture and odd
bits of antique silver from christening cups to salt and pepper holders.
I have, surprisingly enough, found a few more bits of very
attractive Tat right here in Dubai.
Mostly, let's be honest, things here are bit loud and bright and
the sparklier the better. In the beginning
my eyes used to hurt from the apparent lack of pretty things. However, if you look hard enough there are
some charming and witty things about.
 |
| I love my Sheikh and Sheikha dolls |
 |
| Iranian pottery from the Blue Souk, Sharjah |
 |
| Shell box from Antique Museum |
 |
| Turkish pottery bowl of Whirling Dervishes, definitely going back for the plates! |
