China has the world's largest deposits of kaolin (or porcelain clay). So it's not surprising that the country has a long history of creating beautiful porcelain objects. However, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) saw this craft reach what many experts believe to be its zenith. Delicate, pure white & exquisitely decorated with blue designs, it was the inspiration for this charming little trinket box. Perfect on a dressing table, delightful in a display cabinet, it would make a lovely gift
- if you could bear to part with it!
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In 1557 Portuguese merchant adventurers sailed to China & established a trading base in Macao. However it would appear that the trade was mainly one way. While the Chinese liked Portuguese silver & showed some interest in clocks & mechanical toys, there wasn't much else they wanted. The Portuguese, by contrast, were fascinated by the craftsmanship that was synonymous with the Ming Dynasty & helped introduce Ming porcelain to Europe. Today, fine porcelain in the Ming style is still highly prized, & was the inspiration for our tempting little nibbles dish. Just perfect for prawn crackers. ...

In the early 14th century, China was under Mongol rule. But rebellion was in the air & this led to the formation of various secret societies. Among them were the Red Turbans, & one of their leaders was a certain Chu Yuan-chang. He was a monk, but a monk with a serious power complex. So much so, that in 1356 he seized the city of Nanking. Twelve years later he drove the Mongols from Peking, became the emperor & the Ming era began. Lasting for more than 250 years, the Ming Dynasty saw a flowering of the arts & crafts
- including greatly prized Ming porcelain. This finest of fine china was the inspiration for our elegant globe-shaped lamp... particularly appropriate, as the word ' Ming' means brightness.
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Back in the 1960s Japan led the world in the science of miniaturisation. Radios, TV sets, cameras...all sorts of technical products were made to tiny

Dimensions hitherto thought impossible. What people didn't realise was that for the Japanese, small has always been beautiful. The ancient art of bonsai is a classic case in point. A triumph of nurture over nature, bonsai trees were living, growing Lilliputian versions of oaks, chestnuts, cherries & pines
- perfect in every detail but looking as if they were viewed through the wrong end of a telescope. One of the most popular trees for the bonsai treatment was Acer palmatum, otherwise known as Japanese maple. & that was the model for the painstakingly reproduced replica featured here. Perfect
- from the tiny delicate leaves to the micro-texturing on the bark
- our maple leaf bonsai makes an enchanting & intriguing addition to any room. Place it on a sideboard, coffee table or in a bay window
- because wherever it's displayed (in its black lacquered planter) our mini-maple is sure to be the centre of attention. Proof that you don't have to be big to be noticed.





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Imagine blowing bubbles
- not in soapy water but molten gold. This is what they might look like. Shining, shimmering, glistening
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Tall, elegant mauve foxgloves are surely among the pick of the bunch for summer arrangements. Arranged individually or in groups the effect is charming. Or why not combine them with Mathilda lisianthus & Lucy lisianthus for a lovely spectrum of soft, warm, creamy shades? It's a wonderful way to create a veritable picture in pastels that will give you pleasure this season & for many summers to come. ...

Evoking memories of summers long ago, this h&-picked selection

Includes:: beautifully recreated buttercups,

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Travel back in time with this meadow centrepiece. Back to the days when you could still stumble upon a secret corner of countryside far from the bustle of everyday life. Where everything seemed so perfect that time had stood still. That's the memory we're tried to recreate with this glorious melange of wild flowers & attractive foliage. Nostalgic? Certainly, but also a fitting reminder that even in the 21st century the English countryside
- at its best
- is second to none.

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Like a warm Mediterranean breeze it's a heady, complex blend of lemon & lime zest with subtle undertones of grapefruit. Exciting top notes of thyme & wild rosemary harmonise perfectly, resulting in a scent that captures the essence of Sicily, Sardinia or the South of France. Simply scatter a few drops over your Blooms & breathe in the fragrance. ...

Twig trees are back
- by popular demand
- but this time in snowy, seasonal white. Decked with a galaxy of LED 'stars' along

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