Treasure, Dear Reader, what does that word make YOU think of? Do YOU envisage a box full of glistening golden coins tucked away under floorboards or stash of gold and silver artefacts buried in field?
Treasure can be sitting in plain sight but not recognised as such.
In papers today, there is picture of a bowl, glorious in its' simplicity.. now recognised as Chinese Porcelain and over three hundred years old, it was sitting at back of china cupboard, forgotten about and probably bit dusty, unused (thank goodness) until owner saw picture and article about very similar item which has been sold at Auction of Oriental Porcelain.. bowl is to be auctioned tomorrow..
SHE has found 'things' in shops.. Charity Shops, Second Hand Shops and Junk Shops.. SHE is not Hugo's daughter for no reason! Treasure does not even have to be very old! SHE is 'aware' sometimes that HER father is around in spirit, Hugo died on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1981 but has guided his daughter to many a find.
One such find happened about two years ago, SHE had been to Hospital in Fulham Road and was walking home, SHE smelt his cologne, an old fashioned smell, then SHE 'heard' Hugo say "next Charity Shop.. there is Vitrine on right hand side, look at box on centre shelf.. don't quibble on price"..
This has happened several times and 'HE' has always been right, so SHE entered shop, went to right hand wall, looked inside Vitrine. There was box.. sitting on beautiful bed of white satin.. was a collar.. SHE asked sales assistant if he would open Vitrine and allow HER to take out box..
He smiled and said "I have just put that in there, isn't it lovely?".. SHE replied that it was indeed "lovely" and SHE asked him how much it was? He looked underneath box and said "£25.00". SHE does not carry much cash usually, but tucked into HER Oyster Card was exactly this sum which SHE gave to him. He popped box into bag, SHE thanked him and walked home.
Pulsating with excitement.. for even black and tarnished with heat.. SHE could recognise 'Treasure' when SHE saw it.. and besides, even if SHE had not been up on Silver Marks, the box told truth..
For stamped on Scarlet Box was famous name 'Ilias Lalaounis'.. nephew to Zolotas.. two of Greece's finest and most famous Gold and Silver Smiths. SHE has beloved Zolotas ring.
Looong time ago SHE was staying with friends at Llantony Abbey and went into Abergavenny. Whilst walking up,main street, something caught HER eye and retracing HER steps, SHE found herself looking at small, very dusty Bronze in old Antique Shop.
Upon entering shop an old man came out from back, SHE asked him if SHE was allowed to take something out of the window, he said of course and leaning into window display SHE picked up small object. It was as heavy as SHE expected and was bearing a signature that SHE expected.
In 1974, cheque guarantee cards were only good for £50.00, the item was marked £55.00, SHE asked the man if he would accept this, he agreed and took the item to wrap it in newspaper. SHE gave him the cheque, they smiled at each orher, both happy with their transaction and SHE left.
The Fables of La Fontaine are famous, what are not so famous are the Bronzes of the Fables. 'The two Rats with the egg' was cast by one of France's most famous Bronziste in mid 1700's.
SHE has it still.. value beyond £50.00.. it is on loan and display at one of World's most famous Museums.
Treasure.. comes in all forms and sometimes has no price.
GeeGee Parrot.
May 9th, 2012.
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