On a visit to the Muzeum Narodowe we Wrocławiu in the Polish city of Wrocław I discovered fascinating medieval shop signs and merchant guild coats of arms that illustrated the professions of artisans, traders and merchants of medieval times. Here are some images I took without the flash on in the Wrocław museum. The remarkable artistry of theseContinue reading “The medieval artisans of Poland”
Category Archives: History
Mysterious Rongorongo Glyphs from Easter Island
A collection of 24 sacred wooden objects from Easter Island bear Rongorongo inscriptions, a system of glyphs that was discovered in the 19th Century and is still a mystery to historians. Numerous attempts at decyphering the proto-writing have been unsuccessful. These pieces of wood (a lot of it driftwood) are weathered, burned and damaged andContinue reading “Mysterious Rongorongo Glyphs from Easter Island”
To Won’s Father: An Ancient Love Letter Rediscovered
In 1998, archaeologists in Andong City, South Korea to their amazement discovered the tomb of Eung-tae a man who lived in the 16th century. The mummified remains were a rare find for the time. Eung-tae was unusually tall, even by today’s standards. He was 5”9 and well built with skin and beard still intact. “TheContinue reading “To Won’s Father: An Ancient Love Letter Rediscovered”
In praise of Japan’s most majestic cat, circa 889 A.D
In the year 889 A.D, the 23 year old Emperor of Japan writes a journal entry filled with awe and gushing praise for his beloved cat. “On the 6th Day of the 2nd Month of the First Year of the Kampo era. Taking a moment of my free time, I wish to express my joyContinue reading “In praise of Japan’s most majestic cat, circa 889 A.D”
All technology is a double-edged sword
What technology would you be better off without, why? I’m trying to think over a consumer technology that is definitively and conclusively bad, but can’t think of one. Each innovation has brought an equal share of good and bad. Ride-sharing apps: The good: consumer convenience, ability to not own a vehicle, better for the environmentContinue reading “All technology is a double-edged sword”
Every Picture Tells A Story: Strong Dogs on Antarctic Expedition (1911)
Photographer Frank Hurley snaps his whimsical and wise looking Greenland esquimaux #dogs named Basilisk and Ginger during an #Antarctic expedition between 1911-1914. Image discovered via the State Library of New South Wales. #snow #adventure #old #photo
Nostalgic Art from 70’s Star Wars
Ralph McQuarrie was responsible for designing many #StarWars characters, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. He was also responsible for the conceptual design of the #film sets and props. #art
Travel: Exploring Sydney’s exquisite vintage architecture at QVB
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB), is an enchanting architectural wonder in Sydney’s central business district. The style of the building is a Romanesque Revival architectural masterpiece and was originally designed by George McRae. Constructed between 1893 and 1898, this heritage-listed building originally served as a marketplace but has undergone various uses and renovations over theContinue reading “Travel: Exploring Sydney’s exquisite vintage architecture at QVB”
Here be the Viking Hoard: The Mystery of the Lewis Chessmen
The Lewis Chessmen are a treasure of Viking and Scottish history and have elicited awe and wonder since they were first discovered. They were likely to have been made in Trondheim in Norway from walrus ivory. This kind of bone was hard to come across at the time (1150-1200 A.D). The craftsmanship of these tinyContinue reading “Here be the Viking Hoard: The Mystery of the Lewis Chessmen”
The heartwarming story of Hachiko, Japan’s most loved dog
Born in 1923, the #Akita #dog named Hachiko became a living symbol of unwavering love and devotion. His story began as a tiny pup in a quaint town in Japan, quickly evolving into a life intertwined with his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. #history #Japan #Hachiko #Shibuya #Tokyo
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