Last week I was going to out myself as a junkaholic, set up a support group and swear off  collectibles forever.    Good thing I didn’t, because on the weekend, I found some beauties.

How cute is this little cupboard?

Not just cute, it’s also practical!  That’s always a bonus.  I’ve put spices in it for now but think I might make it the tea and sugar cupboard as it sits above the kettle.  I would zoom out to show you where the cupboard sits in the kitchen but maybe another day, the kitchen’s a mess.  I want to be ‘real’ here at My Pink Door, but …  Some things are best not shared.

I did leave it real in the bedroom  though (unmade bed – well it is 4.00pm – too late to make it today!) where you can see my other little treasure.  The light is better in here than in the guest bedroom where I’ll use it as a desk chair.

I just love that this chair is painted black and white – too perfect.

How about you – any good finds lately?

I’ve been meaning to take photos of my new, well not so newish anymore, Suzani bedspread for a while now.  I’ve been waiting 1. til my bedroom is presentable and 2. for a nice sunny day.  Well I’ve given up on the weather (I did not move back to Queensland for grey skies!) but I’ve cleaned up my room and took some pictures anyway.

I found this quilt at Table Tonic a few months ago and just had to have it.  I knew it would give my room the lift it needed.  I’d decided to use a little more black in this house and the quilt just carries it through perfectly.

As you may have begun to notice, I’m rather addicted to flower patterns, motifs, paintings and of course the real thing.  I can’t get enough …

A closer sqwizz at some of my tidbits …

a closer …

and even closer look

I was thinking of not sharing this find, but given that we read about it in the Lonely Planet I guess I’m not really spilling the beans.  So, if you ever come to Beijing I can highly recommend you visit the Panjiayuan Antique Market – if you like that sort of thing.  The trouble is figuring out where to start – keep calm and breathe slowly –  and having enough time to browse.  I only had a few hours and it wasn’t nearly enough.   Of course I don’t know much about antiques, unlike others I saw perusing with their magnifiers.  I just like what I like – whatever takes my fancy.

And this did …  I just love the painting!

and I found a real treasure below …

This stall took my fancy …

and so did this …

and this. I also found a very special treasure here …

And of course here I felt a mosaic project coming on, but given my boxes full of broken china at home, I resisted.  (But I don’t have broken antique chinese porcelain …)

If I had had more time, a bigger suitcase and an even bigger house, I think I could have done some serious shopping.  But I’m (almost) glad I didn’t.  Looking is good too.  I felt privileged just to be there.  The next day when we went to the Chinese National Museum, I recognised a number of items I had seen the day before at the market and understood their actual use. 

But I did take a few things home with me …

This old photo album touched my heart.  I couldn’t leave this family behind.  A mother, a sister, chose this beautiful album to keep her loved ones safe. Where are they now?

I decided this beautiful celadon flower shaped bowl wouldn’t take up much room in my suitcase.  I can’t say no to flowers.

I also found this old photo and frame absolutely compelling …

Lastly, a touch of whimsy  – this vintage chinese globe.

My treasures.