Wishing You Luck & Prosperity in the Year of the Snake!
Across the globe this February 10th, billions of people will be celebrating the Chinese New Year. The most important festival of the year in China, this first day of the lunar year is regarded as the perfect time to sweep away bad luck and welcome health, happiness and prosperity into the home. Each lunar year is represented by one of twelve different animal zodiac signs, and this year's zodiac sign is the Snake, or Junior Dragon.
The Snake is the most intuitive, enigmatic, refined and introspective of the animal signs. It is also known as a bringer of great luck; in fact, in ancient China a snake in the house was believed to be a good omen, indicating that the family within wouldn't starve. According to tradition, this will be a year for harmony, good marriage, healthy children, and much-needed salary bumps!
Wondering how to welcome in the Year of the Snake? The Snake is a bit of an aristocratic figure, and loves luxurious surroundings. Begin by giving your home a good cleaning, then decorating with sumptuous fabrics, antiques, and anything that sparkles. Snakes appreciate shades of blue and green, as well as glittering gold and silver, but red is also a traditional color of luck and prosperity. Most importantly, remember to wish others good luck by giving them red items and Snake-themed gifts (just no snakeskin...we hear Snake's a little touchy on that subject).
Click here to search our online gallery for more Chinese New Year gift ideas.
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Current Obsession:
Antique Chinese Apothecary Cabinet
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 Since moving into the new shop in December, we've been playing a lovely game we like to call "How many Asian antiques can you possibly squeeze into one showroom?" That might be why we're a little obsessed with storage solutions lately. Unfortunately, none of the drawers in this late 19th century apothecary cabinet are large enough to store more furniture, but they're the perfect size for organizing small items in your home, from kitchen items to craft supplies.
This sturdy cabinet originally held medicinal herbs and other cure all's. Almost all of its 60 drawers still retain handwritten paper labels that state the herb contained, how it tasted, and what ailment it would treat. Each drawer is divided into three sections, and features a brass pull knob.
With over 180 different storage nooks, plus a handy shelf area for books or treasured decorative items, this piece promises to be useful, and a great conversation starter. Read more... |
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A Tisket, A Tasket...
A Chinese Food Basket?
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Long before "Paper or Plastic?" became a catchphrase, boxes, buckets and baskets were the preferred mode of transporting foodstuffs. No one knew this better than the Chinese, who designed an elaborate array of wooden and woven baskets, boxes and buckets to carry and store perishables and other items. Some of these containers were styled around specific uses like picnics, or carrying fish, rice, or water. Others, like those below, were used for special occasions like carrying "sweets" to wedding parties and Chinese New Year celebrations.
 | | Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Box, 19th c. |
 | | Vintage Chinese Food Tray |
 | | Vintage Chinese Woven Basket |
Though these vessels can seem somewhat whimsical today, they still make beautiful, functional accessories. Use a bucket or box to hold your keys and mail, magazines, or hand-towels. Better yet, make a statement by using a basket or tray to transport and display food at your next party!
Click here to view more boxes, baskets and buckets in our online gallery.
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Silk Road Collection
Grand Opening
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We've moved into our new retail store in the heart of New Orleans' antique furniture corridor at 2109 Magazine Street. Now it's time to celebrate!
You're cordially invited to attend Silk Road Collection's new store's Grand Opening on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 from 10am to 8pm.
The store opens at 10am. Visit to discover beautiful Asian antique (100 to 500 years old) furniture and home decor accessories.
Festivities from 2pm - 6pm include a lion dance, Ti Chi demonstration, and lectures on Chinese Healing Techniques and Feng Shui.
Complimentary cocktails & Asian appetizers served from 5pm to 8pm.
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The Great Wall
of Sharing
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Looking for fun ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year? We've been collecting ideas just for you on the Silk Road Collection Pinterest Page! Here are just a few fun examples of what we've been pinning this month:
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