WOODEN 6 PIECE COASTER SET (SWAN DESIGN)

Each sheet of the two sheet set was designed and issued by THE THAILAND POSTAL SERVICE to remember the 80th birthday of each monarch. The King reached his 80th birthday on December 5, 2007 and the Queen on August 12, 2012. Offered by the postal service only there is an 80 baht commemorative stamp affixed at the center of the King's tribute and at the center of the tribute to the Queen, a 40 baht stamp to honour her. There are reproduction images of the various stamps that had been issued by the post office during his lifetime but the center image of the King as a Monk is printed in an exquisitely detailed 3D mode. The commemorative sheet for QUEEN SIRIKIT had solicited paintings of the Queen from various stages of her life: from childhood to her 80th year and those surround the image of the Queen in silhouette. The image of the Queen at her age of coronation is printed in a unique format using special printing ink in pearl and embossed in gold foil holograms with hidden messages. Each sheet is #410. Rarely found in the DELUXE EDITION gold embossed frame this set is a treasured keepsake for Thais and those who live in the Kingdom and wish to honour this beloved King. Each hinged frame measures 26 x 23 cm with a total unfolded length of 46 cm. AS NEW. Issue date 2012. (Photos are slightly enhanced to emphasize details)

Although in his teachings the Sakyamuni said not to make images of him followers of his philosophy have not followed that suggestion and each culture where Buddhism has spread has made images of Buddha that reflect their own ethnicity. This thangka is most closely similar to what those people from Lumbini, Nepal ( birthplace of the Buddha) looked like. The SAGE OF THE SHAKYAS still lives in the hearts and minds of people who share his philosophy. In Buddhism one can never own such iconography but we can be the caretaker of these things and pass them on to others. This thangka was hand painted on muslin cloth in the school of Sanja Lhama in Pokhara, Nepal nearly 25 years ago. The colors are strong and vibrant. 39 cm high and 30 cm wide.

This thangka image is representative of the Buddha with the highest state of enlightenment. The term translates to "holding a thunderbolt" and if you have ever witnessed Buddhist monks teaching the novices you know the thunderbolt. This Buddha is found in Esoteric or Tantric Buddhism. The thangka was produced nearly 25 years at the school of a respected Lhama in Pokhara, Nepal. Vivid colors. 39 x 30 cm

This strong beautifully grained wood comes from the Atlas Mountains of MOROCCO. In the 1,500 year old Port City of ESSAOURIA many Craftsmen practice their arts. I have found this woodworker nearly living in a warren of this fragrant wood with shavings all over the floor. His smile shines from the shadows of his small shop and his few wares are always displayed proudly. Each time I return to MOROCCO I go to ESSAOURIA as part of my journey and I find the opportunity to go to his shop to support him by purchasing a few things. The magic box open with the easy twist of the top and reveals the secret compartments. Measurements: 5 cm unopened. 13 cm opened. (Diagonally)