Just back from vacation and I had to let you all know what a phenominal job Antonio did with the exihibit. One afternoon was definately not enough. The way he grouped and displayed the swords was all you could ask for. From the lighting to the sequencing and even the informatiojn supplied the focus remained on the skill, craftsmanship and historical value of these wonderful pieces.
And this post would not be complete without mention of what an incredible host Antonio was. Even though he arrived home from an unschedlued business trip two hours after I arrived in town and with his wife not feeling well, he still made it a point to meet us and give us a personally guided tour of the exihibit (of course he made me wait till the end to view the Dha exihibit- crafty way of building the suspense Antonio). Not only delightful company, but very educational as well. My first time in Macau and it was clear throughout the visit the love Antonio has for his home country, Macau, and his work of preserving and educating those everywhere of their history and especially his love of swords. My wife and I thank you for a wonderful day.
To those of you who donated pieces to this exihibit I thank you. They are in good hands and expertly displayed to catch all the nuances of each piece.
The trip has put me in a quandry though - I only collect from places I have been. Now that I have been to China even for a weekend does that qualify as long enough to collect pieces from there? ----well maybe just one Jian or Dao....
