#3 - "GLEN JOFFE ON FINDING NICE THINGS"
January 3, 2009
"PLAQUE AMULETS"
“We’ll just have to look harder.”
We’re looking for a feel. Or, is it, we’re feeling for a feel? We are sorting through hundreds of silver plaque amulets in one of Delhi’s obscure markets. Claudia notes, “They’re not as good as they used to be.” Glen looks up and adds, “We’ll just have to look harder.” After a long time, we end up picking out 147 for further consideration.
Joe, now a Primitive sales associate, used to be Mr. Dudak’s restoration assistant. He has been temporarily re-routed to his original position and polishes the amulets with powder toothpaste so we can examine them more closely. Surrounded by ropes of coral and turquoise, gems begin to emerge.
With heads bowed we all mumble “Yes,”“No,” “This is nice,” “Do you like this? I don’t.” It is a religious exercise. We believe in this material and our selections reflect our deepest sentiments on beauty. I feel honored to be entrusted to such a task.
"PLAQUE AMULETS"
“We’ll just have to look harder.”
We’re looking for a feel. Or, is it, we’re feeling for a feel? We are sorting through hundreds of silver plaque amulets in one of Delhi’s obscure markets. Claudia notes, “They’re not as good as they used to be.” Glen looks up and adds, “We’ll just have to look harder.” After a long time, we end up picking out 147 for further consideration.
Joe, now a Primitive sales associate, used to be Mr. Dudak’s restoration assistant. He has been temporarily re-routed to his original position and polishes the amulets with powder toothpaste so we can examine them more closely. Surrounded by ropes of coral and turquoise, gems begin to emerge.
Very interesting look into the magic of exotic goods sourcing. I go on shopping trips in China and have a similar experience myself when I visit Ghungzhou. Glad you are blogging about your products this way - people should know the effort that goes into providing quality, handmade goods instead of factory produced fake 'authentic' items.
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Reading your blog reminded me of my time in Delhi where I too, spent a very long time in the markets looking for original and unique amulets. This was much to my partners disappointment as he stands waiting for hours on end. But the feeling when you find something so special and different really makes the wait worth while. I hope others can appreciate this too.
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