 |
| Wooden monkeys at Sharma Farms in Delhi |
When I was chatting with a fellow colleague about a recent treasure hunting shopping trip, she said, "Oh yeah, India is the ultimate dream for aging hippie women!" I sure got a laugh. It is soooo true.
Friends and family back home often ask me what I do on the weekends for fun. Of course, I love exploring old ruins, visiting museums, and joining in with the local people at markets. But another very fun experience is shopping for treasures, and wow, there sure are plenty of places to search.
 |
| Old wooden horse and posts at Sharma Farm. |
Jewelry and textiles are everywhere you look. But lately, I have been digging through some warehouse-like collections of old and new furniture, yard art, doors, etc. It's a good thing that I can't get this stuff home, or I would have a whole container full by now. As one seller told me, "Of course you can fill a container and have it shipped." Well, my teeny-tiny home back home won't hold much. It's a good thing...
 |
| Large hand-painted chest at Sharma Farm |
This was something that caught my eye immediately. Nope, didn't buy it, but thinking about it. This outing I took two new teachers who needed furniture for their apartments. I enjoyed helping them choose unique but functional pieces. Love spending other people's money!
 |
| Hand-carved door at Sharma Farm. |
A few of my friends have had these old doors made into dining tables covered in glass. Spectacular!
 |
| Large wooden carving of mama and baby monkey at Sharma Farm |
But this is the piece that intrigued me. Now that I look at it, it is rather creepy, but I just loved it. It weighed about 50 pounds, so will have to ponder it a bit more...
 |
| Huge old lanterns |
When I use the word "old" I do have to explain. Nothing can be taken out of India that is over 100 years old. It is a way to preserve their antiquities and prevent "tomb robbing". So even these lanterns are probably only 40-50 years old.
 |
| No ladders or step stools. You want something, he will climb to get it. At India Crafts. |
 |
He never broke a thing!
|
 |
| Hand carved Rajasthani musicians at Sharma Farm. |
I am still quite amazed at how much is hand made in India, often with the simplest of hand tools. Just because of that, each and every item is precious. I suppose it won't be long before it all disappears. For now, I am in treasure shopping heaven!
