The Forbes Museum, Milton, MA

 One of the great shipping families, the Forbes family gained trading rights in China, was part of the Opium tragedy. The house is a tribute to all things Asian.  The largest part of the collection of Chinese porcelain and art became the foundation of the Peabody-Essex Museum, but the house still contains a huge representation of the 19th century arts of China and is a very rewarding visit. Mark Slawson suggested the visit, and now I need to have Susan see this remarkable place. 

On the grounds are some enormous Beeches

The description of the copy of Abraham Lincon's birthplace.  One of the Forbes ladies was
a huge fan of Lincoln, and a room in the house houses Lincoln memorabilia.

The barn for the estate

An enormous bronze bell

Inside the house, a model of a Chinese junk.

Everywhere you look, in every nook and cranny are magnificent pieces of pottery.  In dark hallways and in cabinets, the house is filled with masterpieces, hidden away like a lot of the artwork in the
Isabella Stewert Gardner Museum. 

A commissioned bowl for the Forbes family. Almost two feet across.

Inside

And an Imari piece just as huge. 

The stairway is worth the visit alone. 

A game box, painted in black lacquer and gold leaf

Guyan, Goddess of Compassion?

Hou Qua, the wealthiest man in Asia
(read below)

In the Lincoln room, a statue of Lincoln, Grant, and Edward Stanton,
Secretary of War

U.S.S Monitor in battle

A Chinese reclining reading chair

Shaving stand

This is identical to the decoration I have in my circular table, 
probably from Malaysia or Thailand

Entirely painted by hand.  Look at the foliage.

I was told this was the most valuable rug in the house. 

A pano of the kitchen area downstairs

Look at the stove for heating irons

A fantastic architectural creation.  

And a final view of the front of the house. 

Thank you, Mark, for suggesting this.  Lunch was at the superb
"Steel and Rye" restaurant