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.
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On the grounds are some enormous Beeches |
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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. |
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The barn for the estate |
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An enormous bronze bell |
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Inside the house, a model of a Chinese junk. |
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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. |
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A commissioned bowl for the Forbes family. Almost two feet across. |
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Inside |
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And an Imari piece just as huge. |
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The stairway is worth the visit alone. |
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A game box, painted in black lacquer and gold leaf |
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Guyan, Goddess of Compassion? |
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Hou Qua, the wealthiest man in Asia (read below) |
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In the Lincoln room, a statue of Lincoln, Grant, and Edward Stanton, Secretary of War |
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U.S.S Monitor in battle |
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A Chinese reclining reading chair |
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Shaving stand |
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This is identical to the decoration I have in my circular table, probably from Malaysia or Thailand |
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Entirely painted by hand. Look at the foliage. |
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I was told this was the most valuable rug in the house. |
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A pano of the kitchen area downstairs |
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Look at the stove for heating irons |
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A fantastic architectural creation. |
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And a final view of the front of the house. |
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Thank you, Mark, for suggesting this. Lunch was at the superb "Steel and Rye" restaurant |
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