Wednesday, August 25, 2010

More of Denmark's Open Air Museum

There is a lot of German influence seen in the exteriors as well as the interiors. Some farmers left to go to sea and came back with many treasures from other parts of Europe. This can be seen in the furniture, wall paper and beautiful tiles on the walls.
Windmills were brought over from Holland.
A gardener was working nearby and stopped to point out some details. He seemed to really like the little white shutters above the door. I like that as well as the beautiful windows. Okay...I'm thinking Gingerbread House now...this is the beautiful Lace Makers Cottage and school of lace- making. Young girls would come and apprentice here.
They would sit in a circle and the glass orb hanging in the center of the room was to provide extra light through reflection of the light from the windows or from candle light by night.
Be still my heart.......this house has a set of BLUE WILLOW CHINA.....I have the same pattern in miniature.....this is definitely in my blood. There is a poem that goes along with the blue willow legend....
Two birds flying high,
A Chinese vessel sailing by.
A bridge with three men, sometimes four,
A willow tree, hanging o'er.
A Chinese Temple, there it stands,
Built upon the river sands.
An apple tree, with apples on,
A crooked fence to end my song.

The actual legend is of lovers running over the bridge to escape the young girl's father who disapproves of the match. His servants give chase over the bridge and shoot the lovers. Their spirits soar upward in the form of the two birds seen at the top of the pattern.

2 comments:

Debra said...

How Charming Gretchen. I just love it too. So many wondrous things in the world that delight the eye and gladden the heart. I'm sure you feel that way about your willow china. I love the pictures.

Mark and Gretchen said...

Thanks Debra...I just love seeing your blog. It is so nice to have a family member like you. You always have something kind to say. Sure wish you lived closer.