Taking a break at the Vasarely Museum in Aix-en-Provence (2013)
My husband and I are both avid collectors. We started collecting antique pottery, figures, and handwoven Ikat fabric from Southeast Asia during our many trips to this part of the world. Peter also purchased some interesting Chinese antiques during his business trips to China and Hong Kong in the 1980sand 1990s. In addition, we have collected paintings and lithographs from mid-century modern artists over the years — including many regional artists such as Mignonette Cheng, Richard Wilt, William Lewis, and Martha Ceccio.
Some Favorite Artwork and Objects
Some of my favorite paintings are displayed in key locations throughout our house. I have also built display cabinets at the back of our living room and bookshelves in our principal bedroom. A large cabinet in our dining room also provides display space.
A large oil painting in our living room by Mignonette Cheng (2003)
An oil painting in our music room by Michigan artist Martha Ceccio (1995)
Lithograph by Zao Wou-ki (1999) with a mid-century pitcher, Italian Murano glass vase, and Thai carving of a Kinnara (mythological creature, part human and part bird)
Chinese terracotta figures (Tang Dynasty)
Paintings by Charles Gatewood (above) and Adrienne Kaplan with antique Chizhou wine jar (Ming Dynasty)
A secretary cabinet in our dining room provides display shelves
Trio of antique wood Buddhas from Laos above a collection of metalware from Carl Sorenson (1960s)
An antique Han Dynasty Chinese figure on a horse above a collection of Thai Lanna pottery (19th century)
Thai Kalong dish (14-16th century) behind Chinese bone sculpture, and Thai Celadon urn
A collection on antique Buddhas and deities from Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar
A collection of antique Cambodian pottery: A covered bowl from the Kulen Period (10th-111th century) and assorted pots from the Bayon Period (12th-13th century)
Ever Changing Vignettes
I like to display my favorite objects and artwork and these vignettes are never static. Periodically, I change things out and display things in different places resulting in a fresh perspective.
Indonesian betel nut containers and Kmer-style stone statue of the horse-headed god Kalkin in front of my photo of the U-Bein Bridge near Mandalay, Myanmar
An antique Thai rice bowl and water jug displayed with a bronze bird nest bowl
A collection of antique Buddhas and deities with a Pekin glass bowl (19th century), Qing Dynasty Dragon vase, and copper lidded bowl by Carl Sorenson (1960s)
Lithograph by Bauhaus artist Ida Kerkovius (1963) with Chinese Han Dynasty pottery well
Photograph by Clarence John Laughlin (1952) with a bronze sculpture (unknown) and vase by Guido Gambone
Collecting Fabric and Textiles
When I travel to southeast Asia, I often purchase hand-woven Ikat fabric and antique silk shawls which I use as a table cover or sew into pillows.
Silk shawl purchased in Cambodia
Silk Ikat fabric purchased in Thailand and Indonesia
Antique hand-woven silk shawls from Northern Thailand
Antique Biedermeier chair upholstered with Thai Ikat silk fabric
Ottoman upholstered in Jim Thompson fabric from Thailand
Gardening and Collecting Unusual Plants
As an avid gardener, I collect interesting plants, sculptures, and architectural objects for my garden. In particular, I have a variety of different Japanese Maples and unusual dwarf evergreens. All the rocks have been collected by Peter and I over the years.
A collection of small dwarf evergreens and Japanese Maples in the backyard
Lots of Perennials and Cut Flowers to Display
I have many different perennials in the garden and also have a collection of interesting pottery vases to display cut flowers.
A view of flowers in my garden.
Cutting flowers in the garden
Display of flowers from my garden in raku vase
Cut orchid with dahlia from my garden
A spray of orchid flowers in a Japanese pottery vase
Flowers from my garden in a small raku vase
Classic Cars and Many Road Trips Over the Years
Peter, a life-long classic car enthusiast, has owned various British and Italian sports cars over the past 40 years and writes about his hobby at Enjoy Classic Cars. He still owns two 1958 Alfa Romeos and a 1965 Jaguar E-type coupe. He also has a complete collection of Pontiac hood ornaments.
Peter in his 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce (2024)
