Hidden Treasures

The nondescript corner store had an unassuming facade, typical of any shop selling a bewildering mix of plasticware and household items.  There were metal pots, 'angku' moulds, cake tins, ladles, teapots, ceramic bowls, baskets, cups, trays, spoons..... packed and stacked with only narrow alleys which you had to maneuver through with care.

As our eyes flitted through the array of everyday utensils, our eyes lighted upon a porcelain jug, the dust barely masking the beautiful colours it still possessed... Moving our gazes upward, we saw painstakingly crafted rattan baskets coated with a layer of grime...Roaming glances further discovered a plate featuring my sister's favourite deity, the dirty surface revealing glimpses of its potential beauty....

All it took was an amazing, vivacious, super slick sales person in the form of the 70 plus year old lady boss who impressed us to no end when she rattled off in Tamil... We didn't stand a chance - we were putty in her hands. We walked back out into the sunshine, eager to clean and wash our precious bounty.

Back home, an unexpected delight was discovered among the newspaper wrappings in the form of a little dish that the lady boss threw in as an extra incentive to make sure we will pay her a visit again very soon.  After a good wash, we stood back to admire our haul for the day...

Beautiful porcelain plates in all their former glory



Vibrant scene from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms



Gorgeous colours revealed on the mint condition jug

It really goes to show the amazing treasures you can find if you open your eyes wide and look hard enough.  Who would have expected such beautiful items nestled in a dusty, cramped store like that?

So, for this brand new year, in addition to wishing you happiness, health and success, may you also open your eyes to discover all the hidden treasures that would enrich your life.  Who knows, you may already have all these treasures around you...