Every year the box would be carefully opened and the tissue paper gingerly unwrapped and we would be transported by rediscovering those fragile, shiny, treasures.
Each one, selected with care, would then be lovingly hung upon a branch where it might reflect the shimmer of tinsel, the twinkle of Christmas lights – and distort our faces like miniature fairground mirrors...
Sometimes, with a pang, we would find that the ball or pendant, the golden fir-cone or the smiling Santa face had failed to survive another year in storage and was now nothing more than a mass of tiny slithers of shimmering silvered glass.
Wandering through Campo San Pantalon, the other day, we discovered a shop selling the most unusual and exotic glass Christmas Tree decorations. It was closed (which was, perhaps, as well) but we managed to photograph some of their many unusual offerings...
In addition to the Father Christmases, Nutcrackers, Carolers and Nativities, there was a veritable Noah's Ark of wildlife including cheetah, giraffe, zebra, rhino, polar bear, flamingo, seahorse –– and walrus!
There were elephants (obviously)...
Turkeys (less obviously)...
And (totally unlikely) lobsters!!
There are also specifically Venetian decorations including a Rialto Bridge and several Moors which despite the City's connections with Othello are, one would have thought, nowadays politically incorrect.
Maybe, before coming home, we need to go back and see if the shop is open...
Photos: © Brian Sibley & David Weeks 2015
4 comments:
Though we never celebrated Christmas, being Jewish, one cannot be but amazed at the length and breadth of decorations available! I think the Lobster was the most unusual! It is nice to know that kitsch is not dead! Thanks
Prague is also a city dedicated to glass ornaments. They have shops that sell nothing but baubles ! Very expensive though.... I don't recommend you go there if you're susceptible. I've noticed that in the past few years they have also made a bit of a comeback in the UK to which is excellent.
How lovely and what fun ....I have really enjoyed reading your blog and listening to your work this year Thank you!
With Best Wishes to you and your loved ones for a Lovely New Year.
Perhaps the Moors have more to do with Santa's dusky assistant that accompanies him in some cultures?
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