Elixir (Moon Rabbit)

On my research trips to Manchester Museum I normally zoom straight to the fabulous mineral collection, the Egyptian artefacts or pay a quick visit to bizarre Jim Henson-esque exotic furry little mammals.

On my last trip there I also popped into the China Exhibition "Journey to the East". In one of the cabinets I spied a small round plaque with a rabbit shaped fellow and a big mixing pot.

This was the Moon Rabbit, also known as the Jade Rabbit.

In Chinese folklore the markings on the moon which appeared as the silhouette of a rabbit or hare were the companion for Moon Goddess Chang'e, mixing the Elixir of life/immortality for her. There are many more wonderful tales from different cultures about this moon rabbit and how it ended up in the sky, but this one in particular really spoke to me (as another Jade rabbit, mixing potions in her workshop). So these are the first pictures of my new collection inspired by this hardworking little luna lapin.

Moon rabbit Medallion

Elixir Brooch

Elixir Brooches

Blue skies and green grass

Today was the first slice of sunshine I have seen in Manchester for a loooong time. So here is some new work in colours that beckon the freshness of green grass and bright blue skies

Light Blue Hewn rings with glass beading and Swaravski crystal

Hewn rings with opal

Green Hewn rings with copper glass beading, pyrite and quartz

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I also saw these colours in America last year, on a tour of the Governor's Mansion in Colonial Williamsburg.

the Bright Blue Ballroom

"The Ballroom of the Governor's Palace was said to be one of the finest rooms in Williamsburg. Portraits of Royalty hang from the brightly painted walls. In this room the elite of society would gather to celebrate special occasions with music and dancing."

the Supper Room

"The supper room was used by hosts and guests after an evening of dancing. The guests would retire to the Supper room and await the evening's close." After an evening of dancing nowadays, I think the closest thing to a "Supper Room" for most people would be the takeaway shop on the way home.