The Clipper Trading Co.

Loi Krathong

Dear Clipper trading Supporters,
It has been a while since the last travel update. Some exciting things have happened that I want to share with you.

My trip late last year coincided with the Loi Krathong festival, which is celebrated on the eve of the 12th full moon in the Thai Lunar Calendar. I had incredibly good fortune to be there and participate in this extraordinary event! Read on.

“Loi” means “to float” and a “krathong” is a vessel that holds candles, flowers, incense, and even an occasional coin. The krathong is made of biodegradable material (wood or even bread and banana leaves) and, filled with the offerings, is pushed from shore onto the river or canal to pay respect to the spirit of the waters. At the same time, the Thai believe that all their worries and grudges float away. Enthusiastically, I pushed off my float loaded with worries and goodies.

In northern Thailand, which was part of the Lanna Kingdom, Yi Peng coincides with Loi Krathong. “Yi” means “2nd” and “Peng” means “month” in the old Lanna calendar. The offerings made here are by lantern fabricated of rice paper holding a candle. The heat of the candle allows the lightweight lantern to take flight and literally hundreds of lanterns go up in the air like hot-air balloons. Offering respect and paying merit mark this festival, and similar to the Loi Krathong festival, everyone believes that when the balloon goes up, your troubles drift away. Needless to say, I put quite a number of “balloons” up in the air. Looking up, it is a beautiful sight.

I purchased and ordered enough new and exciting merchandise to fill another container which is being prepared for shipping. We will receive collectibles, many decorative items, jewelry and textiles and of course more of our now famous “green” slab tables, benches and other wood furniture. As you may know, the slab tables sell fast and if you are in the market for one, you may want to consider reserving one in advance!

In the meantime, we are doing well with the Top Grain Italian Leather loveseats and sofas from $840, chairs and recliners starting at $590. And while we have decided to continue with this type of merchandise, I know that we will not be able to sell future sofa sets for these crazy low prices. So get it while you can -- we still have a good selection available even though some models have already sold out.

Thank you,
Jan Blanken
www.ClipperTrading.com
Sales@ClipperTrading.com

Show More / Less

Heirloom Ornaments and Angels

You are accustomed to receiving our newsletter laced with Asian travel photos and merchandise. But, here at Clipper Trading, we have a dedication to introducing new and unique products and gift ideas from across the globe. So for this Holiday Season we are wandering away from Asia to Poland where we found fabulous Polish mouth-blown, hand decorated glass ornaments.

Our ornaments are free formed spheres or egg shaped and each ornament may be slightly different. There are no seams typical of glass formed in moulds. Most of our ornaments are inspired by the famous Russian FabergÃ© Eggs. We are so excited by the quality and colors of these ornaments; we can't wait to share them with you! At 4.5" and 5" these are true heirloom pieces that you will keep in your family to treasure for many years to come. The excellent quality of Polish glass ornaments are known as the best in the world. But don't just take our word for it. Pictures speak louder than words...

And, back by popular demand, we are re-introducing our Sets of Angels. Hand made of metal and available in various color finishes, there are three angels in each set measuring 33", 29" and 24" Each angel can hold a 1.5" thick candle. All angels are Fair Trade.

Of course, we also offer a great variety of gifts, wonderful jewelry, silk scarves and other textiles, as well as small home decor items. And if you are completely at a loss as to what to buy for that special person, we also carry GIFT CARDS. All at great prices and with the mention of our Secret Santa Sale we will grant you a discount of 30% on purchases of $100 and over.

We hope to welcome you this holiday season!

Thank you,

Tilly Blanken
Happy Holidays!

Show More / Less

Polish Glass Ornaments

Poland is famous for its craftsmanship in working glass. Crafting one glass ornament requires many artisans of various handicrafts. The process in which ornaments are created is extremely complex. It starts with the blowing. The blowers, using their mouths, build the skeleton of the ornament from a sodium glass pipe. The pipe is heated with a flame, and once it becomes pliable it is formed, giving its final shape of ball or egg.

The clear glass bulb then rests for a few days. After that, the bauble is covered from the inside with silver nitrate, to give the ornament a beautiful silver tone to provide an exceptional glow to the decoration paint.

The final step is hand-painting the Christmas ornaments with decorations from very simple to more complex. This entire creative process has been perfected for many years by dedicated craftsmen.

Show More / Less

New Inventory!

Our new container from China has just arrived!

As you may recall, in September we unpacked a large container from Thailand where I collected our Southeast Asian purchases. There are many differences in selecting and buying in these regions. Traveling as a prospective buyer, I find the Chinese manner strictly business, while the Thai are more avuncular in their dealings. In Thailand and the surrounding countries I usually find myself on my own, driving, exploring and collecting. In China I work with several contacts and concentrate on the merchandise they carry. Their names are sometimes so similar or hard to pronounce that we give them names such as Porcelain man, Bronze lady, Wood Carving man, etc.

While I visit the occasional trade show, I never buy furniture or antiques at showrooms or from large factories. The prices are high and the merchandise is quite often mass produced. Instead, I go to old warehouses where the pieces sit under layers of dust and stacked on top of each other. Over the years I have learned to recognize style, origin and age. These warehouses are not climate controlled, making it hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. They are very dirty and the atmosphere is far less than glamorous, but it is where I often find the best-kept secrets. In the end it is all worth it.

During the years I traveled in China, I witnessed enormous growth spurts including the establishment of entire new cities. People who used to live in the country are moving to the east where they find jobs in construction or any of the new industries that moved to or developed in China. Often husbands make this move while their family stays behind. In many, they only get to go home once or twice a year. This is how they try to better their lives. Despite the impressive developments, there is still a great deal of poverty. The contrast in lifestyle between the classes is enormous. Mercedes, Audis and an occasional Maserati are seen traveling the same roads as the donkey carts and bicyclists. Being from Holland, I am used to seeing many bicycles, but it is nothing compared to the amount I've seen in China.

People often ask me how we started this business. Even as a child, I was interested in antiques and old tools. I would spend my afternoons roaming the markets and the antique stores of Haarlem, a town near where I grew up. There is always that enduring element of surprise in discovering a great piece. The love of antique hunting and the spirit of travel in my genes is the combination that makes this business appealing to me.

Click on Latest Arrivals for a sampling of our new merchandise. (But remember, this is only a sampling!) More pictures will be uploaded to our catalogue soon. Among the new arrivals are Gansu Cabinets, Altar Tables, lots of Small Cabinets, Library Cases, Porcelain and so much more.

As you shop, don't forget to ask our sales associates about our exclusive discounts to newsletter recipients.

Thank you and happy browsing!
Jan Blanken

Show More / Less

September 2010 Newsletter

Dear Clipper Trading Supporter,

Since my last newsletter, we have been quite busy preparing for the arrival of the new container being shipped to us from Thailand. This includes making sure all documentation of the container's arrival to U.S. shores comply with the new government requirements. This is the least exciting part of my job, but it has to be done in order for the container to successfully complete its journey.

Aside from logistical preparations, we are continuing our SALE on items from earlier containers in order to make ample space available for the huge amount of new inventory we are about to receive. This is your chance to get some great deals on coffee tables, side tables, scroll tables and other furniture from Thailand and China.

We are expecting the container at the store on the 21st and will be unloading and unpacking all day. I am excited about this container, as there are many items that we have never carried before. The packing list is 22 pages long with products from 26 different groups or suppliers. Besides expanding our Green Line collection of slab tables, coffee tables and benches, I was able to secure three slabs of jungle mango wood for tables of eight, nine and ten foot lengths. We also acquired a collection of hanging lamps, antique doors and arches from Pakistan and India.

In addition, we are expecting a lot of smaller home dÃ©cor items including teak wood carvings of various color, size and design, mirrors, an old English style round dining table with a marble top, and a couple of beautiful antique Naga statues on stands, just to name a few.

As the Thai would say, we "stuffed" the container on Saturday night. Normally we would load on a weeknight, but August 12th was the Queen's birthday and Mother's Day, so all of our workers had been off for a couple days to celebrate. When Saturday finally came, we began loading at midnight and worked all through the night until well past five in the morning. The workers prefer these hours, as it is the coolest time of day.

Thank You and Happy Browsing,
Jan Blanken

Show More / Less

Jan's adventures in Thailand

Dear Clipper Trading Supporter,

We made such great sales in June and July this year that Tilly literally pushed me out the door to secure fresh merchandise for the upcoming fall and Christmas season. I arrived in Northern Thailand just as the Monsoon Season started and the rice planting was in full swing. The rice fields have an intricate canal system so the water runs off well and flash flooding is minimal in these foothills of the Himalayans.

Before I left, I met with the staff (alphabetically: Courtney, Debbie, Mark and Patrick) to get their feedback as well as special requests from clients. This always gives me a great pushing off point in gathering merchandise. The rest comes as I go.

When in Thailand, I like staying in small places, often using Home Stays because the villages do not have hotels or because hotels are farther removed from where I may be working and buying. While in the current economy saving is key, it also gives me great insight in the locals' way of life. I admit, I have been sick a few times, but gradually I became used to eating their very tasteful, simple foods. Some are just taken from the side of the road (like herbs) and frogs are caught in the canal running along the houses.

I have eaten ant eggs, but so far drew the line at roaches. Family and friends are very important in Thailand. They have an excellent health care system but no Social Security as we know it. They delight in taking care of each other and are a very happy people. Their mantra seems to be all that's mine is yours and so they share without questions.

Most of my work area is in the north of Thailand (the Golden Triangle with Laos and Burma). Much of it is Fair Trade, such as the items from the Hill Tribes that live in the mountains, our Teak Root Wood chairs and tables and of course our Sticky Rice Boxes.

The process of making sticky rice boxes is a collaborative effort. One family starts by weaving the bamboo basket or box; the next family does the pasting of the clay and sawdust mix to create a smooth surface, while the next unit paints the baskets a solid color. Then, a group of artists paint the designs before moving the item down the line for a clear finish. Lastly, final touches are made such as adding the bamboo netting and handles. So, after five or six people had their hand on one box: Voila! In the end, for our order a group of about 50 people were involved and made money while socializing (a favorite past-time). Today, the sticky rice box is still used only a much simpler one, without any decor. They cook their rice in the morning and it is available to anyone throughout the day. They eat their sticky rice like we would crackers, with condiments, fruit, or whatever is available.

The Thai are great conservationists. No piece of wood, string, bottle, etc. shall be thrown out. There is always a way to use it again. Many of their woodcarvings and sculptures are made from pieces they find or have left over. Much the way it was for us in "the old days". Our Teak, Rosewood and Wild Mango Slab Tables are made of fallen trees that rested on the forest bed, sometimes for many years and pulled out by elephant in the Laos border region. We started with slab tables in 2003 and have been extremely successful with them. Unfortunately, it is getting harder to find the fallen trees, and the people have to travel farther and deeper into the forests to keep up with demand.

Sometimes I think I could write a book and I could go on now too, but I will keep some for later. My latest interest is in gemstones. Burma and Thailand are very well known for their gems, especially ruby, sapphire and garnet. I brought some of the jewelry back already and there is more on the container. I would love to teach someone my trade in a partnership capacity. Then maybe I will find the time to write that book.

Keep on the look-out for our next mailing with the announcement of the arrival of the container from Thailand. We are expecting it in the third week of September, but in the meantime we are having a Great Sale in order to make space for that 40' high cube container.

Thank You and Happy Shopping.
Jan Blanken

Show More / Less