I have a beautiful antique Chinese gown with intricate appliquéd embroidery mounted in plexiglass over my piano. I have never seen another one quite like this. It has a bat-and-peaches design and some flowers, all symbols of good luck. It is handmade of silk and very tastefully done. I treasure this gown very much and never tire of looking at it.

When I was fresh out of college and looking for a job, I was asked by my aunt if I would be willing to purchase the gown from a tailor who had fallen on hard times in China. The tailor had asked my aunt to take the gown to the U.S. and sell it for money to feed his family. I fell in love with this garment and even though 50 dollars was a lot of money for me at the time, I bought it and have never regretted the purchase.

Later, I found out more about the tailor. He was [Read more...]