Presence From The Past: More About Me

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In the Beginning...

Presence From The Past is an offshoot of my own interest in collecting. I must admit I was a bit slow in getting started. I had always found antique shows a bit intimidating. Although many of the items were quite beautiful, they usually carried a formidable price tag. I was beginning to think that beautiful pieces of artwork or craftsmanship were reserved for the upper echelons of society that had much more discretionary income than I did. But when my husband convinced me to attend a flea market with him, I discovered that many items I had seen in antique stores were offered in this more casual atmosphere at a fraction of the price. I also began looking for items I liked rather than obssess over pieces from particular manufacturers.

This website will include articles about my collection experiences and items I discover on the web that may be of interest to other collectors.

Artist George Stuart honors Olympics figures of the Manchu Dynasty

To honor the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Gallery of Historical Figures is hosting the highly-acclaimed Manchu Dynasty Historical Figures® of sculptor and historian George Stuart. Until now, the unique 26-piece group could only be seen in museum exhibits. "What better time to recognize recent Chinese history and to share a westerner's view of it?" said Stuart.

The Manchu Dynasty collection begins with Nurachi, who defeated the ailing Ming Dynasty in 1616 and ends in 1967 with the death of Pu Yi, the last emperor. The 350-year interval is represented by emperors, other royalty, courtesans, warlords, military, reformers, peasants and more. Pictured here is the ill-fated Taiping Emperor Hung Hsiu Ch'üan, self-acclaimed "Brother of Christ".

To assure maximum possible historical accuracy, Stuart collaborated with LU Zhengliang Arts Studio in Suzhou, China on many of the Manchu Historical Figures. LU located and studied many of the original robes and then embroidered the quarter-scale designs on specially selected fabrics.

I was privileged to design the website for artist/historian George Stuart's Gallery of Historical Figures. Mr. Stuart's meticulously detailed historical figures reflect his dedication to accuracy and obvious passion for his subjects.

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