A precious porcelain bowl of blue and white - a treasure from the Sichuan province of China.

There are four sacred mountains in China for Buddhists. Of those four, Mount Emei is the highest - a lush haven ten thousand feet above Earth. It is quite the sight; civilisation sprawls out in all directions beneath that misty mountain. Little wonder the self may feel small in the face of it all; some say it is the greatest view under Heaven.

It is a place heavy with history. For fourteen centuries on the Buddha's birthday, emperors made the pilgrimage up the great mountain in tribute. And fifteen years ago, JJ followed in their footsteps to see the divinity first-hand. It is still like going back in time; no disruption and no distraction. Only the self, the spirit, and the wonderful world.

Fortunately, this bowl need not require such exertions or excursions to find its place. It can sit on a side table and house mandarins and be sure of its purpose.

Cup Bouquet