A Collectors Dream 

Once it was all set up and we were off to China, I made some cards.  Well ya never know who you will meet and as all you collectors know, the word is cheaper and more effective than the Auction. 

I awoke in the 747 around dawn and glanced out and down. The plains of Mongolia stretched vast and empty below us, then a long snake of a wall appeared stretching across mountains and valleys.  This could only be the great wall. 

We circled and landed.  The passengers were made up of European athletes, Chinese people and a bunch of old farts who seemed more nervous than excited. (Editors note: which one of these categories do you fall under Greyman *grin*)

After taking in some of Beijing's sights the first hotel appeared, a massive place called the Friendship Palace. In its walled grounds, this huge building was truly impressive. Built by the Russians as a gift to the people of China it has a splendour not often seen in Europe.

After booking in we met our Beijing Guide, Tang as she wished to be called turned out to be a dynamo of a woman, small, well educated and as industrious in both making us welcome and insuring that wherever we went during the following days, we would go through as many Antique/Gift shops as possible. 

That evening I introduced myself to Tang, gave her a card and explained my interest in Japanese art and weapons. (Remember the Japanese had been occupiers of large areas of China over some hundreds of years, finally surrendering a number of armies to them in 1945). She asked some questions and that was that. 

The day that followed was wonderful and we saw things, ate things and smelt things that even today few Europeans have, but that's another yarn! Tired and hungry we returned, Tang took me aside and in a splendid conspiratorial manner stated that on our return from Xian in two days she would have something to interest me, oh yes - I was beginning to enjoy this country.

I have to admit that by our return I had forgotten Tang's comment, not for long. She met us as we re-entered the hotel, "Meet me in the lounge, eleven o'clock this evening" she said this as though some major conspiracy was afoot. To her and in her society it may well have been, to me it was just great. 

So here I am, Sue turned in early - alone, in this huge marble room, In China, toward midnight and awaiting a collectors dream to come true. Tang arrived and sat beside me.  She said that some people would be here in a few minutes.  She did not seem so nervous now!  Me?  Well this was glorious and I was imagining how all my collector friends would have felt in the same position.  A short man in a rumpled suite arrived, he carried what at first appeared to be a small rug. Tang met him and beckoned me to the lift.  We (in silence) went to the third floor, then into room 236. Here the rug was unrolled and two of the worst examples of Japanese swords fell onto the bed!  I shall not bore you with the rest of the tale, but I will always remember the magic of that night..........as only my fellow collectors would understand. 

Greyman