Chinese New Year: Year Of The Monkey

Celebrate Chinese New Year With Alfies- Year Of The Monkey

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional luni-solar Chinese calendar. This year it lands on Monday 8th January, the year of the Monkey. It is also known as the Spring Festival, which is the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally start on the evening preceding the first day and continue to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. Regional customs and traditions vary widely, traditionally the evening after Chinese New Year's Day is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. It is also traditional for every family to clean the house, to make way for good luck throughout the year. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other traditional celebrations include firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat- Chinese Festival Of Lights Display

At Alfies we have a wide range of not only beautiful Asian antiques, but a wonderful array of animal themed collectables too, to suit your Chinese zodiac sign.

1860 'The Marmozettes' original print, available from Moe Heidarieh

A beautiful Chinese 1st Republic (1912-1920) double lidded pot for making soup, available from Horner Antiques

An unusual selection of 1920s silver marked monkey brooches, available from Zeeba Jewels

1860-1880 Buddha snuff scoop carved from cow bone, available from Horner Antiques

A wonderful carved wood African Monkey Dance mask, one of a pair, from Cameroun, available from The Moderns

Hand painted Imari vase made in Canton, c1825, available from Horner Antiques

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Happy New Year!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!  Since our last post there have been many exciting developments here and lots to tell you about.

Alfies is nearly full to the brim with shops and services.  We would like to welcome some new dealers to our wonderful market.  Alfies is back to normal opening hour from 10am - 6pm, Tuesday - Saturday so please make sure to come and pay a visit!

1950s Horrockses Dress from Dandy Dolls

After the rush of Christmas it's time to relax and think about resolutions and personal improvement.  A good start would be at Dandy Dolls, which is a new vintage shop on the very top floor of Alfies.  Find a stunning selection of beautifully hand selected clothing, hats, and accessories to brighten up your wardrobe for 2011.

1950s Floral Brocade Dress with Bolero from Dandy Dolls

Dandy Dolls Shop on the Second Floor at Alfies

To update your home visit new dealer Anouska Hunter Antiques (also on the second floor) where you will find some truly fantasic pieces from lighting and decorative items to tables, chairs and a fabulous wooden bench (pictured below) that would fit perfectly in a hallway.  Make sure to snap up the 'Be Modern' sign (also pictured), it's the last one of it's kind!

Anouska Hunter Antiques Shop on the Second Floor at Alfies

'Be Modern' Vintage Sign from Anouska Hunter Antiques

Also new to the second floor is Syrup Bucket Records. Jazz up your music collection with some original records.

Syrup Bucket Records

Syrup Bucket Records

For toy enthusiasts head to For Your Eyes Only where you will find a broad range of collectables from the board game 'Mousetrap' to specialist James Bond themed items and collectable cars.

James Bond Collectables from For Your Eyes Only

 

 

 

 

 

Collectable Cars from For Your Eyes Only

Alan Robinson, another new dealer on the first floor, has a small but very well put together stand with a interesting selection of 19th century interior and decorative items, including some statement wall pieces.

Alan Robinson Antiques

Alfies has a lot more to offer for 2011, as well as even more new dealers, it is Alfies 35th Birthday!  Keep visiting our blog for up to date news and information on how we plan to celebrate this very special year!