18th-Century Chinese Vase Accidentally Discovered

 

The magnificent imperial vase which languished for years in a kitchen. (Photo: Dreweatts)

Who doesn't dream about stumbling on a trove of fabulous, valuable artwork? For some people, the discovery of a lifetime is an ancient Roman bust waiting on a Goodwill shelf or a Ming Dynasty bowl at a yard sale. For one family in the UK, their treasured possession turned out to have been sitting in their kitchen for years. Purchased by a surgeon and passed down to his son, the vase turned out to be a Chinese imperial work of art from the era of the famed Qianlong Emperor.

The provenance of the vase is unknown, so how and when it traveled from China to the UK is a mystery possibly shrouding the imperialistic looting. What is known is that a surgeon in the UK purchased the vase for a few hundred pounds in the 1980s. Eventually, it passed to his son. One of the son's friends noticed the two-foot-tall blue and gold bulbous vase sitting in his friend's kitchen. The friend is an antiques specialist and alerted the son of his suspicion that the vase was in fact a valuable artifact.

Crafted of porcelain, the vase is glazed in “sacrificial blue,” a name that hearkens to the blue vases used in sacrifices. It is decorated with clouds, palms, and cranes in silver and gilt (gold). These are symbols from Taoism (or Daoism), the philosophy and religion popular in 18th-century China. The Qianlong Emperor ruled from 1735 to 1796. A member of the powerful Qing Dynasty of China, he is one of the longest-reigning rulers in history. On the base of the vase is a mark signifying its manufacture in the Qianlong period, the years of the Qianlong Emperor's reign. The vase was made for the emperor and likely kept in an imperial palace until it was given away (or stolen).

The vase is a shocking find, but a delight for an auction house. The vase went to auction through Dreweatts where it fetched $1.8 million at auction, well over the $186,000 estimate. The house reported “very strong interest” from bidders in China, Hong Kong, the U.S., and the UK, demonstrating “the demand for the very finest porcelain.” A technical wonder of art and craftsmanship, the vase is a historic, royal piece despite its humble recent location in a kitchen.

A UK man discovered the vase in his kitchen was actually a valuable Qianlong-era Chinese antique.

Detail of a crane in gold. (Photo: Dreweatts)

The piece was made for the 18th-century Qianlong Emperor, although it is unknown how it came to the UK.

The six-character mark of the Qianlong period on the base of the vase. (Photo: Dreweatts)

The vase fetched $1.8 million at auction.

The Qianlong Emperor, who lived from 1711-99 (r. 1735-96), painted by Giuseppe Castiglione. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

This is one of several stories of treasures discovered in unexpected places.

Butterfly Populations Are Showing Recovery After a Winter in Mexico

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Monarch butterflies are famous for their striking orange and black wings. These beautiful, elegant insects are also renowned for their impressive migratory regimen. Wintering in Mexico, they travel as far north as Southern Canada in the spring. However, as with many other species, the delicate natural rhythms of their migration are threatened by global warming and habitat loss. Thankfully, during the winter of 2021 to 2022, 35% more butterflies congregated in their winter home than in the past year—suggesting a possible path of resilience for the species.

Each October and November, thousands of monarch butterflies flock to the sheltered, forested mountains west of Mexico City. Typically, they return to northern, cooler climes in March. However, in the 2020 to 2021 season, the butterflies fled in February, suggesting climate change may be altering their pattern due to climate change. Yet in the spring of 2022, the butterflies lingered until April. It is unclear exactly why, but it suggests the species is adapting to a rapidly changing world.

The butterflies rely on trees when in their Mexican home. Logging, fires, drought, and plant disease are exacerbating deforestation. While logging activity rose this past year, other factors caused less damage and resulted in less total loss of flora. Declining milkweed in the United States, which monarch caterpillars eat, has also affected their numbers. Pesticides and clearing wooded areas endanger this vital plant. Activists encourage Americans to plant milkweed to combat habitat loss, but those who live in Mexico should not. The plant might erroneously encourage the insects to linger, interfering with their natural rhythm.

While the butterflies are still at the mercy of climate change, their recently rebounding numbers in Mexico suggest they may be able to adapt their calendar to a changing climate. This past winter, 160,000 tourists flocked to see the magnificent winged creatures gathered in the trees of the butterfly reserves. The butterflies may be adapting—but we humans have to adapt too. Fighting climate change will only make survival easier and surer for this incredible species.

This past winter, more monarch butterflies than the year before flocked to their winter home in Mexico.

Photo: NATICASTILLOG/Depositphotos

Amazing NASA Sun Mission - Solar Eclipse From Space

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory observed a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022. (Photo: NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL)

Human eyes should not gaze directly at the Sun on any regular day, let alone during a solar eclipse. However, NASA's hyper-modern technology has no such limitations. Their Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) tracks, photographs, and studies the Sun from space. This high-tech observation center captured stunning images of a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022—the fiery beauty is a view unmatched by any on Earth.

The eclipse occurred on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. SDO is a NASA mission to document and explore both space and Sun. SDO launched in February 2010 as a solar spacecraft under the partnership of NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are of particular interest to the mission. CMEs—expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun—are a strange and confusing phenomenon which can disrupt power or GPS signals here on Earth. 

With its high-powered imaging mechanisms, SDO captured the moon passing between it and the Sun. NASA has not yet officially spoken on the celestial event, but space enthusiasts note that the Moon's ridges were illuminated by the Sun behind it, including the Leibnitz and Doerfel mountain ranges. The entire phenomenon passed by in about 25 minutes. The Moon blocked about 67% of the Sun's flaming surface. This may also be the closest picture of the Sun's surface many people have seen. While images such as these may help scientists observe the Sun and learn more about its magnetic properties, they also can help them learn about the optics of the telescope itself. For the rest of us, these images are one more chance to marvel at the magnificence of our solar system.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) tracks, photographs, and studies the Sun from space.D

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory observed a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022. (Photo: NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL)

This high-tech observation center captured stunning images of a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022—the fiery beauty is a view unmatched by any on Earth.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory observed a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022. (Photo: NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL)AD

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory observed a solar eclipse on June 29, 2022. (Photo: NASA/SDO/AIA/LMSAL)

Then Most Millions of Baby Blue Eyes Blooms

 

Spring is the season where plants come alive. And while you can find beautiful blooms in cities, it'd be hardpressed to see an entire field dedicated to flowers. That is why people in Japan travel to a spacious nature park roughly two hours south of Tokyo. Spread over about 864 acres, the Hitachi Seaside Park contains millions of gorgeous florals that bloom every year to form a dreamy, storybook setting.

While the park features an array of flora, it is most famous for its field of nemophila, also known as baby blue eyes. Inside Miharashi's Hill—one of the gardens that make up the nature park—there is about 500 million nemophila that bloom from April to May. During this time, the luxurious pale color blends into the sky to create a romantic scene for visitors to photograph and stroll through, always staying on the provided trail.

In addition to baby blue eyes, the coastal destination also includes a section called Tamago no Mori Flower Garden. This area is reminiscent of Dutch landscapes, featuring 260 varieties of tulips in a range of colours, as well as model windmills scattered across the garden. The chromatic assortment of tulips creates mesmerizing patterns within the wooded area, which tourists can view from different angles as they stroll along the path.

Scroll down to see more spectacular photos of these flowers.

Japan's Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its gorgeous natural beauty.

Located in Hitachinaka City, in the Ibaraki Prefecture, this popular destination features an array of colorful blooms.

Its most famous flower is nemophila, or baby blue eyes, which bloom from April to May.

They have about 500 million nemophila in their garden called Miharashi's Hill.

They also have a field of tulips called the Tamago no Mori Flower Garden.

It features 280 varieties of tulips in a range of colors.

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Watch these videos to learn more about the park:

An Italian Town Is Filled With Ancient Cave Dwellings

Italy is full of beautiful cultural cities. And while most people are familiar with Rome, Florence, and Venice, there are many hidden gems to explore. Undoubtedly, Matera is one of these gems. This southern Italian town is located in the Basilicata region and is known for its incredible cave dwellings, also known as Sassi.

Dug into the chalky stone that is typical of the region, these dwellings are small caverns that have undergone a series of transformations over the years. These prehistoric cave homes were actually inhabited until the mid-1950s when residents were evacuated due to poor sanitary conditions. In the late-1980s, the Sassi got a revival and has been turned into hotels, guest houses, art galleries, and cultural centres. Matera was even named a European Capital of Culture in 2019 to solidify its return to glory.

While scholars aren't completely sure when these cave dwellings were first occupied, it's believed that the town was settled as early as the 10th millennium BCE. This makes Matera one of the earliest places in the world to be continuously inhabited. Over history, Matera has been occupied by Greeks, Romans, Bourbons, and many others. Hollywood has also been drawn to Matera's unique beauty, with films such as No Time to Die, Wonder Woman, and The Passion of Christ using it as a key location.

Today, Matera is divided between the ancient town that includes the Sassi and the modern city. The Sassi sit on a rocky outcrop above the town, almost as a symbol of regeneration. These dwellings, which were once riddled with poverty, have now been reborn. With a thriving arts community and tourism centre, Matera is one of southern Italy's fastest-growing economies and is an example of how history can be preserved while still moving forward into the future.

Matera is a town in southern Italy known for its ancient cave dwellings.

or Sassi—are dug into chalky stone and have recently been revitalized.

The picturesque town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.

In 1993, the Sassi were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belmond Andean Explorer Train

 The first luxurious train in South America, Since the summer of 2017. The Belmond Andean Explorer - travels through the majestic Andean countryside along some of the world's highest-lying railroads. The first thing that arouses interest is its route: it runs between Cuzco (the ancient capital of the Inca Empire) and the picturesque city of Arequipa. The second thing that will not leave you indifferent is its interior, made in the spirit of the 1920s and 1930s, and the unique views that open up to travellers.

Belmond Train Peru

The hotel on wheels was designed by the London agency Muza Lab. Inge Moore described the idea of ​​the project as follows: "We wanted to create a space where you can calmly think and dream, where the beauty of the earth fills the soul."

The train is designed for 48 passengers. But in it, you will not find any reserved seats or shared coaches, only luxurious coupes in various variations. By the way, they are more reminiscent of the rooms of expensive hotels. Single cabins of the luxury class, double and coupe with bunk shelves - the choice makes your stay here even more comfortable. The train also has two restaurants, a spa area with panoramic windows, a bar and a grand piano, and a boutique where you can buy handmade gifts. The restaurant's menu includes delicious dishes from vegetables and fruits that were grown in the Andes.

Belmond Andean Explorer Train

However, Belmond Andean Explorer is interesting not only by its non-standard route but also by providing a haven for long-distance travel fans inside it. The structure does not find reserved seats or typical common carriages, but there are only compartments in different variations, each of which looks more like a room in an expensive hotel.

A unique Belmond Andean Explorer train Inca Empire of Cusco in Peru

The main feature of the train is its wide viewing windows, allowing you to fully admire the local view. Belmond Andean Explorer also has its own observation platform, where travellers can enjoy outdoor activities. Among other things, on the train, you can find a carriage with large panoramic windows, where a bar and a piano are also located.

The train has comfortable single rooms of the "luxury" class, as well as double, two-room and a compartment with shelves with two tiers. All rooms are equipped with their own showers and toilets.

Belmond Andean Explorer has two restaurant cars, which are distinguished by expensive finishes and first-class service. Here you can find rather non-standard dishes prepared only with fresh products, and you can also try fruits grown in the Peruvian Andes. The menu itself was compiled by the chefs of one of the most famous hotels in Peru.

Everything on the train is equipped for the convenience of passengers, and the design has virtually nothing to do with standard cars. Therefore, there are no familiar shelves for things or worn-out wafer towels. The main element of the design of the express train is a stepped cross, which since ancient times has been in great demand directly in South America.

Another “feature” of the train is a sightseeing car. Sofas are installed here - you can relax and drink cocktails in the fresh air, getting real pleasure from the surrounding beauty.

A shelf for personal belongings in a luxury train has nothing to do with what passengers of ordinary trains are used to. There are no washed waffle towels here.

One of the repeating design elements of the Belmond Andean Express - The Chakana - is a stepped cross, which has been widespread in South America since ancient times.

It is depicted on the walls of the wagons, on the uniform of the service staff, on napkins and glasses, and even on bathrobes and towels provided to guests.

In addition to two restaurants, the train has a saloon with panoramic windows, a bar and a piano. Here you can also enjoy the fantastic beauty of Peruvian landscapes. And, of course, communicate with fellow travellers.

According to The Telegraph, about $ 10 million had to be spent to equip the vehicle. In total, the train has 24 compartments, with about 50 employees.

A standard ticket from Cuzco to, in fact, Arequipa through Belmond Andean Explorer will cost $ 1.4 thousand. It is worth noting that the train immediately became popular among travellers and tickets are sold out quickly, despite their high cost.

The Crooked Forest

The Crooked Forest in Polish "Krzywy Las" located near the town Gryfino, in the Polish region of Pomerania, Poland is the scene of one of these mysterious events that astonish all who see it. Around 400 Scots pines in this Krzywy forest area have a strange curve at the base of their trunks or crooked bush. These bent trees are almost 90 degrees to the north a few centimetres from the ground, taking a characteristic "J" shape. For this reason, the crooked forest trees that suffer this curious phenomenon have been nicknamed by the locals "Crooked Forest". 

J shaped trees

Crooked forest in Poland

Poland crooked forest, The causes of these strange j-shaped trees are not at all clear, which has given rise to all kinds of theories about its origin. The wildest ones point to gravitational anomalies, evil energies, or a relationship with the famous circles that appear in cornfields.

Bent trees in the eerie forest of Gryfino, Poland has several stories of  weird trees

Other theories seek a more scientific explanation and suggest that these weird trees could have been deformed by a strong wind or a large accumulation of snow that occurred during their youth. However, the fact that all these pines are surrounded by many trees of the same species and age that do not present the curve makes this explanation less credible.

Something similar happens with another possible explanation that has great popular roots. According to its defenders, the strange shape of the trunks is because the shaped trees were crushed by the tanks that circulated through the area during World War II when the pines were between seven and ten years old.

Curved tree forest - Others claim that the curve is the direct result of the action of man, who planted the trees in the 1930s and gave them that shape on purpose to produce curved wood, used mainly in shipbuilding. The invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany would have paralyzed the project, so the crooked trees would have continued to grow vertically or trees that grows sideways until they acquired the curious shape they have today.

Poland forest — The use of techniques to deform logs is widely documented in many areas of Europe, which lends some credence to this theory. However, the people of Gryfino reject this possibility, as pinewood has never been used to build ships.

Gryfino forest - A final theory points to the possibility that the deformation was caused by the Melampsora pinitorqua fungus, which causes deformations in the shoots of young pines, although they are usually not as pronounced as those of the Gryfino eerie forest. Whatever the origin of this curious phenomenon, the truth is that these strange curved trees and their mysterious origin have already become a real tourist attraction in the area.

Crooked Forest

Crooked forest Poland

The Crooked forest

Curved trees

Crooked tree forest

Sideways tree

Crooked forest in Poland

Trees with curved trunks

Crooked Forest in Poland Google Map

Crooked Forest Poland Video

Bent trees in the forest