For Macro Monday, I captured these small monastery bells gently dangling from a weathered wooden beam in Klosterhof Bernried. Their aged metal texture and delicate suspension on steel cables tell a story of time and tradition. The fine details of these rustic bells shine through in monochrome, emphasizing their historic charm and craftsmanship. A peaceful moment frozen in time, where every dangle carries an echo of the past.

www.naintrading.com/orientteppiche/handtufted-208x145-p-2....

👉 If you like this rug, explore more in our handmade collection.

For Macro Monday, I captured these small monastery bells gently dangling from a weathered wooden beam in Klosterhof Bernried. Their aged metal texture and delicate suspension on steel cables tell a story of time and tradition. The fine details of these rustic bells shine through in monochrome, emphasizing their historic charm and craftsmanship. A peaceful moment frozen in time, where every dangle carries an echo of the past.

For Macro Monday, I captured these small monastery bells gently dangling from a weathered wooden beam in Klosterhof Bernried. Their aged metal texture and delicate suspension on steel cables tell a story of time and tradition. The fine details of these rustic bells shine through in monochrome, emphasizing their historic charm and craftsmanship. A peaceful moment frozen in time, where every dangle carries an echo of the past.

Walden is a replica of an 1845 sixteen-foot Cutter from USS Massachusetts, the first US Steamer on Puget Sound, which arrived in 1850. Walden would have been one of the smallest ship’s boats carried by the USS Massachusetts when she became the first US steamship, and the first propeller-driven vessel ever, on Puget Sound.

Michael Buse’s replica was named Walden for Walden Pond and because it is a family name. The design of Walden is based on old images and from John Gardner’s book Building Classic Small Craft, Volume 1, and from Smithsonian plans of larger naval cutters from 1854. Traditional lapstrake was used as most small ship’s boats in the mid 19th Century would have been so built. There is no centerboard for sailing into the wind, as they would not have had one to maximize cargo storage space.

Port Townsend's 2023 Wooden Boat Festival woodenboat.org/plan-your-visit

So I've been talking a lot about the amazing palaces and forts in Rajasthan and I've also been showing you guys many of them from the outside.

Finally here is an image of the interiors of one such fort called the Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur. It is in fact, one of the largest forts in all of India with massive high walls and impressive architecture. This room has some very detailed and intricate carvings and incredible paintings and is filled with mirrors all over the walls and the ceiling.

I could not fit the whole room in one exposure so I tool two separate shots and stitched them together to form a vetorama.

Hope you guys had a wonderful weekend!

--

About Jodhpur:

In the hushed ambiance of a Palmanova studio, hands tell a tale of tender transformation. Here, an artisan works with the grace of a sculptor, each gesture shaping beauty from the everyday. These are the hands of a guardian of detail, a nurturer of finesse, guiding tools with the elegance of a painter’s brushstroke. In this close-up world where black meets white, the story unfolds in textures and contrast, each curve and contour a testament to the artisan's commitment to the craft. Not a craftsman, but a craftswoman—her concentration etched in the deliberate dance of her hands, as she turns the ordinary into an object of admiration.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

Walls, gatepiers, steps and attached gates and railings. c.1815. Probably by E. Sharman. One pair, and 4 single, cast iron gates, linking gatepiers and walls, have floret and leaf decoration. Made by Reynolds foundary of Little Harrowden. Wellingborough High Street. (Palmer)

Listed.

Because of time constraints and other projects to address, I have enclosed these limited images of the S.S. Nobska Project.

As with my other pieces, this is produced in wood.

I make every effort t bring realism to work in this scale and have been fortunate to garnish the support of my followers as I endeavor new pieces in my journey.

Steamboating was, as is, a global entity. Research and study is the key for this type of work which I've enjoyed doing for many years. For this, I can say 'thank you' for following these posts.

For more information on my dioramas, contact: Caseships@yahoo.com.

Bathed in golden light and framed by majestic marble columns, the Library of Congress interior offers a moment of awe-inspiring grandeur at the heart of Washington D.C. This image captures a richly ornamented view through an arched portal, revealing the elaborately frescoed ceilings, Corinthian columns, and meticulously inlaid floors of the Thomas Jefferson Building. A soft glow emanates from hidden lighting, accentuating the warmth of the ceiling’s terracotta tones, where personifications of knowledge and artistic symbols from around the world sit in harmony above the onyx-patterned archways.

To the right of the frame, a temporary partition and informational signage offer a modern contrast to the classical architecture—subtly reminding us that the Library of Congress is both a historic monument and a living, evolving institution. The poster’s message, “Save the Main,” is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the iconic Main Reading Room. Meanwhile, visitors stroll and stop in quiet admiration, dwarfed by the grand spatial proportions that speak to the Enlightenment-era ideals on which this institution was founded.

Built in the late 19th century and opened in 1897, the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building is a paragon of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its interiors, however, go far beyond decorative splendor—they serve as a civic cathedral to literacy, education, and democracy. The golden vaulted ceilings seen here feature richly symbolic murals and inscriptions. One such inscription, set within an archway, reads: “The true university of these days is a collection of books,” reinforcing the institution’s foundational role in public access to knowledge.

From this angle, the symmetry and layering of architectural elements become especially pronounced. The foreground arch, one of many repeated across the building, creates a frame-within-a-frame effect that guides the eye to the vanishing point. Viewers are drawn toward the circle-paned windows at the far end, which glow like halos above the column-lined balcony. Each classical column features exquisitely carved capitals and sculptural motifs, including acanthus leaves and cherubs.

This particular moment captures the balance between stillness and activity. The people within the frame—some visitors, some staff—bring scale and humanity to the otherwise overwhelming visual complexity of the architecture. It is a photograph about legacy and continuity; about the layers of culture, history, and craftsmanship embedded in America’s most sacred library.

Whether you are a student of architecture, a history enthusiast, or a photographer drawn to light and structure, this image distills a fleeting but powerful glimpse of a space where past and present coalesce. It encourages not only admiration but also preservation, serving as a reminder of the cultural treasures that belong to all.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

These close-up images showcase the intricate craftsmanship of a Carl Thompson Scroll Bass, a true icon in the world of boutique bass guitars. Built entirely by hand in Brooklyn, New York, Carl Thompson’s instruments are as much functional art as they are tonal powerhouses. His scroll basses—known for their distinctive violin-inspired upper horn—are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious players alike.

What sets this particular bass apart is its exquisite use of natural tonewoods, notably cocobolo, wenge, padauk, and possibly purpleheart, each selected for its tonal characteristics and visual contrast. The result is a layered, multi-laminate body that blends form and function with surgical precision. The carved horn and heel transitions show off seamless joinery and sculptural woodwork—there are no shortcuts here, only intention.

The pickups and control layout are minimal, allowing the organic tone of the woods to take center stage. Thompson’s basses are often customized per player, and every detail—down to the wooden pickup covers and knob choices—reflects an uncompromising aesthetic.

The scroll bass has become synonymous with players like Les Claypool of Primus, who famously uses Carl Thompson basses for their punch, clarity, and unique playability. This bass isn’t just an instrument—it’s a legacy, made by one man, in small numbers, with a cult following behind every build.

Seen here at Miki Gakki Bass Side in Osaka, this instrument stands out even in a sea of boutique beauties. For the discerning musician or collector, owning a Carl Thompson is not just a statement—it’s a lifelong relationship with a piece of musical architecture.

Tucked within the historic Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa, the Ochaya Art Museum offers a glimpse into Japan’s refined teahouse culture. This beautifully preserved Edo-period structure exemplifies traditional chaya (teahouse) architecture, with its elegant wooden façade, delicate latticed windows, and muted earthy tones that have aged gracefully over centuries. Once a gathering place for geisha performances and elite entertainment, this building now serves as a cultural museum, inviting visitors to step back in time.

The ochaya (tea houses) of Kanazawa are distinct for their two-story design, a feature historically reserved for geisha establishments in Japan. The first floor, traditionally used for receptions and performances, showcases shoji (paper sliding doors), tatami flooring, and ambient lantern lighting that enhance its serene ambiance. The upper floor, veiled behind delicate bamboo blinds, was once an exclusive retreat for patrons indulging in refined conversations over sake and traditional music.

One of the museum’s standout details is its aged wooden exterior, which bears the subtle weathering of Kanazawa’s humid climate, adding to its authentic charm. The overhanging eaves and intricate roofwork display fine craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage. The entrance, marked by a simple noren curtain, maintains a sense of mystery, reminiscent of a time when only the privileged were granted entry.

For those enchanted by Japan’s hidden gems, the Ochaya Art Museum is an essential stop—a living artifact of Kanazawa’s golden age, where history, architecture, and artistry intertwine seamlessly.

This extraordinary electric guitar is a rare blend of music, fine art, and Japanese cultural heritage. Displayed proudly in a Tokyo boutique, this Telecaster-style guitar features a meticulously detailed body graphic inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji", specifically the lesser-seen “South Wind, Clear Sky” or "Red Fuji" print. The bold gradient from indigo sky to volcanic crimson peaks is rendered with remarkable precision, transforming the guitar into a playable canvas.

While the body retains classic Telecaster hardware and electronics—two single-coil pickups, a control plate with chrome knobs, and a three-saddle bridge—the real showstopper is the custom finish. The wood grain subtly shows through the edges, grounding the art in natural tonewood craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of a centuries-old ukiyo-e masterpiece with a modern electric guitar form speaks volumes about the intersection of tradition and innovation in Japanese design.

This guitar wasn’t mass-produced—it’s likely a limited run or one-off custom model, possibly by Fender Japan or a high-end Japanese luthier specializing in art guitars. Japan has a deep reverence for both fine woodworking and musical instruments, and this piece beautifully reflects that harmony.

Guitars like this are rarely seen outside Japan, and when they are, they tend to become collector’s centerpieces. Whether displayed or played, it’s a conversation piece that merges visual storytelling with tonal versatility.

Perfect for photographers, collectors, or musicians drawn to the fusion of aesthetics and sound, this is more than an instrument—it’s a tribute to Japanese culture through a rock-and-roll lens.

Pottery Jars, Florida 2009. © J.J. Taylor. No usage without prior written consent. All Rights Reserved.

Crewe Hall, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, England, stands as an enduring testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This majestic country estate boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Jacobean era, with its striking Tudor-style façade and exquisite interiors showcasing fine craftsmanship and opulent design. Designated as a Grade I listed building, Crewe Hall exudes grandeur and elegance, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past and explore its manicured English gardens and expansive estate grounds. From its ornate interiors to its cultural significance, Crewe Hall is a cherished landmark, offering a captivating glimpse into England's illustrious history.

Crewe Hall, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, England, stands as an enduring testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This majestic country estate boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Jacobean era, with its striking Tudor-style façade and exquisite interiors showcasing fine craftsmanship and opulent design. Designated as a Grade I listed building, Crewe Hall exudes grandeur and elegance, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past and explore its manicured English gardens and expansive estate grounds. From its ornate interiors to its cultural significance, Crewe Hall is a cherished landmark, offering a captivating glimpse into England's illustrious history.

Patterns emerge slowly when you stand beneath this extraordinary shell-encrusted ceiling in Portugal, and the longer you look, the more the craftsmanship reveals itself. The design radiates outward in a mandala-like composition, built from thousands of carefully placed fragments of shell, stone, and textured mineral. Each swirl, petal, and geometric flourish contributes to an overall rhythm that feels both intentional and deeply organic. It’s the kind of artistry that grows from patience, ritual, and a tactile relationship to materials drawn directly from the surrounding landscape.

The palette mixes soft creams, sandy pinks, deep blues, and inlaid blacks, with small flashes of red anchoring the symmetry. From a distance, the ceiling gives the impression of an ancient fresco or painted relief, yet the closer you get, the more the tiny irregularities stand out—the ridges of shells, the translucence of polished pieces, the subtly uneven edges that reflect the hand of the maker. Light interacts with the surface differently than it would with paint, catching on curves and casting minute shadows that animate the patterns. Even within this still image, you can sense the energy created by these small shifts in depth.

Spaces like this one whisper stories. Shellwork ceilings are often associated with grottoes, chapels, and royal retreats designed as escapes from formality—places where the natural world could be brought indoors in symbolic form. Here, nature becomes ornament. The ceiling feels like a hybrid between the mathematical precision of a mosaic and the tidal logic of the sea, where shells accumulate and settle into new forms over time. Standing beneath it invites a kind of imaginative time travel, reconnecting you to the coastline that provided the materials and the artisans who transformed them.

You can almost picture the original creators arranging piece after piece, building layers of pattern that would outlast them by centuries. There’s beauty in the endurance of that work. It’s not simply decorative; it holds cultural memory in its geometry and textures. Every motif loops back into another—scrolls leading to medallions, medallions flowing into floral-like bursts, and framing elements that guide the eye without overwhelming it. The balance feels intentional and thoughtful, just like so much of Portugal’s historic palace architecture.

Photographically, this image offers a close-up encounter that emphasizes detail rather than grandeur. Instead of capturing the entire room, it focuses on the tactile intimacy of the craft. The curved structure at the bottom hints at the three-dimensional shape of the space, adding depth to the flattened graphic pattern. It allows viewers to step closer than they ever could in person, experiencing the ceiling almost as a map of textures.

This moment preserves the fusion of artistry, nature, and history—an intricate fragment of a much larger story carved in shells and stone.

Crewe Hall, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, England, stands as an enduring testament to centuries of history and architectural splendor. This majestic country estate boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Jacobean era, with its striking Tudor-style façade and exquisite interiors showcasing fine craftsmanship and opulent design. Designated as a Grade I listed building, Crewe Hall exudes grandeur and elegance, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its storied past and explore its manicured English gardens and expansive estate grounds. From its ornate interiors to its cultural significance, Crewe Hall is a cherished landmark, offering a captivating glimpse into England's illustrious history.

Walls, gatepiers, steps and attached gates and railings. c.1815. Probably by E. Sharman. One pair, and 4 single, cast iron gates, linking gatepiers and walls, have floret and leaf decoration. Made by Reynolds foundary of Little Harrowden. Wellingborough High Street. (Palmer)

Listed.

Classic Schwinn girls bike with horn and streamers on a rainy summer day, Lake Pleasant, Bothell, Washington State, USA

©Jim Corwin_All Rights Reserved - Contact me at jimcorwin39 [at] yahoo.com or visit my PhotoShelter site using the link Jim Corwin Photography on my Profile Page.

All my photographs are copyright protected and are not allowed to be used in any manner without my consent. ©Jim Corwin_All Rights Reserved

This natural 7.73 carats checkerboard cushion cut pink tourmaline is classically presented in 18k yellow gold and platinum. Each element of this ring is entirely hand created and assembled piece by piece so that every detail is finished properly.

Do you know what make and model car this is?

This is the mask carved from red cedar. The back is hollowed to minimize weight. If I am remembering correctly, it does have a mild oil rubbed on to give the grain and colour more contrast and accentuation than it would have without it.

Crafting wooden pieces in a workshop during the day with a focus on skilled hands at work

So the original piece was brought to the foundry where they took a mould of it, poured wax into the mould. And that is this piece here. They clean it up a bit by hand and then as far as I've seen, the piece reappears, but in bronze. I jest.

Here is a much simpler explanation

Prized Possesions

Rajasthan India Retro light fitting with architectural detailing of straight lines of concrete boxing on ceiling

First completed in a kind of teal patina instead of the traditional brown you see on alot of bronze sculptures. The client liked the sculpture better as the wax though and requested the piece be unbronzed.

Glossy French Brown patina

1. cre8 tv t, 2. 4, 3. splishSPLASH • three, 4. s t a n d i n g T a l l, 5. fineCraftsmanship, 6. Balisani Padma Hotel, 7. streetColors2, 8. Balisani Padma Hotel, 9. red K O R U, 10. theMAN who wondered about the moon • three, 11. work in progress, 12. i k a t, 13. E L M O, 14. Screaming, 15. InFury, 16. Are We In The Finals?

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

Finecraftsmanship complementig the warm texture of the local stones in this filled in doorway.

Prabanan Temple

• Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Fox donning opulent Renaissance attire from the 1900s unfolds. Immerse yourself in a world of luxury and timeless elegance, where every fine stitch and embellishment tells a story of aristocratic grandeur.

Panther adorned in exquisite Renaissance attire from the 1900s. From the panther's regal posture to the fine craftsmanship of its attire, every aspect of this image exudes a timeless allure that is both captivating and unforgettable.

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مصمم بإتقان ✂️👔

المقاس المثالي لا يتعلق بالأبعاد فقط، بل بالدقة والتوازن والحرفية. تضمن MAKER'S SHIRT KAMAKURA أن يتكامل كل تفصيل بسلاسة لمنحك مظهرًا راقيًا.

اكتشفوا فن الخياطة حسب الطلب في معرض وورشة العمل السعودي الياباني (الموضة والمنسوجات).

#معرض_السعودية_واليابان #MakersShirtKamakura #خياطة_مخصصة #دقة_في_الموضة #أزياء_رجالية_راقية #الخياطة_اليابانية #حرفية_متقنة #أناقة_بمعايير_جديدة #تصميم_حسب_الطلب #قمصان_فاخرة

Tailored to Perfection ✂️👔

A great fit isn’t just about measurements—it’s about precision, balance, and craftsmanship. MAKER'S SHIRT KAMAKURA ensures every detail aligns seamlessly for a distinguished look.

Discover the art of bespoke tailoring at the Saudi-Japan Exhibition & Workshop (Fashion & Textiles).

#SaudiJapanExpo #MakersShirtKamakura #TailoredFit #PrecisionInFashion #BespokeMenswear #JapaneseTailoring #FineCraftsmanship #EleganceRedefined #MadeToMeasure #LuxuryShirting