Hippo Creature?

For those familiar with my blog, you already know I have been talking about the side collection, many of us hippo collectors have. The: "almost hippo" collection (rhinos, cows, pigs, dragons etc). Now, this present does not fit the category: almost hippo, because it is immediately recognizable as hippo... but looking closer and a little bit longer, questions do arise... 

I think the craft person must have a wicked sense of humor, its vibes picked up by a buyer with an equally twisted mind. Dear William, thank you for getting this hippo creature in Kenya for me, and making me laugh every time I see it. The world needs more people like the creator of this masterpiece and you! hhhll

Beauties from Burundi

Another first. My collection holds many colored soapstone hippos, but non from Burundi. Brought all the way to Mongolia by my husband's colleague, who upon seeing our house, immediately committed to get me some hippos from her home country. Their bright colors and big smiles made me fall in love with them right away. Good things always come in threes, the saying goes. I think this is very true. Especially if it comes to hippos. 

Dearest Speciose, thank you so much for finding these treasures for me. They instantly made my collection more colorful and special. I can't wait to visit your country one day, returning with loads of bright African cottons and yes.... more Burundian Beauties!

Hippo Bookend

Indeed, just one :-). Bookends usually come in pairs. This beauty was on display in The Netherlands, in the window of a very stylish shop in my hometown, selling lamps. Designer, smart looking lamps and some fancy accessories scattered here and there. The first sighting was done, very early into our holiday. "Not enough space in my suitcase", was the main argument. Which was solved rather quickly thereafter. "Hello" new check-in bag!" 

The label said: Bookend, but even if I wanted to buy a second one, they did only have one. Oh well, apparently the Style Police has decided that one leather Zuny Bookend is fashionable, two are overkill. Not certain about that, but it would have been access luggage, for sure.

(Hippo) Love from Lebanon

As tradition dictates, this post should have been called: William, as it is the name of the friend who gave it to me. But this blog already has a: William (see post: William), as it is also the name of the unofficial mascot of the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Although the MET William is very special, it can't compete with the "specialty factor" of this one, so I decided it deserves it's own post name. 

When I met William, I already knew he was (and still is) Lebanese. It took quite some effort not to ask for a hippo right away (knowing him better now, I think he would have found it hilarious). But of course, after a while the pressure became too high and the inevitable question was asked. 

Through the grapevines I heard about several attempts of William to find a hippo in Lebanon, without any luck. I could imagine him going to these craft stores, filled to the rim with carpets and pottery "do you guys have a hippo?" And then the silence... Still makes me chuckle.

The one finding it's way to my bloat, had to be brought all the way to Mongolia... delivered with a huge sigh: "this is the ONLY one!" So, lo and behold, the one and only Lebanese hippo, named William.

Dear William, thank you for going through such an ordeal. Please know, this one will always be very special to me, not only because of its origin and history but mainly because of that kind, wonderful and special person who gave it to me :-).