W
henever guests arrive
at my home for the first time,
I���m often asked what made
me want to collect Asian art
and how I went about it. There
probably isn���t an exact answer
to either question, but reflecting
on my first trip to Thailand, I
visualize the events that altered
my life and propelled me into an
endless search for unique and
fascinating objects of art.
Bronze
Ayutthya
Style
Buddha
As the plane touched down
in Bangkok after 24 hours of
travel, I told myself I���d never
endure that journey again.
The oppressive, steamy heat
awaiting us confirmed my belief.
It was April 1988 and Bangkok
was trapped in a record heat
wave during the hottest month
of the year. To familiarize myself
with Bangkok, I watched The
King and I once again and
purchased a Frommer���s travel
guide, but the days of research
did little to prepare me for the
10 days to follow.
HYLAND
