The Tingle Factor Box

So They're Asian? - Dominoes

Imagine, you are a child living in the 1800s. You don't have a lot of time for fun, as you always seem to be working, but one thing you love is the quiet time with Mother and Father when you can just enjoy each others company. It is rare that Mother and Father have the time to play with you, but occasionally, they get down the treasured set of dominoes and play a game or two with you and your siblings. You don't know where the dominoes came from, you don't think your parents would have spent the money on a set, but you love it all the same.

It's So Pretty - Asian Influenced Ceramic Tea Cup

Imagine, you are a young lady living in the 1700s. The blue and white ceramics coming in on the boats carrying tea are very pretty and you would dearly love to have lots of it for your table. You have a few pieces and it is so strong, much more lasting than the English pieces, and yet the decorations are so delicate. It's all the rage though, and your husband hasn't yet managed to buy many pieces. He has found a few pieces of English make which seem to be painted in the Chinese style though, and you think there will be more and more of them over time!

That's The Coolest Button Ever - Dragon Netsuke

Imagine, it is the early 1800s and you are Japanese woman. It is morning and time to dress. Your husband has an important meeting today, and is already dressed in his obi, getting ready to fasten his tobacco pouch. He was very sad recently, because his favourite netsuke went missing, and he had to use another to hold the pouch in place so you have searched hard to find another similar to it. He will be so happy when he sees it!

That's Terrible! Lotus Shoes

Imagine, you are a mother living in China living in the 1700s. Your daughter has just reached the age where her feet will be bound and you know you should be happy, but you aren't. You know just how painful the next few years will be for her, but you also know that if you don't do this she will never have a good life. Having her feet bound will ensure that she has good marriage prospects and a happy life. Yet you also know just how painful the binding process is, after all, you had it done yourself when you were her age.

So It's Like Pre-Pokemon Pokemon? Japanese Insect Cage

Imagine, you are a child in Japan living in the 1800's. One of your favourite things to do is wander the countryside collecting Mushi (insects) of all different types. You long ago learned to make cages for your little pets out of straw and dried grass, but you have always wanted to have a proper mushi cage. You saw a beautiful metal one in the market place not long ago, decorated in cloisonne of blue and red and green and white. You think any insect calling that cage home would be very lucky!

It's Like Magic! Revelation Box

Imagine, it's your birthday. You had to get through the whole day, and dinner before you were allowed to open a single present, but it was worth it. You got lots of practical things like books and clothes, but your Mum and Dad knew that you were really interested in magic and illusion and managed to find a special sort of a box, a revelation box. You've not seen one before, but you look forward to amazing your friends as you make their coins appear and disappear!

I Don't Think It Opens At All, It's Just A Trick! - Himitsu-Bako or Japanese Puzzle Box

Imagine, you are an important person in Japanese society in the 1800's. You have an important role to play, and lots of documents which you must keep safe. In Western society, you might lock the documents in a safe, or even in the bank, but in Japan you don't have those options. Luckily, you have something almost as safe - a Himitsu Bako or personal secret box. It takes many different, precise steps to open this box, and nobody but you and the crafts person who made it know what they are. Best of all, it is very beautiful so you can enjoy looking at it while knowing it keeps your secrets safe.

That's Very Cooling! Japanese Fans

Imagine, you are living in in the 1600's in Japan. It is early morning and you are getting ready for the day. You are already dressed and now you need to collect the accessories which you need to appear fully prepared for society. One of the most important of these is your fan. Now, you have a range of fans to choose from, and you must make sure you choose the correct type. Choosing a fan is not straight forward - there are different fans for different purposes and which you will choose depends on what you will be doing today.