Two Shanghai Sisters
Shanghai is reaching new heights of affluence. The commercialism and consumerism here is really astonishing. In a country with such disparaging degrees of wealth among its people, the advertising and rush into the 21st century is reaching all classes of society. From the latest of European fashion to the most current cell phones and electronic goods, the Shanghai people are reaching for it all. Even the poorer classes of people sport cell phones that are newer than mine. I had a chance to visit two sister’s homes this past week with camera in hand and wanted to share their differences in taste.
Xiao Hui and Xiao Zhong are two sisters that grew up during the Cultural Revolution. The older sister is a Communist Party Member and lawyer while the younger sister is involved in business with her husband. Both of them are quiet wealthy by any countries standards. Xiao Zhong’s taste in furniture runs in a more traditional vein. Her two-story penthouse condominium is truly beautiful.
Xiao Hui’s exquisite home is filled with antiques and Italian furnishings. As a side note, the apartments that are available for sale here in China come with bare concrete walls and floors. In order to complete the construction of one of these apartments the new owner is faced with the unlimited choices for finishing the construction. Xiao Hui choose to import some of the finest flooring and moldings from Italy. The doors and wood trim is some of the finest that I have ever seen. Additionally, the windows are exquisite. These choices were all decided before the decision of furniture was made. Xiao Hui is a collector. In the course of time she has gathered an impressive number of antiques. Enjoy the pictures.
What I enjoyed most in visiting these two sisters is the unhesitating hospitality and warmth that the Chinese people always show their guests. Coming into a Chinese home is like visiting old friends or family. These two examples of Shanghai living are certainly not the norm but not too uncommon either. There is a growing class of nuevo-riche here in China.
To see all of the pictures visit flickr “Christmas in China”.
