Kong Lung Trading: New Picks for July 2012

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There is Always Something New at Kong Lung Trading

July 2012

 Super cute children's halter dress by Kauai designer Pint Size.  The beautiful Lotus Pattern on the porcelain sushi set, includes chopsticks  Ebony candlesticks by Outpost Original

A beautiful hoto of Funktion's funky aprons.  A beautiful necklace by Dana Caruso

The hardest thing about working at Kong Lung Trading, besides spending your entire paycheck on goodies, is describing what we sell. The inventory changes on a daily basis. And no one pigeon hole can hold all of our offerings, except maybe “beautiful.” So here are a few brand new items to help you—and us—get a firm grip on Kong Lung Trading. Stop in today and see for yourself that we sell the finest gifts you never seen.

Janet TevesImported Japanese suacer and bowl by Miya. Pattern shown in Ginkgo.Janet’s Pick:
MIYA JAPENESE PORCELAIN

What started in 1947 as Mr. Miya’s flower shop on 28th Street in New York City has evolved into one of the leading importers of Japanese tableware and gifts. Owned and operated by the Matsukawa family, Miya continues to bring you the best of Japan. Now available at Kong Lung Trading are lovely pieces such as these incredible porcelain sushi sets and tableware.

Plate-$23.00, Sushi Set with chopsticks-$55.00, Bowl-$15.00. Porcelain tableware in Ginkgo or Lotus pattern

 

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingPatty’s Pick:
EBONY BY OUTPOST ORIGINAL

These functional home accessories are breathtaking, even for Kong Lung Trading standards. Imported from Mozambique, these extraordinarily carved ebony wood items include candle sticks, vessels, serving utensils and more. Their architectural structure, crafted by incredibly skilled artisans living in Mozambique’s vast woodlands, are both useful and beautiful.BedHead Robe and Cami/Shorts set

These pieces are created from sustainably sourced mpingo wood (the Kiswahili word for the dark hardwood also known as African black wood or Mozambican ebony) that grows prolifically in Mozambique’s forests.

Ebony Accessories by Outpost Original $14.00-$178.00

 

Deborah CecilDeborah’s Pick:
DANA CARUSO JEWELRY

Cool bracelets by artisan jeweler Dana Caruso

How can you not love a necklace called Blue Hawaii? That is rhetorical by the way. We LOVE the new line by Dana Caruso. Great price point, great colors, great style.

Dana Caruso is a long time jewelry designer in Sonoma County, CA. Inspired by the beauties of nature, Dana uses natural gemstones and precious pearls to create one of a kind artisan made pieces. Each design is handcrafted. Dana Caruso Jewelry $72.00-$264.00

 

The famous Mochi and Olive of Kong Lung

Olive & Mochi’s Pick:
PINT SIZE DRESSES

Pint Sized in Paradise, a local children's clothing designer's fun patterns and dress.

Check out these super cute children’s dresses by local designer Pint Size. She creates amazing patchwork Pillow Case dresses, Apron dresses, Halter Rompers, and Triangle Top Onesies.

I think you just found your next baby shower gift. Too cute for words!

Pint Size in Paradise dresses $37.00-$48.00

One of the store's mascots, Mr. Chow, seems to like the Cat's Eye Plate by Miya.The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungMr. Chow’s Pick:
MIYA CAT’S EYE PLATES

Miya, importer of Japanese products with cultural value, delivers beautiful, unique, practical, impractical, fun, classic, traditional, modern and wonderful gifts with a Japanese aesthetic.

And speaking of fun, we had to show you how much Mr. Chow loved these Cat’s Eye plates. A no-brainer for his pick this month.

Cat’s Eye Plates $15.00

 

 

Cover of decorating with flowersBook of the Month:
THE ORCHID WHISPERER: EXPERT SECRETS FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS
by Bruce Rogers with photos by Greg Allikas

This book demystifies the growing process and features more than 100 gorgeous color photos of breathtaking plants. Best of all, it reveals pro secrets not found anywhere else for blooming, repotting, spotting hazards and pests, grooming, The cover of Orchid Whispererdecorating and more. Perfect for beginners as well as orchid experts looking for new tricks, The Orchid Whisperer provides everything readers need to know to keep healthy orchids that will flower again and again!

The Orchid Whisperer $19.95.

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Kong Lung Trading: Summer Picks for 2012

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Summer is Flowering

July 2012

 A detail of the stitchwork and texture on a Tori Richard Hawaiian shirt. Jen is weraing a cami and shorts set in leopard with a flowered robe by BedHead

Douglas Plush Toys makes thes super cute floral totes for kids.  Two super cute wooden kokeshi dolls with flowers  A beautiful hoto of Funktion's funky aprons.

With summer in full swing we would like to stop and smell the flowers. It is this season in specific that flowers, both wild and nurtured, show off for the world with their beautiful colors and amazing array of shapes and patterns. It is sort of like Kong Lung Trading itself—an incredible array of colors, shapes, sizes, textures and patterns. Stop in to Kong Lung Trading today to see the flowers, smell the flowers, try on the flowers or even have a few flowers gift wrapped.

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingBedHead Robe and Cami/Shorts setPatty’s Pick:
PAJAMAS BY BEDHEAD

In the late 90’s public interest in dresses declined and as Renee Claire was delivering what she considered to be her last collection of dresses to a retailer, she saw a pair of pajamas in the window of the boutique. She quickly realized that current pajama offerings lacked sophistication and tailoring. As a consequence, BedHead was born.

All BedHead pajamas are locally cut and sewn in glamorous Los Angeles, and sold at Kong Lung Trading in not-quite-as-glamorous Kilauea.

BedHead Pajamas and robes $102.00-$130.00

 

Janet TevesJanet’s Pick:
DOUGLAS TOYS FLORAL TOTE

A children's tote bag with a floral pattern by Douglas Plush ToysDouglas has been a family-owned business for over 50 years (since 1956). They are the epitome of “Old New England Work Ethic” and some of the staff have been with them for 20 and 30 years.

Success comes from unique designs and high quality materials and craftsmanship. The plush animals have gestures and expressions that clearly distinguish them as Douglas. The faces evoke a sense of endearment and the totes scream FUN!

Floral Tote by Douglas Toys $24.00

 

Deborah CecilDeborah’s Pick:
TORI RICHARD FLOWERED SHIRTS

Tori Richard was founded in 1956, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tori Richard, Ltd. is still today a family business driven by an appreciation of unique fabrications and globally inspired prints. Cool Aloha Prints from Tori RichardThe artwork that informs our textiles is our passion. A Tori Richard is like no other garment. It is their legacy and honor to create each exclusive new edition to be a delight to the eye, a pleasure to the skin, and a joy to the spirit.

Aloha Shirts from Tori Richard $ 128.00

 

The famous Mochi andOlive of Kong LungOlive & Mochi’s Pick:
KOKESHI DOLLS

Kokeshi dolls, such as these flowered versions, are handcrafted wooden folk art dolls made by Kokeshi artists in Japan. Two very cute Kokeshi Dolls with floral patterns at kong LungThe artists and their families share their passion for the beauty and uniqueness of the Japanese craft of Kokeshi dolls. Each kokeshi doll comes in its own box with the artist’s information in Japanese on the box. The package itself makes a lovely presentation.

Receiving Blanket $80.00 • Security Blanket $32.50

The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungMr .Chow’s Pick:
FUNKTION FLOWERED APRONS

A detail of the flower and the print of the Funktion Apron.Super fun, bright and playful patterns fill these aprons, oven mitts and dish towels. Funktion also offers beach bags, laundry bags, hobo bags and tablecloths. There is nothing as wonderful as spending those summer holidays cooking side-by-side with your daughter in matching mom & me aprons.

Hattie Apron $52.00

 

 

 

Cover of decorating with flowersBook of the Month:
DECORATING WITH FLOWERS
by Paula Pryke

The best of Paula Pryke’s classic and contemporary floral arrangements—in an accessible format to inspire novice and expert alike. Paula Pryke is unsurpassed in creating floral arrangements. Included are her signature contemporary designs as well as old-fashioned bouquets with a modern sense of color and form. Packed with ideas, skills, and techniques, this book explores the latest trends in floral design and encourages readers to let their personal style flourish with step-by-step instructions. Gorgeously illustrated, this compilation is an invaluable catalog of ideas and inspirations.

Decorating with Flowers by Paula Pryke $24.50.

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Kong Lung Trading: Fresh Picks for April 2012

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In Praise of Pattern

April 2012

Hand Made Silk Kimono by Handprint Colour Nature dish towels Swankie Blanki Forgotten Shanghai clutch, business card holder and coin purse Photo book by Rag & Bone

If you stop and really take a good hard look, pattern surrounds your every move. From natural patterns in the clouds, to the tile under your feet, humans live in a world of pattern. At Kong Lung Trading, the patterns we love are the eye-catching, pretty patterns, culturally authentic patterns, and the surprising, fun patterns. We have traditional japanese kimonos, children’s security blankets, and even paper products with every type of pattern you can imagine. Starting to see a pattern here? Stop in to Kong Lung Trading to get your pattern fix today.

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingPatty’s Pick:
KIMONOS BY HANDPRINT

Modern prints on traditional kimonosHandprint is a family run business that focuses on design and hand crafted textiles. Their workshop is designed with organic materials, open spaces and natural light to create an environment that inspires crafts people and designers. They develop new dyeing techniques, block and screen prints and machine and hand embroidery patterns. Their designers bring these indigenous techniques and traditional patterns together with a contemporary sensibility to design products for the global market.

Kimonos $75.00

 

Janet TevesJanet’s Pick:
COLOUR NATURE DISH TOWELS

Inspired pattern on Linens from Colour NatureDish towels are not exciting. Or are they? Look at these beautiful, elegant, French-inspired, Indian woodblock-printed linens and try to not be impressed. Colour Nature has raised the bar on print and pattern with these highly sought-after kitchen accessories. They are available in many colors and prints and a constant crowd pleaser.

Colour Nature Dish Towels $15.00

 

Deborah CecilDeborah’s Pick:
FORGOTTEN SHANGHAI

These “Fortune Cookie Boxes” are so fun with their bold prints and ingenious entry. Immediately you realize that these could function as coin purses, earring holders, key holders, etc. And with matching or complimentary mini-clutches, business cards and silk covered mirrors, your entire pocket book just got a very stylish overhaul.

Medium Fortune Cookie Boxes $ 8.00 • Silk Mini Clutch $35.00 • Business Card Holder $20.00 • Pocket Mirror $17.50

Cool pattern from Forgotten Shanghai

 

The famous Mochi andOlive of Kong LungOlive & Mochi’s Pick:
SWANKIE BLANKIE

Susie Grant first produced the Swankie Blankie Security Blankets and Receiving Blankets for friends and family. Soon exclusive boutiques began carrying Swankie Blankie products as well.Olive the dog relaxes on Swankie Blankie
These practical accessories are both well made and stylish, creating a luxurious appeal. All of these products are handmade in Texas with the utmost care and close attention to detail. Most importantly, all of Swankie Blankie products are machine washable and durable to provide lasting enjoyment for years to come. And they are Olive approved (right photo).
Receiving Blanket $80.00 • Security Blanket $32.50

 

The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungMr .Chow’s Pick:
RAG & BONE BINDERY

Adress book and guest book from Rag & BoneThe Rag & Bone story begins with a gift, a hand-bound blank page journal Ilira Steinman made for Jason Thompson. Inspired, Jason began studying the art of bookbinding. Shortly after, he sold his first journals to a small stationery store in Providence.
Within a few years he added new book styles and bindings including Photo Albums and Guestbooks. He also added his wife Ilira. And their shared interest in the artful and handmade continues to feed the business.

Address Book $55.00 • Photo frame Album $60.00 • Guest Book $55.00

 

A spread of beautiful patterns in the V & A Pattern: KimonoBook of the Month:
V&A PATTERN: KIMONO

The best of Paula Pryke’s classic and contemporary floral arrangements—in an accessible format to inspire novice and expert alike. Paula Pryke is unsurpassed in creating floral arrangements. Included are her signature contemporary designs as well as Cover of V+A Pattern: Kimonoold-fashioned bouquets with a modern sense of color and form. Packed with ideas, skills, and techniques, this book explores the latest trends in floral design and encourages readers to let their personal style flourish with step-by-step instructions. Gorgeously illustrated, this compilation is an invaluable catalog of ideas and inspirations.

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Kong Lung Trading: Fresh Picks for March 2012

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Large Scale Design from Emissary

March 2012

 Ceramic Koi with Flambe Glaze Bamboo Stool with Yellow green glaze.

Koi Relief Vases The large Ceramic Fish by Emissary Hexagon Dragon Stool

Emissary Home and Garden was established in 1980. What began as a company importing decorative brass items from Thailand quickly expanded into designing wood, metal and ceramic home and garden decor. Their amazing pieces are hand crafted by artisans around the world. Emissary looks beyond trends and delivers design with lasting power.

Janet TevesJanet’s Pick:
BAMBOO GARDEN STOOL

The Yellow Green bamboo Garden Stool as an end tableThe Bamboo Garden Stool is a refreshing direction to decorative accessories as well as a top quality home and garden product. These are traditionally used in China as tea tables. This 18 inch tall garden stool looks fantastic in the home or in the garden.

The Bamboo Garden Stool in Yellow Green $460.00

 

Deborah Cecil Deborah’s Pick:
CERAMIC SWIMMING KOI

Swimming Koi in Flambe glazeThese alluring ceramic koi make a big statement at 13 inches long. And the glaze, called Flambe, is dynamic and energetic. Each koi is a little different. Beautiful as a home decor accent or a garden decoration.

Our price: $165.00

 

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingPatty’s Pick:
HEXAGON DRAGON STOOLS

The Hexagon Dragon Stool is both a garden stool and an end table. That is diverse list of purposes, but when you see these fresh yet familiar pieces, it makes sense. The Emissary garden stool line features non-traditional glazes that bring a touch of high fashion to these 19 inch tall ceramics stools. The Hexagon Dragon Stool in Gold as shown $527.00The dragon stool as an end table

 

 

The famous Mochi andOlive of Kong LungOlive & Mochi’s Pick:
KOI RELIEF VASE

The Koi Relief Vase from EmissaryA modern interpretation of a traditional design. These water tight vases come in three sizes 17, 22 and 24 inches. Perfect for tropical flowers such as heliconia and bamboo. Availible in two finishes, distress foam blue crackle glaze and distress ivory glaze.

Our price: 17” – $475.00, 22” – $500.00, 24” – $635.00

 

The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungMr .Chow’s Pick:
LARGE CERAMIC FISH
Japanese Obi as a table runner

These big fellas are super fun. The large ceramic koi come in turquoise and bright orange glazes. You need to see these in person and be near them for scale. An instant staff favorite.

Our price: $345.00 – $520.00

 

 

 

Tom Selleck in Icons of Men's StyleBook of the Month:
KYOTO, THE JAPANESE GARDEN
by Akira Nakata

from Amazon:Cover of Kyoto-The Japanese garden
” Kyoto’s gardens are glorious, beautiful, and thought-provoking Japanese treasures without parallel in other lands. This book introduces the soul of Kyoto, the Japanese garden. Addressing variations through the different types of temple gardens—gardens of the imperial family and aristocratic households, and urban courtyard and other gardens—it offers an understanding of the compelling fascination that these gardens’ beauty and philosophical depth inspire. ”

Our price: $34.50

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Kong Lung Trading: Fresh Picks for February 2012

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February 2012

Great Gifts

The Year of The Dragon shirt by Tori Richards   Wood and gold ring by the Branch  Batchelor Pad by Schleer design

Baby Owls by Trudi  The Tiffen Lunch Box by Vivo

This month we are focusing on the keikis. Whether you need a baby shower gift or that perfect present for a niece or nephew’s luau, Kong Lung Trading is the best place for gifts. As Spring approaches, we will continue to bring in great new products for our little ones and while you are shopping you will have a chance to get a jump start on graduation, wedding and of course anniversary gifts.

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingLisa neimeth Ceramics are available at Kong Lung TradingPatty’s Pick:
EEBOO BOARD GAMES AND PUZZLES

Kong Lung Trading carries lots of these beautiful board games, puzzles and learning activities that provide plenty of excitement for the whole family. A couple of our favorites include Storefront Bingo, a fun twist on the classic bingo game. And Toolbox Matching Game, challenge your memory and recognition skills with this toolbox inspired game with amazing illustrations. Endless fun. Game pieces stored in a nifty cotton canvas bag!

Our price: $21.00-$27.00

 

Janet TevesJanet’s Pick:
STACKING BENTO & TRAVEL CUPS

Innobaby makes some extremely good looking products. The best part is that the designs are paired with incredible function. The Picnic Pals from Apple ParkWhen the highly aesthetic meets the super functional, like Innobaby, you get products that make life better. Kong Lung Trading has Packin’ SMART Lock & Lock Stacking Bento, Packin’ SMART Keepaa Multi Use Drink & Juice Box Holder, Packin’ SMART 5 Tier Original, and more.

Our price: $22.00-$28.00

 

Deborah Cecil Deborah’s Pick:
SWADDLE BY ADEN + ANAIS

For countless generations, mothers have swaddled and cared for their children with natural muslin. aden + anais® has gone one step further to Wood bracelet by the branchbring you soft, silky rayon from bamboo fiber muslin. Luxuriously soft, it is the ideal fabric to use on delicate baby skin. All aden + anais products are available in fashion forward prints that say as much about your style as they do about the traditions that bind mothers together around the world.

Our price: cotton $17.00 Bamboo $18.50

 

The famous Mochi andOlive of Kong LungThe cutest lion from Trudi, an Italian designerOlive & Mochi’s Pick:
CHILDREN’S APRONS BY SUZI WOOD

Children love to play kitchen. And what is sweeter than sharing your love of cooking with a child? Make it all that much more perfect with these adorable Kitchen Aprons by Suzi Wood. All are 100% cotton, hand-made, children’s sized aprons in fun patterns. Each comes with a child’s size rolling pin, rubber spatula and a whisk.

Our price: $22.00

 

The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungJapanese Obi as a table runnerMr .Chow’s Pick:
SOCK MONKEY BABIES

Children love to play kitchen. And what is sweeter than sharing your love of cooking with a child? Make it all that much more perfect with these adorable Kitchen Aprons by Suzi Wood. All are 100% cotton, hand-made, children’s sized aprons in fun patterns. Each comes with a child’s size rolling pin, rubber spatula and a whisk.

Our price: $12.50

 

I Want A Dog BookBook of the Month:
I WANT A DOG
by Helga Bansch

An amazingly illustrated work with an sweet tale of compromise. The little girl wants a dog so badly she will try anything to get one. And when she posts a note in the park to “borrow a dog,” a compromise arrives. She gets a job walking a dog.

Our price: $16.95

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Kong Lung Trading: New Year’s Picks for 2012

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Think Kong Lung Trading for this Red Letter Day, Valentine’s Day

January 2012

Wood and gold ring by the Branch Batchelor Pad by Schleer design The Year of The Dragon shirt by Tori Richards Baby Owls by Trudi The Tiffen Lunch Box by Vivo

Hello lovers! It is one of our favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day. For remarkable gifts for your Valentine, visit Kong Lung Trading. Our beautiful displays will inspire you to give that thoughtful and exceptional gift. We display a diverse and ever changing selection of presents, jewelry, books, cards and much more. Come visit our beautiful store on the road to the Lighthouse.

Deborah Cecil Wood bracelet by the branchDeborah’s Pick:
SCHLEEH DESIGN

Colin Schleeh worked as a boat-builder, set designer, custom furniture designer/builder, sculptor, jewelry designer, managed a custom furniture company and ran the Fine Arts studio for ten years at Dawson College. Colin Schleeh opened Schleeh Design with Rachel Schwartz in 2001 out of a converted studio on the banks of the Lachine Canal (Montreal). Schleeh Design offers a line of innovative limited production accessories, handmade vases & decorative art.

Our price: $21.00-$227.00

 

Patty Ewing at Kong Lung TradingPatty’s Pick:
LISA NEIMETH CERAMICS

Lisa Neimeth Ceramics are widely recognized in the design circles of the world for their whimsy and charm. The functional, hand-built tablewear are made in Lisa’s studio—a former chicken coop—in the heart of San Francisco. Lisa uses found objects, hand etching and high and low fire glazes to create fun, funky and functional small works of art. Our price: $25.00-$338.00Lisa neimeth Ceramics are available at Kong Lung Trading

 

 

Janet TevesThe Picnic Pals from Apple ParkJanet’s Pick:
VIVO

Diane Castellan, VIVO founder and creative director, established VIVO to offer discerning women beautiful objects that combine the best of American style with great materials from around the world. At Kong Lung Trading we carry VIVO malemine lunch boxes, which are sleek, stackable and latchable. These hip and earth friendly “Tiffin” lunch boxes are perfect for foodies on the go. Come in a you will also find exquisite VIVO pearl and exotic skin jewelry. As her tag line says, “Everyday Luxury. Luxury Everyday,” pretty much sums it up.

Our price: $34.00-$126.00

 

The famous Mochi andOlive of Kong LungThe cutest lion from Trudi, an Italian designerOlive & Mochi’s Pick:
TRUDI

Trudi: a long history of love, a fairy tale that turns into reality. Fifty plus years of emotions, tenderness, and cuddles, expressed in top quality creations, made ​​with the examination of the past, but with a focus on innovation. A passion that continues to thrill adults and children. Trudi’s soft plush toys and classic baby dolls are now available at Kong Lung Trading.

Our price: $9.95-$76.00

The wonderful Mr. Chow of Kong LungMr .Chow’s Pick:
TORI RICHARD

Japanese Obi as a table runnerSince my name is Mr. Chow, I feel the need to speak about the Chinese New Year. Yeah, I know, its a Valentine’s Day newsletter, but my family is Chinese, so I say this awesome Chinese New Year Shirt from Tori Richard is the best thing in the store right now!

From embellished top-quality fabrications to dramatically embroidered and engineered designs, Tori Richard silk shirs are instantly recognizable as lifelong signature pieces.

Our price: $138.00

Tom Selleck in Icons of Men's StyleBook of the Month:
NO BAD WAVES
by Mickey Muñoz

“Attitude is the ultimate piece of equipment-no matter how good the wave or how tuned the board-a lousy attitude definitely ruins your day”

No Bad Waves is a book about surfing and surf culture for sure, it’s also a personal set of stories that reflect the life and times of Mickey Munoz over a period of six decades. Mickey Muñoz has been called the “surfer’s surfer,” and is loved and respected for his contributions to surfing for the past 60 years as a surfer, a pioneer of Waimea Bay, a stuntman (stand-in for Gidget), a board shaper and designer, and as a sailor and boatbuilder (America’s Cup).

Our price: $35.95

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