Design Solutions for function and aesthetics
May 2011
Fine design is the driving passion behind all of Kong Lung Trading’s wonderful products. We define—our basically indefinable collection—as “transcendent” because it goes beyond expectation. Even the simplest things are made more beautifully and with more concern for function. It is with this in mind we present the following items. We hope you enjoy our choices. Please call us at 808-828-1822 to find out more information. Or even better, to see all of our favorites, come visit us at Kong Lung Trading.
Patty’s Pick: INNOBABY
Innobaby was established in 2006 by two moms on a mission to develop and deliver great solutions for common baby issues. Let us just say, Mission Accomplished!
A visit to their web site puts in perspective how well received the Innobaby products such as Din Din Smart Stainless Divided Platter, Packin’ SMART Transportation products and the Bamboo Seat Topper 
really are. Magazines such as Pregnancy & Newborn, American Baby, Storage, and Green Child have expounded the benefits of Innobaby’s stylish and functional designs. They have been featured on numerous tv news programs, endorsed by celebrities and won several parent and child-based awards such as The National Parenting Center Award, Creative Child Magazine’s Top Choice and Seal of Excellence awards. Prices from $24 – $39.50
Deborah’s Pick:
KLEINREID
KleinReid (James Klein and David Reid) have been collaborating for over 15 years with a goal of thoughtful design, fine craftsmanship and lasting beauty. This cutting edge, yet classic designed line of ceramics blurs the line between craft and art, merging industrial techniques and artisanal quality
Most notably, the dynamic duo has collaborated with design legend Eva Zeisel to produce the “Eva” line. Its pieces are in the collections of the White House and many museums. Kong Lung Trading carries the Kokeshi, Hawthorne, Aubrey and Eva Collections. Prices from $50 to $288.
Janet’s Pick:
BLENKO GLASS
Janet states very plainly, “I love Blenko. I bought Blenko’s Watercraft pitchers and use them as a vase as well. Beautiful and serves two purposes as well. It makes me happy just to look at them!”
Blenko Glass Company has been a family owned and operated company since 1893. Their history is rich and interesting and tells the story of a family dedicated to fine craft and the art of glass. Prices from $36 to $265.
Olive & Mochi’s Pick:
JONATHAN’S WILD CHERRY SPOONS
Handcrafted in Pennsylvania from sustainably harvest wood. Beautiful and functional these wooden utensils bring a sense of beauty and inspiration to any kitchen. The Original Lazy Spoon is a favorite of Rachael Ray and was featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things in ‘O’ Magazine. Christina Perillo, health advocate, and host of the PBS cooking show ‘Christina Cooks’ loves Jonathan’s Wild & Crazy collection. 
Jonathan’s Spoons create spoons for all your kitchen needs: baking, cooking, mixing and stirring; plus we offer spoons for left handed chefs! Our folding tongs are fantastic for serving salads and baked potatoes, as well as multiple kitchen tasks. Every kitchen in America needs one (or more)! Prices from $12 to $65.
Book of the Month:
THE SPICE BIBLE
by Jane Lawson
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
A fully comprehensive guide to the history and culinary uses of 45 fiery foods from around the world. Each entry—from ajowan through wolfberry—includes a description of the spice’s origin and uses, guidelines on how to integrate it into your own cooking, and a trove of other helpful information.
This must-have book also features more than 250 recipes that highlight each ingredient’s distinctive taste and character. All created with flavorful spices and easily mastered by any cook.
Read More
Janet’s Pick:
Book of the Month:
On a trip to Nepal, Kevin realized that there were people who were better equipped and more experienced to handle the intricate and delicate nature of the production of his pillows, scarves, bedding and rugs.
Additionally Kevin found a small number of skilled craftsmen in Vietnam and India, and constructed textile workshops with his own equipment. Even now in China, Kevin has hand-picked skilled artisans, set up a small studio and created a situation where he can be sure that they are not participating in any of the unsavory practices that people worry about when it comes to Chinese Manufacturing. All of this is done to provide you with the finest hand-dyed textiles available.
Once you see, and then hold one in your hands, you will understand Janet’s enthusiasm. It truly is one of life’s most welcomed luxuries to have something so simple as a address book or journal, covered in the finest quality, buttery suede. A tactile experience of splendor that never tires.
When you see these table cloths and napkins you will see that they are very obviously an exceptional product. What Patty likes about them, and surprises her, is how they resonate with men. “I find that men are really interested in these. They bring their wives in because they are so excited.”
It may be Nydel’s emphasis on durability and ease-of-care that attracts the men—Nydel makes sure that your only worry is to enjoy the special evening, not the glass of spilled red wine. But for sure their amazing beauty and elegant texture sets them apart.
Book of the Month:
This exquisite boutique line of jewelry is the collaboration of two sisters, Noriko and Akiko Sugawara. N + A is based out of New York City and all pieces are hand crafted and integrate delicate hand-hammered textures and three dimensional shapes with the essence of Japanese culture.
These organic creations range from simple petal clusters to more complex designs balancing strong and subtle.
Janet’s Pick: GRAPHIQUE DE FRANCE
Jean-Jacques Toulotte began Graphique de France in Boston over 30 years ago and today his business is a leading international publisher of calendars, stationary, posters and journals. Through change and evolution, one thing has remained constant: Graphique de France’s passion for art and design, combined with a commitment to quality.
Julie’s Pick: MONKEYPOD JAMS
Book of the Month: STABLES: BEAUTIFUL PADDOCKS, HORSE BARNS, AND TACK ROOMS
Janet’s Pick: KIYOMI PJs
Julie’s Pick: MELISSA & DOUG
Patty’s Pick: RAND PAPELE JEWELRY
Deborah’s Pick: FUNKTION APRONS
Book of the Month: MIGRATION: LOST AND FOUND IN AMERICA
America as seen through the eyes of some of the country’s top photographers: Alex Harris, Bill Sosin, Joe Burull, Dave Jordano, David Schalliol, David Zaitz, Donald McCrea, Edward Burtynsky, Jerry Downs, Kenneth Jarecke, Mark Indig, Peter Granser, Susana Raab, Travis Ruse, Will Steacy and William Greiner.
Book of the Month: LOCALS ONLY
encountered skateboarders carving up the drainage ditches along the side of the canyon. Immediately transfixed by their grace and athleticism, he knew he had found an amazing subject. Although not a skateboarder himself, for the next three years Holland never tired of documenting skateboarders surfing the streets of Los Angeles, parts of the San Fernando Valley, Venice Beach, and as far away as San Francisco and Baja California, Mexico.