Small Wonders, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

On Thursday I was invited by Holland tourist office on an 'up-and-down' trip (same day go-return) to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.  We would see two new exhibitions. One on Middle-Age micro-carved Miniatures, SMALL WONDERS. For a closer look - go to Small Wonders.nl The other exhibit on new Photography of the 19th century. Lunch first at restaurant RIJKS, creator of many small wonders like this green gazpacho. 

Surprise desserts at Rijks, recently awarded a Michelin star.

The museum's restaurant is not at all small and situated in the facing courtyard.

With a secret back door that takes you directly inside the museum.

Newly renovated in 2013, the interior is full of natural light and airy in contrast to the outer architecture.

Going up the stairway to the new exhibits I was surprised by flower-like lights that 'bloom' open and shut while moving up and down.

Just in front of a beautiful case of china.

Inside Small Wonders - these 16th century Dutch micro-carvings can be the size of walnuts.

Often referred to as prayer nuts, they come from the Delft workshop of Adam Dircksz.

Astonishing. Exactly the size of real peapods. Each pea opens to reveal the life of Adam and Eve. See the link under the first picture for a magnified view.

The display rooms are high ceilinged and wide

Yet designer Aldo Bakker has found a way to make a large space intimate

You are drawn in and focus all your attention on these exquisite small objects. Many fit easily in the palm of your hand.

If you live in Toronto or New York, Small Wonders Exhibit has been in your city.

We were lucky to have curator Frits Scholten who brought these 60 pieces together and knows all their stories, show us through the exhibit.

Mostly devotional objects, these were treasured and passed on as family heirlooms, so their condition is excellent. A tiny magnifying glass was only recently discovered hidden in this box.

I was enthralled with this little bust. These objects are all carved from Boxwood from Picardie, a very dense, very fine wood that does not easily splinter.

A carved bead! The figure pops up and down out of the head.

Saint George and the dragon lent by the Victoria and Albert museum.

Curator Scholten said, "l have studied many dragons." 

If you get to Amsterdam please see the SMALL WONDERS exhibit on until 17 September. And do not miss the rest of the RIJKSMUSEUM either. Or the green gazpacho at restaurant RIJKS! All bucket list material.

Here's a small Paris chocolate bowtie for Parisbreakfast fathers out there.

Do you want more Amsterdam? 

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