Chinese vintage postcards
I just read that the first 'sunglasses' were worn by Chinese judges in the 12th century. These flat panes of polished smoky quartz were used to hide facial expression while questioning witnesses! Isn't that just fascinating?
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The History of Sunglasses
Posted by Marie Reed at 9:07 AM
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31 cool cats commented:
Wow, what a cool postcard ... and quartz as sunglasses? Fascinating!
Hey judge, let's be transparent! So, no mucking about!!!
hoooooooh thank god they used sunglasses and not masks else had that become a trend no-one wouldn`t be knowing one`s face
That is so interesting! Now they're just fashion, lol.
I actually knew this one. Before communism, the Chinese were at the forefront of many inventions. Neat postcard! Very unique. :o)
Totally fascinating Marie!
But...I am in PAIN looking at your little Chinese girl's feet in those hideous shoes they had to wear. Oh it hurts!
everything vintage
I love odd pieces of trivia like this.. now I must work it into a conversation ..
Hello Marie!
The Chinese and the Greeks invented everything!
Great post, congrats!
God bless you
Léia
that is fascinating. I would have never have guessed that. I would have guessed the Norwegians :)
Well, I knew about the origins of glasses, but I never thought about the history of glasses! Intriguing. What a lovey postcard, too. If you have any 'Garden Party' themed postcards, you might be interested in my birthday Garden Party next month - your invitiation is on my blog!
Amazing trivia fact of the day. Glasses I knew sunglasses a whole other story.
ooh..asian lady judge.. a very cute one too.. ;)
Wow! How would they see to judge what they're judging, if they were wearing glasses which were smokey? I wonder...that is totally fascinating!
you ALWAYS have the most fabulous information..way past trivia...where do you get all your info from? You are just a walking encyclopedia.
love this postcard ..i think i see the pain from her little feet...have you ever seen the pictures of a bound foot unbound..just awful.
thanks for sharing the wonderful postcards and info!
I still think their best invention was pasta!
Eyeshades are quite popular here in the 18th century as well. Indeed, I own a set.
Very interesting bit of history. I like the postcard pic, too.
So interesting that I will think about it when I put on my sunglasses!
Hello, Marie!
I'm awarding you the Friendship Badge, which I created for those who have been an encouragement to me and to my family.
You can pick it up here: http://bethlniquetteart.blogspot.com/2009/04/blogger-friendship-badge.html
Thank you again. I have so enjoyed your blog, and am happy to announce my Sissy Clytie is starting a vintage card/postcard blog, and I'm going to get her involved, too. (grin)
((hugs)) Thank you!
Nice anecdote about the sunglasses - I never heard about that before, hehe! Nice postcard also I'll add it on my blog and link out to your page. :)
Have you got any other oriental postcards?? lets do a bundle then I can make a neat presentation of it on my blog - if interested let me know thnks! At the same time - can highlight the issue in China right now which my page does as u know through music and stuff. ok blessings. z.
I wonder if they could actually see with them.
I just love odd, quirky tid- bits of information! My head is stuffed full of them, thanks for adding yet another!
That's probably why some people still wear them when talking to you, even indoors. I hate that! I want to see people's eyes.
ok so link is up! i'm also admin of truth in china blog which has 20,000 views really and it features chinese cultural arts! - but in any case, thank you for mentioning Chinese culture. blessings, z.
Sunglasses to question witnesses! Who would've guessed? Fascinating!
I'd wonder how they got the quartz thin enough to make lenses. But thanks for this bit of trivia!
Your blog always makes it fun to learn things I've never heard of before! ~Lori
Great postcard and yes, that is really interesting about the sunglasses. Thanks for sharing that tidbit. :-)
I love that I learn something new each time I visit! :) tina
Such a cool postcard !!!
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