Thanks again for kind comments.
Answer to Matelot. When the Surprise will be finished, let'say in two years, I plan to build a Higaki Kaisen, a japanese merchant ship at scale 1/50.
I like traditional ships of Far East. Two years ago, I built a Fukien sea-going junk (scale 1/50). A present for my wife. This is a unique model. I drew the plans based on studies by Sir Frederick Maze, George R. G. Worcester and Étienne Sigaut, who worked for many years in the River Inspectorate of the Chinese Maritime Customs and Capt. Louis Audemard, who served in China.
I named her Mei Lin, a very common girl's name meaning "Beautiful Forest" for these junks were used to transport timber.
Her colourful stern.
Symbolism.
Top. The fenghuang. A mythological bird protecting seamen in storm.
Sides. The vermilion bird of South.
Middle: The Eight Immortals, symbol of prosperity and longevity.
Below:
left, deers, symbol of longevity,
right: white cranes, symbol of happiness,
middle: Goddess Mazu, said to protect seamen against shipwreck.
And to be sure to make a safe journey, there is a shrine dedicated to Kwan Yin, goddess of the compassion and mercy, in the cabin.
That's all, folks!
UK
