Message #9313

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Tom,
  I never thought about that!  I explained that I was a collector of these Chinese snuff bottles, and sent a catalogue to the Customs, to show them what would be inside, as well.
  My first job lot of boxes, 45 10-bottle boxes covered in a Song Dynasty pattern silk brocade, I got from YF Yang in 1990. I ended up re-routing the whole lot to Ireland, since the bast--- in Israeli Customs was so difficult. I had no problems in Ireland. 
  My second job lot, 22 10-bottle boxes and 22 5-bottle boxes, I had sent to Israel c/o my lawyer, so he could have a clerk clear them. He directed them to me, and it was a bit easier.
  Unless you've someone to make them in Thailand, you've not really got a choice. They are the most secure way to store snuff bottles. I tried in Israel, through my friend Haj Bilal abu Khalaf, but as my best friend, Khalil Khalidi said, Arabs are no match for Chinese in fine work. Few people are, it seems.
Joey