Marco Polo inspired: A Fusion of Cultures
Embark on a journey to the East along the Silk Road with our Marco Polo’s Collection. The Venetian explorer brought the treasures of the East to the Western world, which has inspired our Marco Polo and Silk Road collections: furniture, home textiles (Silk Road collection) and interior décor reflecting this blend of cultures. Featuring ornate patterns and symbols with intricate details, this collection transports you to the heart of the ancient Silk Road, where East meets West. Experience the beauty of cultural fusion in your own home.
Marco Polo was a Venetian explorer and trader famous for his extensive travels in Asia during the 13th century. His adventures and writings have had a lasting impact on the world of exploration and trade. Over the course of 24 years, he travelled nearly 15,000 miles (24,000 km)! Fascinated by the exotic beauty and diversity of the Oriental world, his writings are filled with depictions of the lush landscapes, ornate palaces and millennia-old cultures he encountered on his travels.
He is often credited for opening the doors of the East to the Western world. His remarkable journey along the ancient Silk Road, which spanned more than two decades, introduced Europe to the riches and wonders of Asia. In this article, we briefly recall the life and adventures of Marco Polo and his enduring legacy, the man who bridged continents and cultures. At the age of 17, he embarked on an extraordinary journey to the East, accompanying his father and uncle on a voyage that took them through the Byzantine Empire, the Middle East and finally to the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol ruler of China. Marco’s vivid descriptions of the cultures, people and landscapes he encountered along the way were later compiled in his famous travel diary, ‘The Travels of Marco Polo’.
During his long stay at the court of Kublai Khan, he served as the Khan’s trusted advisor and diplomat, which enabled him to explore not only China but also distant regions such as Tibet and Burma. His observations on the Khan’s empire provided Western readers with invaluable insights into the then little-known world of the East.
Marco Polo travelled extensively along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking Asia with Europe. Along the way he encountered exotic spices, precious gems, unique silk textiles, solid wood furniture and a rich history of cultures. His accounts of these discoveries later inspired European traders and explorers and paved the way for the growth of trade between East and West.
Oriental hardwood furniture is popular for its excellent craftsmanship and symbolically significant designs. The furniture often features intricate carvings, inlaid details and rich, exotic woods that catch the eye, just like the landscapes and cultures Marco Polo encountered. Crafted with patience and skill, oriental hardwood furniture stands the test of time, handed down through generations, preserving the history of oriental history and art.
Marco Polo’s travels not only enriched Western understanding of the East, but also had a profound impact on later generations of explorers and traders. His detailed accounts of distant lands and their treasures aroused the curiosity of later adventurers, including Christopher Columbus, who is said to have had a well-read copy of Marco Polo’s book.
Marco Polo’s legacy as a brave explorer and versatile trader endures to this day. His journeys on the Silk Road, his contacts with Kublai Khan and his influential book have left an imprint on the history of exploration and the links between our world. Marco Polo’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the enduring human desire to explore the unknown, making him a timeless figure in history. He inspired our Marco Polo and Silk Road collections 🙂 Browse the website and choose from a selection of cabinets with brass finishes, vintage tables, opium coffee tables and Jali wall panels!
Used sources: Wikipedia, Pinterest