Lydia Courteille, Xochimilco Garden
Lydia Courteille, the Parisian jeweller and antique jewels
dealer, has plundered the rich history and colours of Mexico to
bring a macabre yet vividly hued collection of jewels that are not
for the faint hearted. Opals feature strongly, a stone native to
the land of the Aztecs. Skulls so beloved of the ancient people of
Mexico are present as are some dangerous beasties and creepy
crawlies such as the opal spider.
Xochimilco, the Aztec name for what is now Mexico City was once
a city of waterways and canals, the Venice of the New World.The
name means place of flowers and Courteille captures the mystery and
marvels of this ancient civilization destroyed by the Spanish
conquistadors. But this is no pre-colonial utopia, amongst the
delicate humming birds and shy lizards of this lost garden lurk
menacing spiders, scarabs and skeletons. Yet it is a fascinating
place that draws you in to explore, if you dare. Explore the
delights and dark side of the city of Xochimilco, which I can
assure you, is no bed of roses.
