Museum shop

Anne-Claire Petit has a range of crocheted goods made specially for the Rijksmuseum. The accompanying little booklet connects the buyer with a typical artisan: "This is Ti-Songli crocheting. Crochet is handiwork. It requires a great deal of experience and patience. Every item is made with care,and is therefore unique. There aren't any machines that can take over crochet work. Ti-Songli and her friends are skilled craftswomen. In China, where they live, they normally produce traditional hats and bags made from corn husk. From hundreds of expert hands, come the homemade products of anne-claire petit." The tulip music box was priced at 36 euros, the tulip keyring in the background at 10 euros.

Elsewhere, for 16 euros, these lovely teatowels - woven-in yellow jugs (referencing Vermeer), beige snowflakes, and brown feathers -
Travelling light, I didn't bring one home, and rather regret it now. A teatowel is one of those everyday objects that can be either an inconsidered rag or a small luxury. Years ago I splurged (£11 - then!) on a 4-colour-weave teatowel by Ekelund - it's still a daily treat to use it.