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Giving a hoot about owls

By Alexandra Leyton Espinoza (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-27 07:58

Left: A parliament of owl trinkets. Center: Sean Lee is fanatical about the wise bird. Right: Owl ornaments. Photos by Zou Hong / China Daily

Known for its wisdom, the owl has the attention of one of Beijing's restaurateurs. Alexandra Leyton Espinoza sets chase to find out why.

Some people collect stamps while others chase antique furniture, but Singaporean Sean Lee spread his wings a little wider by becoming an avid collector of owl products.

"Owls reflect my personality and I definitely like my own company," he said.

As the owner of Vietnamese restaurant Va Va Voom, Sean, 41, said he has been a fan of owls for most of his life.

In his home - a two-floor apartment in Dongzhimen - is a wealth of owl-related goods, in species that include Tawny, Barn and Pygmy.

A large Tiffany lamp, shaped like an owl.

The collection - currently standing at 150 items - started with a toy owl as a birthday present from his mother. It never made the journey with him from Singapore but remains as one of his most precious childhood keepsakes.

At age 13, Sean had his first sighting of an owl while out on a high school excursion and it left quite an impression.

"The owl was really exciting. From that moment on, I knew I had to start collecting memories of them. That particular owl looked incredibly powerful and independent," he said.

Sean bought his first owl ornament while in college in the US, made of copper. That piece, as well as the majority of his collection, lives with him today in Beijing - more than 100 goods.

"Many of the owls I have here are given by friends. They are perfect birthday presents but my friends also give them on other occasions too," Sean said.

"I will now have to start thinking about whether there is enough space for more."

The owls have flown off to all corners of Sean's apartment. Some perch on kitchen shelves and windowsills while others tower over the bathroom sink. One even grips the edge of his bed, poised and ready to strike.

But many of the owls are more than simple ornaments, such as key rings and refrigerator magnets. Sean also has cups carrying the image of owls and a retro yellow table clock from the 1960s.

"I got that one from Panjiayuan Market. I have been too lazy to change the time but it works," he said.

"My favorite type of owl is a white species called the Ptilopsis. It looks simple but at the same time elegant and peaceful."

The ornamental owls in his collection are made from various materials, which include glass, wood, metal, wool, shells and fabric. Most, as expected, are ceramic but he even has one carved out of Swarovski Crystal.

Despite his keen curiosity in the species, Sean said he strongly believes in protecting them and would never buy a stuffed or living owl.

"Instead, wherever I go, I always try to bring an owl souvenir back home with me," Sean said, adding that he has trinkets from Canada, Japan, Spain and Thailand.

It is the symbolism that inspires many to learn more about owls, Sean said. Some people link them to wisdom although others believe they have the ability to look beyond the apparent. According to Sean, Japanese people think owls are blessings while the Chinese view them as bad omens.

Sean though simply admires their character - solitary animals he can relate to. For him, the collection is very personal and will never be incorporated into his restaurant for public viewing.

"Every owl has its mysterious side. Sometimes I feel like a loner and want my own space, so I guess I am like an owl too," he said.

(China Daily 09/27/2010)