One thing I learned a couple of years ago is that ceramic figurines are definitely not for me.  We have quite a collection here at The Mariner’s Museum and some of them are hilarious or have downright terrifying faces.

The picture above shows two ceramic pieces, one depicting a sailor leaving his sweetheart and the other is the sailor returning to his sweetheart.  This makes me laugh every time because the sailor didn’t just get a tan, he’s red as a lobster!  When he left he was pasty white and being out in the sun, as sailors are, has done quite a number to him.  I imagine his sweetheart probably had a difficult time recognizing him (imagine her reaction!).   Read more