empress in the pepper chamber
Book Reviews

Book Review: The Empress in the Pepper Chamber: Zhao Feiyan in History and Fiction by Olivia Milburn

*review copy* *contains affiliate links* Zhao Feiyan, also known as Empress Xiaocheng, was an Empress during the Han Dynasty. She has been known in history for being so wanton that she has been the main character in many lewd Chinese pieces of literature. Her notorious reputation has remained alive for two millennia, but is it [read more]

The Queen's Australian Wattle Brooch
Elizabeth II

The Australian Wattle Brooch

The Australian Wattle brooch is “claw- and pavé-set with three large brilliant and a variety of white, pale and deep yellow brilliants and baguettes in the form of a sprig of a golden wattle with a spray of Australian tea tree blossom.” The brooch represents the national flower of Australia and was commissioned by William [read more]