What a Franztastic World

In 2013, Franz marched into the Bloomingdale′s in San Francisco for the first time, and held an exhibition titled What a Franztastic World. Franz Chen, CEO of Franz Collection, traveling from distant Taiwan to attend the opening party, where he mingled amiably with the guests of honor.

The What a Franztastic World exhibition was highly praised by the large turn out of guests who attended the party.

•The What a Franztastic World exhibition was praised by many guests

Franz specifically invited young award-winning musicians to play melodious Taiwanese folk music, as well as Fusako Seiga Hoyrup, the Bay Area′s most celebrated Japanese Ikebana master, to demonstrate how to create stylish floral art using Franz pieces.

They delivered to the audience a wonderful feast combining exquisite porcelain pieces, melodious tunes and beautiful floral arrangements.

•Franz Chen brought to the party the only Great Rejoicing magpies vase available in Taiwan

Fusako Seiga Hoyrup demonstrated for the first time, how to complement her floral design with the Endless Beauty – Giraffe Vase where she also asked her students to make floral arrangements on the spot.

•Young musicians Charissa Leung, Sonia Ruiz and Lee Hsieh played Taiwanese folk music

The master’s diversified style lent variety to her creations, craftily unifying flowers with Franz porcelain pieces.

Whether it’s the Swan Vase or a Magnolia Flower Vase, they all received enthusiastic responses from the audience.

•Middle: Director Fu from TECO in San Francisco and his wife , Right: Amelia Ho, President of Fu Jen Worldwide Alumni Association

The Surprise from Magpies

Before the opening of the exhibition, President of Taiwan – Mr. Ma Ying-jeou visited Vatican City, presenting Franz porcelains as gifts for the new and resigned Popes.

•Fusako′s students Sharon, Tova and Dorothy (right to lef) used Franz pieces to create floral arrangements

In the inaugural Mass, President Ma presented Pope Francis a Great Rejoicing – Magpies Vase, which symbolizes joy in celebrating the inauguration of the new Pontiff.

•Franz CEO and KTSF26 Talk Show Host Jiayu Jeng

For the resigned Pope Benedict XVI, President Ma prepared a Joyful Spring – Camellia Vase, which represents his recognition of the leader’s contributions and his wish for him to live a blissful retirement.

•Fusako’s floral arrangement echoed to the beauty of Franz.

Franz Chen, CEO of Franz Collection, specifically brought to the party the only Great Rejoicing – Magpies Vase available in Taiwan, sharing with the audience this internationally renowned masterpiece.

•Fusako Seiga Hoyrup is the Bay Area’s most celebrated Japanese Ikebana master

The vase features a red body symbolizing great rejoicing as well as a green neck in the form of a bamboo, representing nobility and career promotion, while the magpies celebrate the new Pope’s inauguration.

•Fusako Seiga Hoyrup’s flower arrangement design

It’s worth mentioning that Giuseppe Castiglione, alias Lang Shining, the Italian missionary based in China three centuries ago, used to draw magpie-themed paintings, a fact that lends a special meaning to the Franz ′magpie′ piece President Ma presented to the new pontiff.