The Esther: Queen of Hope miniseries demands very specific sets and props to stay faithful to historical accuracy and lavish expectations. Xerxes, the Persian King has a distinctive throne. On all the historical bas-relief stone carvings, there are two incense stands and burners that reach up to waist height. These signified the line that was not to be crossed when approaching the throne.
Often, I spend time in the IMM basement trying to figure out how to create these visually specific pieces. I scoured the internet for an adaptable shape and suitable forms and could only find mahogany antiques, which had the perfect height, ribbed texture, and lion’s feet supports. The average price was 200€. Even if we paid that price, I would have to alter them, ruining their condition.
That night in bed, I was half awake, and I saw two specific stands that would look perfect. Were they bedposts, table legs? I decided to continue my online search outside of the box.
The next day, after more fruitless online searches, I locked up the office and drove halfway down the hill and spied an old Spanish man and a young woman struggling to get an old table out of their gate.
I kept driving, then shocked. I circled the block, parked at IMM, walked back down the hill, and asked the daughter if this table was for punto limpio (the dump). They said, “Yes.” I asked if I could take it, and they said, “Yes, but it’s heavy.”
I told them I would be pleased to take it off their hands.
I carried that beautiful piece of furniture up the hill to the IMM garage. It was much heavier than my wife, but I gave no thought to the weight because I was so elated at the find.
I took the decaying table top off and now have two perfect incense stand bases. They each weigh about forty pounds, have three lion’s feet each, ribbed carving and are solid wood with a beautiful aged patina. They are perfect. The Moroccan incense burners, each very ornate and about seven inches tall, will sit perfectly on top. Of course, I will treat the pieces with TLC, a slightly darker varnish, and some gold wax on the details.
These wonderful occurrences let me know that if I am willing to put in the work, God will provide the materials, creativity, and strength to move His project forward.
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV)
Kerry Godwin
Creative Arts Director