Opus – Page 4 – Encyclopædia of the sublime

Mangalica

The Hungarian mangalica is a breed noted for its unique appearance, resembling a cross between a pig and a sheep. Nearly two decades ago, this woolly pig faced a precarious situation, nearing extinction globally. However, it has since experienced a resurgence, flourishing particularly in Central and Eastern Europe and garnering attention as a culinary favorite in local dining establishments. Its name, meaning "hog with a lot of lard," reflects its characteristic high fat content, making it one of the fattiest pig breeds worldwide. The meat of the mangalica is distinguished by its marbled texture, featuring creamy, white fat intertwined within. This quality makes it a preferred choice for producing cured hams and sausages. Appreciated for its distinct, bold flavor profile, mangalica pork is often likened to the esteemed "Kobe beef of pork" by enthusiasts.

François Vatel

François Vatel was the majordomo of Nicolas Fouquet and prince Louis, Grand Condé. He was responsible for an extravagant banquet for 2,000 people hosted in honour of Louis XIV by the Grand Condé in April 1671 at the Château de Chantilly, where he died. According to a letter by Madame de Sévigné, Vatel was so distraught about the lateness of the seafood delivery and about other mishaps that he committed suicide by running himself through with his sword, and his body was discovered when someone came to tell him of the arrival of the fish.

Varosha

Varosha is a former resort town located in the city of Famagusta, Cyprus. After Turkey took control of northern Cyprus in the 1970s, the resort town Varosha was left empty. Before the division of Cyprus in 1974, Varosha was a booming resort town with sky-scraping hotels, glamorous shopping districts, and sandy beaches frequently called the best in Cyprus. At its height, the resort town of Varosha was home to 39,000 residents and thousands more visited each year as tourists. But after 1974, everyone but the Turkish military was forbidden from entering, and today, buildings in the once-booming resort town are crumbling and abandoned.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

Aalsmeer Flower Auction is a flower auction that takes place in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. It is the largest flower auction in the world. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction building is the fourth largest building by footprint in the world, covering 518,000 square metres. The auction is set up as a Dutch auction in which the price starts high and works its way down. Bidders get only a few seconds to bid on the flowers before they are sold and passed on to the new owner.

Paa Joe

Paa Joe is a Ghanaian sculptor, and figurative palanquin and fantasy coffin carpenter. Joe is considered one of the most important Ghanaian coffin artists of his generation.

Khanjar Rolexes

Khanjar Rolexes refer to a specific type of Rolex wristwatch adorned with the distinctive Khanjar symbol. The Khanjar, a traditional dagger emblematic of Oman, features prominently on these watches, serving as a symbol of pride and heritage for the Omani people. These Rolex watches, often customized with the Khanjar emblem, hold significant cultural and historical value within Oman. They are often gifted to dignitaries, government officials, and individuals of importance as a symbol of honor and respect. The Khanjar Rolex watches typically feature the iconic Rolex design and craftsmanship, with the addition of the Khanjar symbol on the dial or case back. This customization adds a unique touch to the timepiece, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Tree of Ténéré

The Tree of Ténéré, also known as the Lone Tree of Ténéré, was a solitary acacia tree that stood as a symbol of resilience in the vast Sahara Desert. Located in what is now Niger, it was once considered the most isolated tree on Earth, standing over 400 kilometers (250 miles) away from the nearest vegetation. The Tree of Ténéré gained legendary status due to its improbable survival in one of the harshest environments on the planet. It served as a crucial landmark for travelers navigating the desert, providing a rare source of shade and shelter in an otherwise barren landscape.

Bois Durci

Bois Durci is a unique material with a fascinating history and diverse applications. Developed in the mid-19th century by inventor François Désiré Froment-Meurice, Bois Durci is a composite material made from natural wood dust or shavings combined with a binding agent such as egg white or blood. The production process involves compressing the wood particles and binding agent under high pressure and heat, resulting in a dense and durable material that closely resembles natural wood in appearance and texture. However, Bois Durci possesses unique properties that set it apart, including increased hardness, resistance to moisture, and the ability to be molded and shaped into various forms. Bois Durci quickly gained popularity as a versatile material for decorative and functional objects, ranging from jewelry and buttons to knife handles, pipe stems, and even small sculptures. Its durability and aesthetic appeal made it a favored choice among artisans and craftsmen during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Alessandro Moreschi

Alessandro Moreschi was an Italian chorister of the late 19th century and the only castrato to make solo recordings.

Belle Isle ice tree

The Belle Isle ice tree is a striking winter spectacle found on Belle Isle in Michigan, United States. Unlike natural ice formations, the Belle Isle Ice Tree is a man-made creation that occurs annually as part of a unique tradition. Each winter, volunteers and park staff come together to construct the Belle Isle Ice Tree. The process begins by pumping water from the nearby Detroit River onto the trees and vegetation. As the water freezes upon contact, layers of ice gradually accumulate, forming intricate and elaborate structures resembling cascading icicles or frozen waterfalls.