25 stories
Hitchin Heat
Antique dealer Nneka finds rare treasures for clients—but the thick Beninese collector who walks into her Hitchin shop is looking for something that can't be appraised.
Kfar Nabrakh Glassblowing | نفخ زجاج كفر نبرخ
She blows traditional glass in the old way near Saida. He's the art collector who believes Lebanese glass rivals Murano. Between fire and breath, they shape something brilliant. 'Inti el zijaj el safi' (أنتِ الزجاج الصافي).
The Cairo Antique Dealer | تاجرة التحف القاهرية
She sells antiques in Khan el-Khalili. He's the collector searching for a specific piece. What he finds is far more valuable.
The Islamic Art Dealer | تاجرة الفن الإسلامي
She sells Islamic manuscripts to billionaires. He's the collector who wants more than illuminated pages. Their negotiations become intimate.
The Kuwaiti Art Collector | جامعة الفن الكويتية
She collects Islamic art for Kuwait's national museum. He's the British dealer with a rare piece. Their negotiation becomes personal.
Waterford Wonder
Crystal artisan Nneka crafts treasures in Waterford's famous factory—but the thick Senegalese collector who commissions a custom piece wants something that can't be blown from glass.
Carpet Connection
Carpet weaver Amira creates traditional Sadu textiles. When collector Pierre discovers her work, threads weave more than fabric. 'Al nasij yihki qissatu' (النسيج يحكي قصته) - The weaving tells its story.
Ceramic Secrets
Potter Asma creates traditional ceramics in her studio. When collector Kenji seeks authentic Arabian pieces, clay becomes the medium for connection. 'Al teen yitshakkal bi al hubb' (الطين يتشكل بالحب) - Clay is shaped by love.
Didouche Mourad Desire
Amira runs an art gallery in Algiers' Didouche Mourad district. When art collector Viktor arrives seeking emerging Algerian artists, she shows him that true masterpieces can't be purchased. 'El fan mn el qalb' (الفن من القلب) - Art is from the heart.
Kabylie Kismet
Dyhia weaves traditional Kabyle dresses in the Djurdjura Mountains. When textile collector James arrives seeking authentic pieces, she wraps him in patterns that bind souls. 'El libas yehki' (اللباس يحكي) - Clothes speak.
Prayer Beads
Craftsman Yara creates traditional misbaha in her Jeddah workshop. When collector Ahmed seeks a custom piece, their sessions become meditative and more. 'Al subha twassal al ruh' (السبحة توصل الروح) - Prayer beads connect the soul.
שורשים בראשון | Rishon Roots
In the wine cellars of Rishon LeZion, a vintner's granddaughter and a wine collector discover vintage passion.
Souq Secrets
Antique dealer Jamila runs a shop in Riyadh's old souq. When collector Hassan seeks rare manuscripts, he finds treasure of a different kind. 'Al qeema al haqiqiya ma tat'allan' (القيمة الحقيقية ما تتعلن) - True value isn't advertised.
تاجر التحف | The Antique Dealer of Tangier
An antique dealer discovers passion with a museum acquisitor seeking Moroccan treasures.
The Antique Dealer's Arrangement
Constance specializes in Black antiques—items the mainstream market overlooks. When a collector walks in looking for his grandmother's lost belongings, she finds something she didn't know was missing.
The Carpet Weaver
In a workshop hidden in Hebron's old city, carpet weaver Abu Hani creates tapestries that tell Palestinian stories—until collector Rima offers to buy his art and his heart.
The Gallery Opening
Artist Noor's first gallery show celebrates Pakistani British identity. Art collector Rashid buys every piece—but what he really wants can't be purchased.
The Jazz Historian's Harmony
Dr. Evelyn preserves jazz history at the Smithsonian. When a collector donates his father's recordings, they discover some melodies need living instruments.
The Painter's Portrait
Celeste paints commissions for people who want to be remembered. When a collector commissions his own portrait—and then his admirer's—she discovers art imitates more than life.
The Quilter's Pattern
Gee's Bend quilter Mama Ruth has stitched history for sixty years. When a collector wants her work for a museum, she discovers some patterns require a partner.
The Record Store Romance
Vinyl Vibes is the last Black-owned record store in Brooklyn. When a collector walks in looking for a rare pressing, the owner spins him a different kind of record.
The Vintage Dress Vendor
Esther sells vintage clothing at markets across the South. When a collector starts following her circuit, she discovers some treasures can't be bought—only earned.
The Wine Merchant's Vintage
Noble Vine has supplied the city's best restaurants for twenty years. When a collector starts coming for more than Bordeaux, she discovers some pairings take time to perfect.
Worcester Porcelain
Fourth-generation porcelain painter Helen creates pieces that sell for thousands. When collector David commissions a set, she discovers his appreciation extends beyond ceramics.
Crystal Palace Queen
Antique dealer Oluwaseun sells treasures from her Crystal Palace shop. When collector Marcus seeks a rare item, she offers him something more valuable—herself.