Unusual collection

Mosaic artist collects frogs as hobby

We have all heard of people who collect coins and stamps. Jenjira Prasertsin collects frogs. Not live ones, but any other kind would do.

Prasertsin is from Thailand and moved to Dubai after marriage in 1997. "I bought my first frog showpiece in Belgium five years ago right after my marriage," says Prasertsin.

"This particular one fascinated me because it was dressed like a pilot and matched my husband's profession," she adds.

What was just a spontaneous purchase developed into a complete hobby in no time. "Very soon, wherever I went, I would see only frogs popping in front of my eyes," says Prasertsin.

She started her collection with a set of professional frogs, which include a diver, a carpenter, a stockbroker, a soldier and even a surfer.

Today, she has a cupboard overflowing with all kinds of frogs. Her collection varies from stuffed toys to toothbrush holders, paper napkins, wrapping papers, books, ashtrays, stirrers, spoons, soaps, toothpaste squeezers and even piggy banks.

Made of crystal, wood, cloth, sand, ceramic and even coconut shells, each one is precious and holds a fond memory for Prasertsin.

She proudly shows off a teakwood frog presented to her by her elder stepdaughter, Cerena.

"What is best about this piece is that it makes a sound like a frog when rubbed on the back with a stick," she laughs.

Next in line is one that makes a perfect 'ribbit' sound when pressed on the cheeks. "This one was gifted to me by my niece. She picked it up when she went skiing in Switzerland," she recalls.

Prasertsin has also treasured each and every frog-shaped card and drawing gifted to her by her younger stepdaughter, Tine. Something very prominent and eye-catching in her collection is a family of crystal frogs.

It would be completely wrong to assume that her collection is limited to a cupboard only. In her workshop, Prasertsin has a water fountain in which a mother frog is bathing her two kids.

A lazy frog can be seen lounging on a tabletop not far away. A phone holder with mini frogs floating inside stands proudly on her living room table.

Her garden too has quite a few of them; one in the form of a flowerpot, another just a clay showpiece, and one more perching atop a fountain. "I have a frog-printed shower curtain in my bathroom too," confides Prasertsin.

For Prasertsin, the cost of the piece is not important. "It should be cute-looking, it does not matter whether it costs Dhs 2 or Dhs 200," she says. One of her most treasured collections is a pair of frogs her husband gifted her on Valentine's Day this year.

"This is only a part of my collection. I have left the rest back in Thailand," says Prasertsin. Professionally a mosaic artist, Prasertsin holds regular mosaic workshops at the Dubai International Arts Centre and is keen to make a frog showpiece in the same medium.

Her next mission is to add more pieces to her collection of professional frogs. "I had seen one which was a replica of Elvis Presley. I think I will take a trip to Belgium to pick that one next," she smiles.