The greeks had an explanation for amber. In mythology, when the son of apollo took out his father’s chariot, he lost control, swooping high and low and creating desert and frozen tundra. his reckless flight was stopped by a thunderbolt from Zeus. his mother’s and sister’s tears became glistening amber.

"Miles" lamp in honeycomb calcite, $3,333; Jan Showers (214/747-5252), trade only.