Josh: I forgot to reply to your asking about the "Gollum" jade. I will take a photo to show you tomorrow, my time. It's now evening here. It (Gollum) has lost most of the bottom leaves, and the leaves dropped on the soil started some young plants, too. Cute. But its trunk is getting big, about as big as the Ovata above. Xuan

Thanks to Chibimimi and lazygardens for your responses which are most helpful and interesting. Chibimimi, the back figures are identical to the front - it looks as if after laying down a thread on one face the needle was passed through the cloth and made to mirror that action on the reverse side. Unless you are telling me there are tell-tale nuances which a very close view of thread and counter thread would then reveal - if so I'll gladly post a detail and its exact reverse. Lazygardens I am posting a detail of the fringe and the size of the piece, excluding the fringe, is about one metre square (say 38"). The embroidery only occupies one half of the piece - or rather one corner, which suggests it is meant to be folded diagonally before wearing - exposing just the ornamented half. Thank you for the link

The first thing to do is STOP. Re-eavaluate your goals on the project. Washing and sanding to a dull finish is required when painting over varnish. That is, if you want a long lasting, durable bond. Washing with Dirtex will clean away the dirt and grime (and there is some)and also do some deglossing. A light sanding with #180 sandpaper (aluminum oxide) will create a dull, open surface to which the primer can quickly bond to. Wash first, sand second. A high quality, Acrylic blocking primer will hide the dark stain. Have the primer tinted toward the finsh paint colors.After primer is dry, caulk all unsightly gaps and seams. That will create a seamless finish between trim and wall. Two coats, properly applied, (not thin) will cover well. Be sure you're using the highest quality, 100% Acrylic Latex paint, that you can afford. There is no short-cut to a quality paint job. When it comes to trim, you want to be able to stand back and say, "that's a very nice finish", not just, "well, the color is different". :) Michael

Suggestion: You may be able to get the pine door the same color as the red oak cabinets, but it will never look the same. There is no rule that says all wood in the same room must be the same. If the finish on the door is sound, I would celebrate its life and character and just freshen it up.