After the democratic change of 1989-90, the forint saw yearly inflation figures of app. 35% for three years, but significant market economy reforms helped stabilize it.
These figures, plus the occasional "glissando" from the glass harmonicaoften played on celesta or glockenspielare evocative of a peaceful, dimly-lit aquarium.
The counterpanes were sometimes very costly, generally purple embroidered with figures in gold; and rich hangings fell to the ground masking the front.