If the straight edges and right angles of modern aesthetics seem too cold to suit your personality, and you would prefer furnishings with untold tales included, consider stopping by one of Malaysia’s many antique stores to pick up a piece of furniture or decoration that can be considered truly unique.
Image Credit: Arcadia
Formerly named Outdated and located in the hipster hangout of Publika, Solaris Dutamas, this charming little store is packed with such a wide variety of vintage objects that it presents a realistic possibility of a piece of treasure being found by anyone with an appreciation for the nostalgic. Among the various retro-styled pieces they carry, one may find the occasional bicycle or barber chair, along with a high number of vintage appliances, travel trunks, video arcade machines, and tiffin lunch boxes.
No. 51, Level G2
Publika, Solaris Dutamas
Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Chinatown Treasures Concessionaire
Image Credit: Chinatown Treasures Concessionaire
The minds behind of the Chinatown Treasures Concessionaire are among the few purveyors of Oriental antiques who differentiate between the gold-gilded carvings of Fujian influence, the vibrant colours of Tibet and Mongolia, the delicately-carved floral motifs of Suzhou, and the lacquered offerings of Shanxi – making this place the first stop for a connoisseur of Oriental antique furniture and decorations.
No. 7 & 7A, Jalan 225
Seksyen 51A
46100 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Image Credit: The Curiosity Shop
Started in Changkat Bukit Bintang by a pair of relatively young stockbrokers with a shared love for vintage vibes, The Curiosity Shop over at the 1 Mont Kiara Mall is quite literally packed to the rafters with all manner of 20th century artifacts including lighting fixtures, home appliances, paintings, beer signs, as well as modern reproductions of retro furniture by local designers.
NL2 – 12, 1 Mont Kiara Mall
Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Image Credit: Lasting Impressions
While a search for oriental antiques such as the stereotypical Ming vase may uncover a landscape of reproductions that would convince even the most learned auction house appraiser, one can be certain of the authenticity of the restored offerings provided by Lasting Impressions. Located in the revamped district of Bangsar, Lasting Impressions demonstrates an understanding of the fog surrounding oriental antiques and makes a clear distinction between modern reproductions and restored antiques in their catalog.
No. 2, Jalan Telawi 1
2nd Floor, Bangsar Village 2 Shopping Centre
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Image Credit: Ming Qu Antique House
If the set designers from the popular Chinese television series, Three Kingdoms, ever need an authentic Oriental space furnished in a hurry – they would probably look to establishments such as the Ming Qu Antique House. Their Klang store carries an inventory of truly unique decorations including paintings, tea sets, vintage electric lights, and furnishings composed of nearly every form of Chinese hardwood in existence.
1101, Lot 46
Jalan Kapar, Kawasan 18
41400 Klang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
* Names are listed alphabetically
