23 August 2010

Lighting for all tastes

Customers often come looking for interesting lamps, so we've brought in a few different ranges.  Birdcage styles (made from bamboo); traditional ceramic bases in solid colours, textured finishes and strong patterns; delicate lace ceramics in blue and white or plain white; and some stunning silk floor lamps - there's plenty to choose from.  We can also arrange custom orders on all designs.



Hou

22 August 2010

Beautiful set of mirrors

The frames for these mirrors were salvaged from the remains of a late 1800s wedding bed from Jiangxi province. The exquisite shape and details in the carving make for a stunning surround, while the high quality bevelled mirrors add the finishing touch.


Hou

16 August 2010

Two of our favourite "rescues"

One of the joys of buying trips is spotting battered old pieces and seeing the beauty and elegance they will bring to the homes of our clients.  Here are two of our favourites...


Hou & Kelly

13 August 2010

A first impression full of history

The highlight of our last trip was this magnificent pair of city gates from Shanxi province, dating back 1700s.  As with our earlier pieces, they can be placed on bespoke bases as tables, or hung as doors.  They're not for small spaces, standing 3.3m high and 1.6m wide (each), but will look absolutely amazing in the right place...
 
 

 Hou & Kelly

11 August 2010

A great conversation starter

One of our favourite discoveries in our October 2009 trip was this large pair of doors from early 1800s Shanxi, complete with original metalwork.  After restoring the doors, our workshop crafted a bespoke base to convert them into a stunning dining table.  No changes were made to the doors themselves, so they can be turned back into a impressive front entrance at any time...

The table now takes pride of place in a client's holiday home on the South Coast.
Left: Hou and our workshop manager discusing how to design the base.
Centre & Right: The final table, showing one of the wooden stands we had made so that the centre of the table can be used when needed.  As always, both beautiful and practical...

Hou & Kelly

10 August 2010

Found battered, bruised and missing a few teeth... now a beautiful and practical storage unit


This 1800s willow cupboard from Mongolia was in a sad state, but the delicate carvings and hints of painting caught our eye … now it would look at home in almost any decor.  The three carved panels have been converted into drawers to provide even more storage.


Hou & Kelly