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Antique Store, Funabashi

Comments: 7

Kokeshi dolls

The antique store down the road in Funabashi was always more of a second-hand junk store — a good one, mind you, and cheap, but not exactly an emporium of fine antiquities. (It was always worth a look, though, and we’ve bought a few things from there over the years, including a ridiculously cheap Meiji-era writing desk which now sits in the genkan holding CDs.)

I recently went in there again after a long absence to find that the old fellow who runs it has amassed an outstanding collection of … well, it’s still junk I guess, but it’s a way better standard of junk and it turns out he really has quite an eye and his curiosity apparently knows no bounds. He’s a charming salesman as well, watching you browse from a distance as he potters about and tossing in just enough commentary about the object that’s caught your attention.

I was in there to buy a laptop stand. A client has graciously provided me with specially retrofitted equipment for testing purposes, and I needed a way to organise it on the desk along with external hard drives, the MO, &c. I found the perfect one, but before buying it I took some more photographs.

More kokeshi — the view towards the front of the shop

Junk stores are so great. Fossicking through layers of objects, going back in time, the archaeology of taste and style.

The tea bowl cabinet bedecked with faux-nouveau lamps

A view of the tea ceremony cabinet by itself looks a bit more shibui (tasteful, astringent):

Tea ceremony paraphernalia

Just in case you’re curious, here’s the laptop stand nestled at the back of the desk. Two VST FireWire drives and the MO drive fit comfortably underneath with the Soviet-era Windows machine on top.

State-of-the-art laptop stand, $20

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Posted to Photographs • 2003.06.22 (Sun) • 16:07

Comments

Posted by kate 2003.06.22, 23:10

I would love a Kokeshi doll. Just one would do!

Posted by Anita Rowland 2003.06.23, 01:29

Is it true what I’ve read, that many Japanese folks just toss old stuff and don’t want to shop second-hand?

Posted by gomichild 2003.06.23, 07:34

jumps in to answer Anita’s question

Actually for the younger generation this is not true and “recycle” (secondhand) stores are doing a brisk trade as young people scour them looking for old and more original pieces of furniture or junk to turn into furniture. Interior magazines with hints for doing this or places to shop fly off the shelves of magazine stores - interestingly enough these magazines are aimed at young Japanese guys.

You see having an old interesting piece of furniture or customizing something is the height of chic and a backlash against the over-generic new furniture being produced.

Unfortunately due to the popularity of recycle shops the prices have gone up considerably. My hubby - an interior fanatic who drags me into any shop that has furniture - and I checked out this place yesterday and one turquoise velour covered chair was selling for 20,000 yen!

Posted by donald 2004.07.02, 13:14