NO BARANG, NO BARANG

Dear All

It was almost a disappointing day yesterday. Went around and hoping for a good haul. And of the few places, which never fail me, there was literally nothing worthwhile to acquire. Each and everyone of the runners, said "No barang, no barang". This is the greatest fear for vintage dealers like us, that one day the supply simply runs out of the demand. When antiques and collectibles are in the hands of collectors who are unwilling to part with them, less and less of them will be in circulations. The price will just hits the roof and will be unaffordable even for us dealers to buy. So, while the prices of vintage furniture in Singapore and Malaysia are still reasonable, one should just grab them while the going is good.

Since the first few rounds left us dry, I joked with my lorry driver that the trip is going to be a costly one. We only had 2 more stops. The owners called the day before to view their furniture. Such visits are often disappointing. I don't expect much and was ready to go back to the shop empty handed. Somehow, luck was on our side. Between the two of them, we got hold of some very good vintage pieces of the 40's, 50's and 60's. It was as if they were waiting for me. Some of the styles, I saw for the first time and they make my day.

Below are most of the finds of the day. They are all in original conditions and may required restoration.

A vintage 1960's display cabinet. This must be the hottest retro item, because I sold it within minutes of posting it at Gumtree!

A vintage Chinese Opera Chest. (L24 x w14 x H15) Opera chests are getting rarer and rare these days, especially the bigger pieces.

A Chinese Opera chest. Inside view. It has a characteristic side drawer and compartments on the inside of the wooden top.

A 1950's teak chest of drawers. This piece is different from the ones we used to come across. Its quite small and slim. (L30 X D18 x H40). It will be a dainty, lovely piece once restored.

A real vintage wooden money box. There's 2 slits, one at the top and one in front for putting coins and notes. If you need one Singapore artifact to illustrate the history of the early traders, this must be one of them. A piece that is seasoned with age.

My favourite find for the day. A vintage 1950's single door cupboard. Its non teak but a cute little piece that can fits into any corner.

A 1950's teak side cabinet. (L39 x W20 XH29.5)

A 1950's art deco side cabinet. With an attached mirror, it becomes a dresser. Matching bed and wardrobe available. ( L34 x W18 X H30)

A 1950's teak art deco side table. For those looking for a dresser less than 30 inches , this could be the one. It has an original glass top, held together by brass clips. (L30 x W20 X H30)

A small writing desk. Reproduction of the 1920's in Indonesian teak. (L28.5 X W19 X H29.5)

A vintage 1940's teak writing desk. With an extendable parts at the side and above the drawers. A battered piece with burnt mark at the top that is going to be difficult to get rid of. Also, the height is slightly lower than the normal writing desk. (L37 x W 19.75 X H27 inches). Still a valuable piece of the 40's.

A retro 1960's Burmese teak wardrobe with beautiful wood grains and metal strips, characteristics of the retro pieces of the 60's. Full length mirror on the inside. (Reserved)

A retro 1960's teak wardrobe with original vintage formica

A 1950's solid Burmese teak one-and-half door wardrobe cum dresser.

An art deco 1950's solid Burmese teak bed. Modern beds must find it hard to compete with this type of bed in terms of beautiful wood grains and the almost one inch thickness of Burmese teak. Super single.

Can resist this 2-seater contemporary sofa. In stimulated leather. Great condition. Comfortable piece without taking up much space.

Will be in Singapore this weekend and hope to see some of you who come in regularly on Saturday.

Till my next posting

Warmest regards
Sharifah

You have read this articleRETRO FURNITURE SINGAPORE AND KUALA LUMPUR / VINTAGE - RETRO AND ART DECO FURNITURE / VINTAGE FURNITURE IN SINGAPORE AND KUALA LUMPUR. SECOND CHARM VINTAGE COLLECTIONS / VINTAGE FURNITURE IN MALAYSIA with the title NO BARANG, NO BARANG. You can bookmark this page URL https://tanyarukaart.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-barang-no-barang.html. Thanks!

Write by: Dj Ganden - Kamis, 06 Mei 2010