Malaysian antiques shopping
Jonker Walk is a good place to find antiques
The Malaysian cities of Penang and Melaka are hotbeds of the Malaysian antiques trade, although there are collectables to be found in Kuala Lumpur and rural areas as well. All sorts of crafts can be found in the country both of Malay origin and also hailing from Europe, India and the Orient. Antiques shopping in Malaysia can embrace all the different constituent cultures that makes up this fascinating nation making for a great mix of artefacts.
But collectors should be aware that removing of local antiquities from Malaysia is only legally permitted if special permits are granted from the Director General of Museums. However, any artefacts which have been imported into the country and so were previously declared at customs are not liable to such restrictions and may be exported.
Malaysia antiques shopping in KL
In KL the best place to begin shopping for antiques is probably Central Market. There are dozens of shops and stalls here spread over two floors of the iconic Art Deco building. These stock a wide range of old crafts and period reproductions.
Prices can be a touch on the high side here, but there are none of the associated problems with quality that blight some of the little tucked away places.
Favourites outlets within KL’s Central Market include Jewellery Circle which offers jade stone and period pieces of jewellery featuring gems from across of Southeast Asia (G63 Central Market, +60 (0)3 2274 0612) and the fabulous Collectables Centre which stocks Malay antiques (G43 Central Market, +60 (0)3 2273 3182). Chinatown’s Petaling Street around the corner is another goldmine with leather goods plus ornaments and jewellery.
Elsewhere, many antiques traders flock to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman where old carpets, first edition books and vintage clothes can be found. Kashmir House (64 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, +60 (0)3 2693 0243) has Kashmir carpets and accessories while lace and embroidered fabric is stocked atPeiping Lace (223 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, +60 (0)3 2698 3184) and Da Vinci Collection (168 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, +60 (0)3 294 6333) has exclusive home furnishings.
The fashionable expat neighbourhood of Bangsar just a few kilometres west of the city centre contains a plethora of high-end shops catering for the moneyed elite. Tomlinson Collection (30 Jalan Telawi Lima, +60 (0)3 2283 2196)specialises in oriental pieces and Ming-style decorations, whilst Yi Lu Fine Art(10 Jalan Telawi 4, +60 3 2284 2286) boasts a superb variety of Chinese Elm style collectables.
Malaysian antiques shopping in Penang
Penang is a haven for antique hunters with a great choice in top quality merchandise from all around the continent. Little India is littered with market stalls teeming with items of varying quality, while the beach area of Batu Ferringhi boasts a reasonable array of pricey antiques stores which specifically target foreign collectors.
The junk shops down Georgetown’s Rope Walk are a great place to start if you have time on your hands, with countless curios to uncover including porcelain, glassware, coins, ceiling lamps and old clocks.
Oriental Arts and Antiques features a charming collection of period works including pieces by acclaimed Asian craftsmen. (440-A Jalan Penang, Georgetown). Just down the road is Oriental Arts Company, which is commonly regarded as among Penang’s finest antiques emporiums with hard-to-find pieces. (3f Jalan Penang, Georgetown). Penang Antique House also has a brilliant selection (27 Jalan Palani, Georgetown).
Malaysia antiques in Melaka
Malacca is undoubtedly an antique shopper’s paradise with countless artefacts and authentic items available at more than a dozen antiques shops lining busy Jonker Street (or Jalan Hang Jebat). The neighbourhood is filled with 17th century abodes which also house art galleries and some furniture shops for the growing throng of international visitors. In Jonker Street visitors must keep their wits about them as it is easy to have recent items fraudulently passed off as antiquities. And harsh bargaining is a must to get a fair price.
Even though several antique shops were operating in Jonker Street at the turn of the last century, only in the last couple of decades has the boom in antiquities trading really taken hold here. Most of these antique shops appeal to the tourist market by also flogging handicrafts and souvenirs, but there are still plenty of bargains to be found.
Abdul Company Is one of Jonker Street’s finest antiques emporiums with items coming from China, Japan, Germany, India and the UK. There are items as diverse as old kitchenware to samurai swords. 26 Jalan Hang Jebat, tel: (06) 282 3633. Meanwhile, World of Antiques has a great range of jewellery, porcelain and paintings amongst other things. But, of course, the best thing in Jonker Street is just to come and browse what’s on offer today. 38 Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, tel: (06) 284 0128.
