Antiques, those rugged pieces of things from a bygone era. The times we live in is influenced by the materials we use. So, every century has an intrinsic feature symbolizing the imprint of that age. These imprints become a timeless classic as they age. Antiques are these timeless classics lying over for decades. It can be anything from artworks like embroidered carpets to sculptures to paintings to daily utensils. A thing of the past which is of valuable importance in this age. As these antiques impart an aesthetic value to our daily live, it is often associated with a sophisticated form of living. A mark of the elite and rich people. Though, there are some passionate old souls who look for the historic value and collect antiques but still this antique market is driven by the lifestyle choice of the rich.
India with its diverse forms of arts and utilities has a vast range of antiques. It might be regarded as an antique collector’s paradise. Here, in this part of the world, the market is thronged by antique products. However, some of the antique stores enjoy a greater footprint than others. Here, we are describing 5 such antique shops of India.
Heritage Arts Antique Store of Cochin, Kerala
Image Source
A unique antique stored set up in 1989. These stores truly depict its passion for antique things. This can be easily recognized by its rustic fervour and the range of products out there on display. Not only do they sell different antique products life old wooden furniture, sculptures, paintings, carpets and other utensils they also have a museum themed restaurant. In the restaurant, one gets to dine amongst old heritage ambience. The retail brand also has a spice shop which sells authentic fresh spices and flavours.
To know more about Kerala, see: https://footlooseforever.com/2017/01/23/why-kerala-is-really-gods-own-country/
Mayur Arts in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Image Source
One of the oldest stores in India, this prestigious antique store is a gem in the collector’s circuit. The shop came about in the year 1978. The products sold here boasts of the rich Mughal and Pathan heritage. The items sold are genuine and one of a kind, almost all of them are meticulously curated by the shop owner Hemant Periwal. Apart from the usual wooden, brass and metallic artifacts, the shops sell royal treasures like pichharis and miniature paintings from the Mughal era.
To know more about tourist destinations in Rajasthan, check out: http://www.transindiatravels.com/rajasthan/tourist-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan/
Russel Exchange of Calcutta, West Bengal
The first and the foremost antique shop of India came up in the City of Joy, Calcutta. This is an old school antique store founded as early as 1940. It is a well-known auction house with a recognition predating the foundation of independent India. The owners of this shop Arshad and Saleem makes sure about its inclusiveness even in this changing time. The vitality of this shop is its versatile list of items. The lists literally have everything under the sun, from colonial furniture, Mughal paintings, gramophones to carpets and chandeliers. One can even get hold of rare clothing and books here.
Suman’s Exchange of Calcutta, West Bengal
Image Source
Another old antique shop having a successful run since decades. This one too is situated on Russel Street. However, it is relatively new (venturing into the market in late 1972) than Russel Exchange. The shop is thronged by common people, collectors, historians, students all alike. It has a range of artifacts, old school furniture, clothing, sculptures and paintings which are sold at the weekly Sunday auction.
Geethanjali In Pondicherry
Image Source
An art within an art. This is what you will feel if you visit Geenthanjali antique store in Pondicherry. The store is housed in a 19th-century French mansion. How cool is that! The collectible items include a range of artifacts from southern Indian. It has beautiful Tanjore paintings, wooden furniture, brass and metallic objects, lavish wooden doors, oleographs made by Ravi Varma, four poster beds and other valuable items.
If you plan to visit Pondicherry, make your itinerary accordingly: http://www.transindiatravels.com/pondicherry/10-places-to-visit-in-pondicherry/
Overall, these places offer quite an exquisite experience to collectors. Don’t miss an opportunity to grasp those rare collectibles. Hurry up and head to the next auction.
A Guest Post by Rohit
Rohit Agarwal is a passionate traveller and writer who shares his experiences on TransIndiaTravels.com from his many travelling excursions and expeditions of around the world.
Footloose Forever 