FB-INSPIRED ANTIQUE LOVER
Mum of two proud of classic tableware sets that took years to collect
STEPPING into the living room of an antique tableware collector’s house in Balok near here, one would be mesmerised by a huge collection of porcelain plates, bowls, cups and teapots neatly arranged in cabinets.
One may assume that the dishes with floral and geometric patterns are for display only, but owner Halimatun Saadiah Abu Bakar, 38, actually uses them daily and even rents some out for weddings.
Halimatun, whose passion for the classic items began 10 years ago, said it all started when she came across a Facebook page that offered antique cutlery.
The mother of two said she was excited to see a variety of plates, bowls, cups and teapots, and sellers were offering them at affordable prices.
“I started buying and collecting them, and it took between four and six years to complete each set. Besides ordering through social media, I drove to other states to buy items to complete my collections. It requires time, but it’s often worthwhile,” she said, adding that she spent RM10,000 on the items.
Halimatun said although many described her collection as precious, she was using them to serve meals to her family.
“Besides utilising the items at home, sometimes friends will rent them to be used on the main table in weddings, and some have even asked me to help arrange and serve the food.
“They do not want to handle the plates and cups, fearing they may break them.
“Unlike modern designs, the antique patterns seem to be more vibrant with various floral designs. I try to identify the type of design before buying them.
“The teapots come in various shapes, colours, lids and spouts, and some can fetch RM250 a piece,” she said, adding that her husband, Mohd Safri Ali, 42, would accompany her when she had to travel outstation.
Although most of the cabinets and cupboards had been filled with her collection, she had no plans to quit her hobby. But she admitted that she had started to slow down a little.
“It is sad to move the collections elsewhere, but there is hardly any empty space around the house,” she said.