ASIAN ANTIQUES
Marion Lightbown of Indigo Antiques talks to Charlo e Packer about collecting and styling Asian antiques
Which geographical areas does the term Asian antiques refer to?
For furniture, it applies to pieces from India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Tibet, Indonesia and Korea. For statues and other decorative pieces, Asian antiques encompass all of those countries plus Thailand and Burma. When used in relation to carpets, the countries of origin are Afghanistan, China, India, Turkey and Iran.
Is there a common thread to the antiques you import, collect and sell?
They are all made by hand – from large chests built to contain family treasures and military trunks for the Indian army, to grain measures and domestic bowls. Many of our smaller items are utilitarian pieces made for daily use, such as our Indian chapa i boards, which were passed down through the generations within families and are o en beautifully carved on the underside to personalise them. I like to imagine the stories behind each one. We select our stock very carefully, choosing items with a special magic about them, like a lovely patina, or beautiful, original painting. Condition is important, of course, but sometimes a good honest repair can add charm to a rustic piece of furniture.
How do you approach the mixing of pieces from disparate cultures with di erent aesthetics?
I don’t have any set rules for pu ing things together. In general, I would say that Chinese furniture needs its own space. It has very strong lines and looks fantastic in minimalist se ings. However, Chinese elm and walnut are similar to European varieties, so the more rustic examples of Chinese furniture sit happily alongside English antique furniture whatever the se ing, from a modern house to a thatched co age. English brown wood furniture, if it has a lovely colour or patina, looks great with strong colours, such as red lacquer or the ochre tones common to Mongolian furniture. I live with the larger pieces for a few days before accessorising with small items.
What is your advice for those starting to build a collection of Asian antiques?
Collect something you feel passionate about. It’s important to do your research so you can buy the best you can a ord. You need to touch and enjoy things to recognise how old things feel. But remember, in order to gain knowledge, you will make the odd mistake. There are many fakes in India and China. If you’re o ered several very similar items then alarm bells should ring! Likewise, if you nd the same item in every shop within a row, then most likely they’re all fake. Buy what you like, at an a ordable price, and enjoy the fun of bartering. If you end up buying a ‘pup’ you’ll still love it when you get
it home.