spot_img

Where the Dust Settles; Nanjing’s Vintage Curio Shop

spot_img
spot_img

Latest News

spot_img

Worn leather bags, smooth porcelain, rough coins, rusty fans; this is all some may think is sold in Shop Number 34. People have different connections to the word “vintage” when they hear it. While some may have thoughts of settled dust on cluttered, unusable objects, others may think of the opportunity to cherish something, leaning in to the whispers of its unique secrets and stories.

As vintage stands the test of time, so has this family store of 70 years. Mr. Teng Nan, published historian, buys and sells antique items with a meaningful connection to Chinese history. Passionately discussing the details of the item’s origin, which dynasty it belonged to, what people ought to know, Teng expresses his wish for young people to take interest in the meaning behind the objects.

“Customers have changed over the years. In the early days the people who came to the shop were those interested in history, then people visited to buy for their homes or businesses, now I get a lot of young people; but they are more interested in the stuff than the actual history”, Teng said.

Instead of using the Internet to pick out vintage pieces, Teng values personally finding the items. Moving throughout the shop from one piece to the next, he gives emphasis to the authenticity of his store.

“Young people will offer me ¥10 for something worth ¥1,000. This makes me sad, because they can’t appreciate the worth these pieces have to our history”, Teng said.

Attempting to understand the value people hold to vintage items, South China Morning Post writer Divia Harilela quotes founder of a New York vintage boutique, Seth Weisser, saying, “In Hong Kong and China, branded vintage items are on fire, such as Gucci or even Goyard. Customers know the brand already and if they see a product that appeals to them there is no preconceived barrier as opposed to something that has no brand”.

As brand-name items become more accessible and common among people in the growing Eastern culture, the value and desire to own unique “one-of-a-kind” items is beginning to develop.

In the Western world, many young people become giddy at the idea of finding a vintage T-shirt from a seasoned music group existing before their time. The excitement becomes even more so if it is a bargain with character; coffee stain by the musician, holes from wear, a cheap price; the more character, the giddier the Westerner. As these young people grow to become more seasoned adults, many will relish the sentiment of cherishing their past relative’s antique clocks and tables.

In looking at the emphasis Western and Eastern cultures give to vintage items, Nanjing resident Mr. Yang Wang helps answer the question. “We enjoy historical things, and I would say most Chinese families have collections of vintage things. I believe young people know less about the history, possibly like young people in the West. There are so many historical things in China, we don’t feel too special about it. Some of the bricks in our city wall are much older than other countries. People value what they don’t already have.”

Trends and values show themselves through the decades with the rise and fall of the economy, outside influence and overall growth of culture. The creak of a cabinet to one may be a song to another. With the development of culture comes the evolution of what is sought after.

Shop Number 34 currently hangs a sign detailing the shop up for sale. One cannot help but wonder, who will be the next person to lend their ears to recount the songs and stories of the 1,000 year old statue, smooth jade, and fragile books?

- Advertisement -

Local Reviews

spot_img

OUTRAGEOUS!

Regional Briefings