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Hans Lamers has always had a passion for Asia and for furniture.
So, three and a half years ago he decided to combine the two
and acquired Thai Style Antique & Decor Co., Ltd., a company
as fascinating as it is unique.
The to the premises he entranon Thepkrasattri Road is flanked
by large wooden statues of Red Indians, so lifelike that they
are a little startling. Even larger statues adorn the foyer
as you peer into the dark interior.
Once inside, the view is spectacular: golden Buddhas, wooden
elephants, antique chests, brass weights, baskets, wall hangings
and much, much more. As you wander through the huge showroom,
attentive but discreet staff are never far away.
 Although
the main showroom is impressive, through the back door are
three others, making the total display area a staggering 2,500
square metres: reputedly the largest in Thailand. Most exciting
for Hans, his Thai wife Noi, and his staff has been the recent
arrival of four containers of Chinese cabinets and other artifacts
from Beijing. They have been painstakingly restored, when
necessary, by Chinese craftsmen familiar with the style and
wood of each piece. Some 500 pieces of Chinese furniture arrived
and what remains unsold is now on display in the rear showrooms.
The furniture ranges from antique medicine chests (still
with the smell of Chinese herbs lingering) through inlaid
cabinets, to baby cots, baths, tables and ornately carved
beds once used by only the richest merchants or royalty (intricate
carving was a sign of wealth).
Hans is very knowledgeable about the pieces, having been
in the business for over ten years and can date each one,
plus tell you an interesting anecdote about its past uses.
Who would have known that the brass handles on dividable Japanese
units were to allow easy escape in case of a fire, or that
the less wealthy only used hardwoods (teak, elm, mahogany
etc.) for the front of their furniture and cheaper pine wood
for the sides and back!
In addition to the new Chinese arrivals, there is also furniture
from India, Nepal, Korea, Japan and Tibet. The Tibetan furniture
is alive with the vibrant colours of Buddhism, even after
such a long time.
To help the transformation of you home, there are also smaller
objects such as chairs, baskets, water carriers, wedding boxes,
suitcases, lamps, food carriers and statues. All can be dated
by Hans and all have a story to tell.
 Thai
Style is now offering a 50 percent discount on displayed prices
to enable renovation of the premises this includes the precious
Chinese cabinets. If transport to another country is needed,
there is no problem. Hans ships much of his furniture safely
and reasonably abroad (some people even come from China, Hong
Kong and Korea to take advantage of his prices). You'd better
hurry though: things are going fast!
Thai Style: 25/7 Thepkrasattri Road (the "Airport Road"),
Khokaew, 3 Phuket, 83000. Tel: (66 76) 215 980 or 238 960.
Fax: (66 76) 238 898. E-Mail:
antique@loxinfo.co.th
Thai Style is situated around eight kilometres north of Phuket
Town, on the eastern section of the road (the incoming side
from the airport). If travelling toward the airport, it is
on your right-hand side, but you have to pass by and double
back.
more about Thai
style antiques and Thai
Antiques
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