When the quiet sounds of cicadas give way to the buzzing of crickets, it's a sure sign that summer is drawing to a close. Why not switch up your room's decor for autumn, preparing for a season that suits a more classical atmosphere? At 70B Antiques (53-1 Masuya-cho, Takakura Higashiiru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto) in Karasuma Oike, you'll find everything from lighting and cupboards to small items like cutlery and candy tins at more reasonable prices than other stores, making redecorating your home that much more enjoyable. The store opened in March 2012. Since then, the owner, who gained experience in the authentic British antiques industry, has used his unique purchasing channels to source items that are unique to other stores, continuing to collect pieces you won't find anywhere else. Additionally, locally trained specialist staff will repair any loose or wobbly furniture by disassembling and reassembling it, ensuring it's in perfect condition for years to come.
The store is packed with a selection of items, primarily from the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, from the 1860s to the 1960s. All items are purchased locally and stored in a warehouse, which I learned fills up to the brim with containers arriving once a month. Furthermore, items are delivered to the store about five days a week. When asked why, a shop staff member explained, "We have a fast turnover. New items are added every day, so the atmosphere of the store is usually completely different in a week or a month." The store's tasteful selection and affordable prices likely entice both regulars and one-timers to buy everything. When you're stuck making a choice or want to learn more about a product, it's fun to strike up a conversation with a store clerk. "Each of our staff members has completely different tastes," one staff member told me. When I asked him about his top picks, he mentioned the store's most gorgeous chandelier (¥69,875) hanging in front of the register and the uniquely designed "muscle mirror" (¥23,750). I'm sure his answer would have been different if I'd asked someone else. This means that if you find a store clerk with similar tastes and deepen your communication with them, you'll naturally deepen your knowledge of antiques. This is true. Even if you just casually drop in, this store is a place where you can enjoy every moment, even the moment that begins with a "Hi, hey, welcome back." People connect with each other across time, and bonds with the store clerk deepen through shopping. Antiques, so to speak, may bring richer colors to the human heart.
