Posted by Brookesy on Wednesday, 24. February 1999 at 08:14 Bali Time:
In Reply to: second hand stores/antiques posted by Barb on Wednesday, 24. February 1999 at 01:32 Bali Time:
Barb, Antiques and bric-a-brac are available in Bali, more though in Java.. especially Yogyakarta, Bandung and Surakarta (Solo). The range in Bali is very limited; there are a few stores scattered around selling over-priced old Dutch and Chinese porcelain (usually damaged), quite a lot of early 20th century Dutch Guilders (coins), old puppets, tobacco cutters, miscellaneous silver (?) trinket boxes and lidded pots, a few bits of acceptable quality plated cuttlery and some authentic (dubious?) wooden carvings from around the islands and Irian Jaya.
You will have great fun checking out shops that you find, but the pressure to buy can be, especially in the heat, a bit over-powering.
If you want to go hunting, get into a cab, or ask you driver (if you've employed one) to take you to the 'ANTIK' shops. They all know where thay are, and, no doubt, will take you to those from which he receives the best commission.
That aside: ..Locations.. ? There is a pretty good junky place amongst the shops at the Beach Market beside the Grand Bali Beach hotel. It's around the back. There are other shops that we've driven past on the way to Ubud. I cannot think of the name of the area, but it's only 5 minutes up the road from Sanur. I, personally, have never stopped to have a look at these outlets, but am going to when I return in April. I'm sure that others will know the name and will respond. There was (?? I haven't seen it during my last two visits) a great shop in Jalan Legian just around the corner from Jalan Padma.. heading towards Kuta. I bought some wonderful old scent bottles, coins, 'torpedo' bottles and a fabulous old Doulton Lambeth Whiskey bottle. I don't know where the shop has gone. It would have easily been the best of its kind in Bali!
If you ever get the chance, get an add-on to Yogyakarta. There is a great market at the bottom of Molioboro, especially down the lane on the left-hand-side (as you look at it from the front). Also get a cab or mini-bus to Solo (DON'T, repeat DON'T go by a domestic bus if you want to live a normal life afterwards!!). Ask to be let off at the Antik market (Trewindu). Wander into there. It can be a bit stifling due to the enclosed nature of the place.. but some great finds are to be had.
That's about all I can think of at the moment. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to post or e-mail.
Good Hunting!!
Brookesy
PS. Apart from day-to-day profession (IT), I buy and sell antiques, bric-a-brac, collecti(a)bles, kitchenalia, coins, stamps, trading cards, even 'Yowies' (Those from Oz would understand!!).. . in fact anything not bolted down.