Focusing on European antiques, from furniture to accessories, jewelry and silverware, Fannou Antique is heaven for vintage lovers. Compared to other shops in the OCT-Loft area, its interests harken back instead to an older age.
Hanging on the door handle is a delicate bronze bell, which emits a sweet tinkling sound every time a customer enters. Decorated with furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, the proliferation of armchairs, sofas, tables and cabinets make the shop seem more like a living room, with its tasteful adornments and soft, warm lights. Fannou Antique’s wares were all bought from auction houses abroad, and aficionados of old-world elegance can easily spend hours checking out the fascinating collection – though you’ll need a hefty amount of cash if you want to make a purchase.
Manufactured in Switzerland in 1912, a Patek Philippe men’s watch (RMB39,800) encased in 18-karat gold is worth a look. This timepiece was manufactured for a person named Jeff. B. Lnyder, from Tallulah, Louisiana. A century later, it’s still working correctly. For ladies, accessories like gilt ear clips (RMB800) and tourmaline brooches made from platinum and diamond (RMB50,000) are stunning examples of French ingenuity. Precious in a different way, a clavichord from Austria showcases an ivory and ebony keyboard that was manufactured in 1814. Designed in a straight-strung style, it was featured in the Exposition National de 1849 in Paris.
Having sailed the seas from Europe to China, each piece in Fannou Antique whispers a secret history. Even though most people probably can’t afford the items on display, it’s a great exhibition of well-crafted objets d’art and household furnishings. In fact, that’s actually the main reason the store’s owner opened it in the first place!
