Of the many things I want to bring home from Korea, this is at the top:
a Tansu cabinet.
The paneled doors slide left or right, the drawers pull forward & back.
Why?…
Because this is only one side.
This is the other.
It’s designed so you can turn it anyway you need to.
And it’s always the first thing I look for when the furniture vendors come out.
It’s rare that they show up at Humphreys, but like everything else you can usually find them at Osan.
I’ve heard Yongsan has it’s own Korean furniture store, but I’ve not yet been able to visit it.
(It’s only open Wednesdays & Saturdays.)
I also adore the apothecary cabinets. Each little drawer handcrafted.
But it’s not so much of a functional piece as it is a decorative one.
They have different sizes, so I may come home with one anyway.
Eric loves this piece – the one in the back with all the brass hinges.
It’s gorgeous, too…but only about a foot & a half deep.
But here’s the trick to the furniture vendors on post.
Each one is marked with the asking price…my tansu cabinet?
$2450
But that’s not the price they’re really asking.
It’s been crossed out & below it reads $1450.
They’re all that way. And as you peruse all the beautiful pieces the vendor will be very polite, but will be sure to tell you two things:
1) This is their last day on base, and…
2) It’s an antique.
Neither of which are true.
They usually set up shop for several days, if not a week or two at a time.
And none of these are antiques…made to look like them? Yes. But not antiques.
Koreans are very protective of their heritage…from Jindo dogs to antiques.
It’s against the law to leave the country with anything 50 years or older.
And as long as you know that up front and can appreciate the beauty & craftsmanship of the pieces, then you’re still getting a deal.
I’m fairly sure you can negotiate the price down a little further – I just haven’t tried yet.
Still saving my pennies.
81°F
