Shopping for Malay antiques in Penang
Penang antiques often need permissions to export
Penang is an antique hunter’s dream with a great choice in quality merchandise from all over the Asian continent. Little India is teeming with market stalls clogged with a mishmash of items of varying quality, while the beach resort of Batu Ferringhi boasts a growing throng of antiques shops targeting foreign collectors, but with prices to match.
Antiques lovers in search of rare finds must drop by the junk shops along Rope Walk which are a great place to start with old items and curios such as chains, porcelain, coins, old glass, ceiling lamps and clocks. But take note, the removing of local antiques from Penang is only allowed with special permits from the Director General of Museums.
However, antiques which have been imported into Malaysia and previously declared at customs can be exported. If you have enough time to spare, the best bet for finding authentic antiques and collectables in Penang is to browse the various market stalls of central Georgetown.
Chinatown has a myriad of shops where vases, ornaments, pewter and pottery can be found, although you must know your stuff to avoid getting ripped off. Little Penang Market on the last Sunday of the month is littered with quality stalls, and vendors are vetted to ensure they only stock the real McCoy. More on Penang Markets.
Penang antiques shops in Georgetown
For a lovely collection of period works by acclaimed Asian craftsmen, try Oriental Arts and Antiques (440-A Jalan Penang, Georgetown). The continent’s multi-faceted history and culture is celebrated here with a litany of priceless artefacts worthy of any collector’s display cabinet.
Antiques are not hard to find in Penang
Many antiques aficionados consider nearby Oriental Arts Company (3f Jalan Penang, Georgetown) amongst the finest Penang antique shops with a tremendous collection of rare pieces. Prices are slightly higher that browsing the stalls, but that is the cost of quality of service and a guarantee of authenticity.
Shoppers seeking out porcelain, jewellery, rosewood or embroidered items should head down to Penang Antique House (27 Jalan Palani, Georgetown).This Penang institution has an unbelievably comprehensive selection from throughout the history of this remarkable island, and representing all the deferent cultures present here.
Tan Coins Trading (76 Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 262 4264) is a speciality shop dealing in coins and other bric-a-brac. Not your all encompassing Penang antiques shop, but certainly worth searching out for that specific acquisition you’ve long been dreaming about.
If you are looking for a special wedding gift or perhaps just some talking point to light up you home, try Eccentric Gift Shop (Jalan Burma, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 227 4181). The unusual pieces here include many period artefacts and you can be sure the neighbours will not have the same item on their mantelpiece.
Gorgeous jewellery including a few old pieces can be found at De Silva (1 Bishop St, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 262 6620) which prides itself on being well-stocked with ornaments, crystalware, table decorations and gifts.
AI Silver (2 Penang Rd, The Garage, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 264 5910) is the place to come for antique Penang silver and metalwork. Jewellery items such as rings, pendants and bracelets share space with crystal figurines and some gold plated items as well.
Penang antiques shopping elsewhere
Ayer Itam Market, around half-an-hour from Georgetown, is extremely popular for weird and wonderful items such as exotic Chinese medicines and reptiles. But hidden haunts for handicrafts are littered in the alleyways close to Kek Lok Si Temple with pewter, metal plates and pottery all available if your haggling skills are up to scratch.
Otherwise Batu Ferringhi Beach Road and night market are great places for paintings and antiques, if a little overpriced compared to what you can find in Georgetown on a good day. Of course, if you are only on a short trip you may prefer to save you time and pick up some items here rather than spend hours trawling the streets. But for others, however, the search is half the fun.
