Noel and Young-Ah Rose of Chosun Gallery in Pymble have been importing old and new Korean, Japanese and Chinese furniture, ceramics and other decorative arts from the Orient for over 20 years. As demand for this distinctive furniture increases, it is their long experience and knowledge that enables them to find the fine and rare pieces they have in their gallery.
While there are large "wholesale" dealers located in downtown Seoul, Tokyo and Shanghai, the goods on sale have usually changed hands, and been marked up accordingly, at least a few times before they reach these warehouses. Noel and Young-Ah with their understanding and appreciation of the unique customs and traditions of each country know that somewhere out there in a country village they can buy direct from the source at prices that are attractive to their Australian clientele.
Locating a fine piece is only the first step. There are no recommended prices. There is not even a requirement for the owner of the chest to sell. And so negotiation begins, in the manner usual to doing business in Asia, with the owner of the chest getting to know the potential purchaser.
For Korean-born, Young-Ah, introductions almost always last about an hour with topics ranging from the weather, where she comes from, business in general and families. Only after appropriate and polite conversation may she begin to enter into negotiations about the price of the chest or artwork she has come to love. The bargaining itself may take a further hour or more, during which great care must be taken to strike a bargain that is mutually acceptable. After all without the proper formalities the owner may refuse to consider selling the piece in question at all.
Apart from Korean pieces they have one of Australia's finest and most diverse ranges of Japanese furnishings, such as porcelain, stunning kimono and obi (kimono sashes), kimono tansu (chest of drawers}, merchant and step chests. In addition you can also find Chinese altar tables, tar cabinets, chairs, lacquer chests and much much more.
Why don't you pay us a visit and discover how they can add a striking accent to your own decor?
OPEN 6 DAYS 9-30am to 5-00pm
CLOSED TUESDAYS