2 Treasures

The purpose of a shop is of course to sell things. But so passionate are these retailers about their wares that you wonder how they bring themselves to part with them. Here is the third in our series on special treasures in Singapore’s furniture store.

Story by Verne Maree, photography by Bud Hayman

Window to the Past – Mimi Somjee

What is your favorite antique in the store at the moment?

I love this old chest that we have turned into a bar. Because these chests come in different Sizes, they can be modified in different ways.

When you run a shop like mine, you are always looking for pieces with character, this is one of several that I sourced some time ago and kept until I could think of something creative to do with them. My approach is always to listen to my clients, and try to match with pieces that suit their personality and needs.

Where is it from and how old is it?

The base part of the bar is a Gujarati Indian chest, at least 150 years old. The original wheels indicate that it was a dowry chest, which the bride’s family entourage would have pushed to her new husband’s house on her wedding day.

What had to be done to achieve this result?

The chest was fitted with support and plinths and topped with a thick piece of glass.To make it more versatile, we installed special wheels to allow it to be moved around. They had to be strong enough to bear the weight of the bar loaded with bottles, they had  to be lockable for safety and we had to be able  to toggle them under for visibility. The front panel became an access door, and we had to strengthen the chest itself.

What do you like most about it?

Gujarat is where my own ancestors come from and this is a beautiful piece that I could see in my own home. The geometric design of its heavy embellishment means that it fits very well into a contemporary environment.

ABOUT WINDOW TO THE PAST

Window to the Past regards itself as a full service, one-stop Furniture Company.

Apart from displaying a full range of household furniture and accessories, both Antique and contemporary, it prides itself on creative customization to suit your particular needs.

You can also lease furniture from WTP.

3 Kung Chong Road

6235 2760

www.wtpstyle.com