Shibui
Neighborhood: DUMBO
Type of Place: Antiques/Crafts
Description:
When I stumbled upon Shibui in DUMBO I wasn't quite sure what to expect, A smiling Japanese figure in the window greeted me with an "open" sign. So, in I went and I'm glad I did.
It's fitting that this sprawling shop is located in the basement of an old waterfront factory because the items sold here come from far away places. Shibui it turns out stands for simple, unobtrusive beauty. Beauty that is found in antique Japanese cabinetry, known as Tansu. Pieces include old strong boxes, peddler chests, oversized armoires and kitchen cupboards. Many pieces dating back to the 1800s are made from hand-milled wood with ornate iron fittings. Some fittings are laquered while others have grown rusty with age, but all have an intrinsic beauty.
Larger pieces I'm told are meant to explore. Open a draw and you might find a kimono, an old accounting book, or maybe a piece from a samurai sword.
Owner Dale Owen, who I liken to a modern day adventurer, gathers these pieces from all across Japan and brings them back to the U.S. Owen is truly passionate about his work and more than willing to share his knowledge, whether it's discussing the history of an 18th century wooden door or some old Japanese 45s. Aside from furniture, Shibui also sells Japanese folk art, antique photos and all sorts of traditional screens made of wood and bamboo. They can be hung as art objects or used as room dividers. Prices at Shibui run the gamut from a few bucks to tens of thousands of dollars.
One thing is certain, all of these pieces capture the timeless, hidden beauty of Japan's heritage. And that is something we can all enjoy.
Shibui
38 Washington St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 875-1119
Website
Map
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