Cover Every piece at Emperor's attic is independently authenticated and handpicked by owner Chantal Travers

The award-winning antique store has been sourcing, restoring, and commissioning traditional Chinese furniture handmade by skilled artisans in northern China since 1999

In the remote villages of northern China where few tourists venture, the tradition of handcrafted furniture persists against all odds, kept alive by a few skilled artisans. Made from tough northern woods such elm, pine, and poplar, and put together without the aid of any nails or glue, every creation by these master carpenters is a showcase of traditional craftsmanship at its best.

It is in these villages that the furniture at Emperor’s Attic are made or found. The award-winning antique store has been bringing quality handmade Chinese furniture to the Singapore market since 1999. Every piece is independently authenticated and handpicked by owner Chantal Travers, who developed an appreciation for traditional furniture-making after spending four years in Beijing.

Tatler Asia
Above The nature of antique furniture and reclaimed wood means that every piece is unique

“Made” refers to new or reproduction pieces made from reclaimed wood, which is wood repurposed from old buildings, shutters, doors, and window frames. “Found” pieces are true antique finds rescued from old farmhouses. Many of these antiques require restoration to bring them back to their former glory–a process that often requires taking apart the piece and repairing each section individually.

In case you missed it: Why Owning Furniture From Emperor’s Attic Is Akin to Acquiring Part of Chinese Design History

Tatler Asia
Above The product range at Emperor's Attic runs the gamut from side tables and tv cabinets to bookcases and benches

Whether made or found, every piece at Emperor’s Attic is crafted or restored by the same family-run workshops that employ artisans from the local community. The expert craftsmanship, coupled with sturdy northern Chinese wood that can survive any climate, result in furniture that will last a lifetime or longer.

With the passing of the years, their provenance will only become more special. Traditional carpentry is a dying art presided over by artisans of an older generation. With a lack of young talent interested in the heritage craft, it will only become harder to source quality handcrafted furniture in the future. Given the nature of rescued antiques and reclaimed wood, every piece is also one-off and unique.

Tatler Asia
Above The restoration of antique Chinese furniture often involves taking the piece apart and repairing each section individually

Although Emperor’s Attic is built on the appreciation of a tradition, its furniture is anything but old-fashioned. A boxy cabinet with cleaner lines and painted a neutral grey or lacquered in dark brown could fit perfectly in a contemporary or minimalist space; a side table in a bold yellow or blue would look right at home in a maximalist living room; an antique console with its hand-painted floral design and carved woodwork restored could be a good find for a traditional home.

Don't miss: Discover Vintage Furniture, Antiques and Unique Home Decor at Emperor's Attic

Tatler Asia
Above In addition to furniture, Emperor's Attic also carries a range of locally inspired art and home decor items
Tatler Asia
Above The store is a treasure trove of fine ceramics from Jingdezhen, the centre of production for some of China’s finest porcelain

To help its customers find their perfect piece, the store offers consultations and home visits with designers. You may even request to have multiple pieces delivered to your doorstep for a trial before choosing a favourite. To complete the look, Emperor’s Attic also stocks a range locally inspired art, and ceramics from Jingdezhen, the centre of production for some of China’s finest porcelain with a history in the craft that dates back more than 1,000 years.

Whether a beautiful amalgamation of old and new, or a testament to the timelessness of well-made classic Chinese furniture, there’s something for everyone and every interior at Emperor’s Attic.


Emperor’s Attic | 315 Outram Road, #01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074 | +65 9011 0380

NOW READ

2023 goals: Beautiful books to read for home design inspiration

House tour: Inside Boy George’s fun and eclectic London home

See Tokyo through the eyes of architect Kengo Kuma

Topics