Hermitage:

gifts from afar

Jayanthi LIYANAGE

The appetite of two friends for period-looking pieces released a string of exhibition events, at the end of which they set up the Hermitage as a one-stop shop for antiques, art and collectibles.

"Our clientele wanted to buy gift items in-between events so we started this shop," a Directress of the Hermitage, Yasmin Akbarally, told the Daily News, while busying herself in the process of unpacking a shipment of antiques that had arrived from Istanbul.

"Our theme this year is far our gifts from far away places," joined in the other Directress Safiya Husain, emphasising that their shop does not hold mass-produced items. "Although we have a few expats, our customers are mostly local people."

The shop spcialises in selling reproduced old Indian furniture and Indonesian stone craft. The deepening interest today in creating interiors to support individual moods brings architects to the Hermitage, to purchase intricately patterned windows and doors, hand-painted with scenes from Ramayanaya and Hindu mythology. "We have a very good collection of doors which are conversation pieces and are 100 per cent original," said Akbarally. "There are old Kerala doors and room dividers. During war, people put up high walls and large windows and doors were used as wall decor."

Antiques can flavour a minimalistic ambience stemming from Geoffrey Bawa type of houses as well as an elaborate setting, Husain expressed her view. One example is how the Hermitage products create the mood in Boutique Hotel ambiences. There are old doorways turned into bookshelves, chests turned into counters and hand-painted cupboards.

To skip through the antiques splayed out at the Hermitage is an experience of suddenly being struck with how antiquity can pep up modern living environments. Reproductions of Loro Blonyo, which are hand-carved Javanese couples, are an ideal gift to wedding couples. Meaning "two together", they are traditionally displayed in the entry room of homes in the Central Java region. The presence of the couple guarantee a long life together goes the belief.

Buddhas carved from high quality hard black volcanic stones and Bali statues of Ganeshas and Devil Guards, warding off evil are produced from Indonesian stone craft. These Ganeshas, popular with foreign customers, are not sold as spiritual Gods.

Taking us around, Fathima Asgharally showed us the Evil Eye pendents hooked to decorative chains and hung at house entrances to keep off unhealthy influences. It is supposed to be used throughout the Middle Eastern coastal belt and to Africa and the Eastern Coast.

Naghileor hookah in which water is poured and flavoured tobacco smoked is now popular even in the social gatherings of the West. The hand-painted ceramic items from Turkey, a colourful new entry to shop, can be a very attractive gift item.

According to Asgharally, the Buddhas and furniture, including side boards sell fast among customers.

"The main selling items are jewellery made with semi precious stones and sterling silver."

"Our products are useful to any one interested in an creating and artistic atmosphere at home," said Asgharally. Table collections, decorated with reed, sells fast.

An Indonesian gong which can be used on any occasion, and a bar counter made from Indian Shesam wood, book shleves made from old Rajasthani camel carts and a broad, carved sliding door decorated with light greens and reds were other products on display. Indsonesian pebbel pots, mirroa frames and marble benches caught attention.

"With the beliefs held by the customer, he can opt for the pieces he wants," said Asgharally. "We don't tell them of the spirituality or superstitions attached to the products."

The Hertage strated in 1991, expanded last year to Hermitage 2 , based at Gandhari Street.

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