Hong Kong loves to shop, and boasts Asia’s most exciting portfolio of glitzy malls and designer labels. But tucked discreetly away from the melee of big names and their insatiable shoppers is a world of more refined retailing, a refreshing alternative to the mall culture of Central, Kowloon, and Causeway Bay and the over-touristed markets of Stanley and Temple streets.
Halfway between Victoria Harbour and the Peak is the aptly named Mid-Levels, where the sloping streets around Hollywood Road are home to elegant, authentic antiques shops and low-key art galleries. Since 1982, the Altfield Gallery has been a leading purveyor of fine 18th- and 19th- century Chinese furniture and artworks, and has also diversified into high-quality Southeast Asian artifacts.
The Red Cabinet is another specialist dealer, showcasing antique furniture and accessories for private collectors and export dealers, as well as superior reproduction items.
Farther afield, in Aberdeen, China Art sells exquisitely restored antique Chinese beds, cabinets, chairs, tables, and soft furnishings.
Promoting a quirkier, contemporary angle on Asian home furnishings is G.O.D. (Goods of Desire), with shops in Central, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Their stated aim is to promote unconventional and desirable furniture for modern consumers.
Practical Information
Altfield 248–9 Prince’s Building, Chater Road, Mid-Levels, Central;
China Art Aberdeen;
G.O.D. Several outlets;
Red Cabinet 1–3 Hollywood Road, Central;