Thursday, October 7, 2010

Modern Design with a History

With modern design – clean is in, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice interesting and unique. One of the things that make a home special is the story it tells. A home can tell many stories, about its inhabitant's lifestyle, personality or places visited. It is a great medium to express one’s individuality-the place where you spend most of your time and entertain your friends and family. Modern design can really highlight your favorite heirloom pieces. The juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern can add depth and highlight the difference of each making both more special.

Chinese antique furniture blends amazingly well with modern aesthetic. It has a charm that can light up any space and yet the sophistication to balance the most pristine aesthetic. The master craftsmanship that goes into the construction and design of traditional Chinese furniture is what makes each piece able to last generations. There are no nails or screws needed as the joints are individually carved to fit into one another like wooden locks and keys. These pieces in turn exude warmth and tradition, quietly telling the story of their past. Their construction and clean and simple form have allowed these pieces to physically and aesthetically stand the test of time.

*Photos courtesy of China Living sold at Forgotten Shanghai.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Chinese Moon Festival


September 22nd is the Chinese Moon Festival that celebrates the full moon and the end of harvest. This is a celebratory time of year as the crops have all been gathered and the heavy work in the fields is over. This is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. Families gather on this special day when the moon is at its brightest and roundest of the entire year to enjoy moon gazing in the garden with mooncakes and pomelo slices.

Mooncakes are a Chinese Pastry filled with Lotus seed, red bean paste or golden salty yolks in the middle representing the full moon. We will be hosting a mooncake and tea tasting in our showroom on Wednesday, September 22 to get everyone inspired the nighttime event. You can find these delectable little cakes in almost any Chinese bakery at this time of the year.

Also take advantage of our Moon Festival Discount this month and get 20% off on any of our in-stock garden stools. We look forward to seeing you soon!!

To see our full selection of Garden Stools check this link to our website!!

http://forgottenshanghai.com/standbe.html

Monday, August 16, 2010

Sitting on Clouds


This month at Forgotten Shanghai we are celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival that falls on September 22nd. In honor of this traditional outdoor gathering to watch the moon we are featuring our garden stools. Come in and buy them this month and receive 20% off your price when you mention the Moon Festival Discount.

Glazed Porcelain garden stools have been an integral feature of Chinese garden scenes since they first appeared in China in the 17th century. Garden stools are not only beautiful but functional indoors or outdoors when used for seating arrangements or tables. They are produced with intricate low relief symbolic carvings that add depth to any design. One of the most popular designs is the CLOUD pattern representing the heavens, good luck and everlasting fortune. The Chinese word for cloud is pronounced "yun", meaning luck or fortune. However you choose to incorporate the classic garden stools into your project, they are guaranteed to endure with the test of time.

To see our full selection of Garden Stools check this link to our website!!

http://forgottenshanghai.com/standbe.html


Interview with Margaret Currivan



Margaret Currivan, the owner of Forgotten Shanghai, has been collecting Asian antiques for over 10 years. She has traveled all over Asia to seek unique pieces to add to her showroom collection.

Q: What inspired you to bring Chinese antique furniture to San Francisco?

Margaret: I lived in Asia for two years and fell in love with Asian furniture craftsmanship. What amazed me the most was the details. Pieces are typically constructed with tongue and groove rarely using any nails, yet they can last for hundreds of years.

Q: The collection at Forgotten Shanghai is a mix and match of the old and new, how do you select what pieces to bring into Forgotten Shanghai?

Margaret: I just FOLLOW MY SENSES! I buy what I like, and luckily most people like them also. I visualize the pieces that I am interested in and see whether they fit into the collection. It's not all glamorous, many times I travel to dark and desolate warehouses to uncover real hidden gems.

Q: Do you have a favorite design or style?

Margaret: Hmm, that's a hard one. I have to say the designs from Shanxi province is one of my favorites. Shanxi designs are simple but exquisite at the same time. They have less extravagant engravings but more inlays of stone and porcelain which work well with Western styles.

Q: How do you ensure the authenticity of each piece you buy?

Margaret: Since I buy most of the pieces in their original condition, it is easier to discern their authenticity based on their existing materials, patina, joints, etc. Also, I always follow my intuition, usually you will sense if something is off.

Q: Any advice on how people can incorporate Asian designs into their space?

Margaret: Asian furniture is versatile with it's simplicity and style. Asian designs are TIMELESS, they can be incorporated into modern designs effortlessly. Accessories like silk is a great addition to any space. It can really soften up the hard edges of the furniture and bring texture to a design. Also, a blend of old and new style is what makes a well-balanced design.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fresh Twist Cocktail Party



Fresh Twist

fabric + organic + metal + leather = the new

Forgotten Shanghai

We’ve added a fresh twist to the Forgotten Shanghai showroom.

Come see it and join us in celebrating

The Fresh Twist of Forgotten Shanghai

Thursday, September 24 2009

5-9 pm

fresh twist cocktails ~ snacks ~jazz

Please RSVP by Thursday, September 17th to shannon@forgottenshanghai.com or 415.701.7707


FORGOTTEN SHANGHAI 245 KANSAS STREET SAN FRANCISCO CA 94103 415.701.7707

Visit http://www.forgottenshanghai.com/frtwoffosh.html for more information.



Monday, August 3, 2009

From our travels....


Our Favorite Finds: Unique Summer Gifts Under $50!

With summer in full swing, Forgotten Shanghai has brought you our favorite entertaining and hostess gifts under $50. On our travels to Atlanta we found the best artichoke dip ever! Oprah agrees and has put it on TheOList as one of her favorite gifts! These delicious and beautifully packaged pesto's, dips, and Italian treats are sure to make you the hit of the party.

Pair with a stunning white porcelain crumpled hors d'oevres plate to add sparkle and great taste to any table.

Gift Under $50

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Last Call! Sale End this Week.

Last week of the sale! Don't miss amazing deals on furniture, accessories and bedding.

Shop online at http://www.forgottenshanghai.com/

or in the store at 245 Kansas St. San Francisco CA 94103. 415-701-7707