With their bold and tongue-in-cheek promise displayed at its shopfront, the Tong Mern Sern antique store is filled to the brim with incredible finds. Literally every nook and corner is covered in nostalgic items from a simpler time and relics that you would expect in a museum.
Run by Keng Ah Wong, the store itself is seemingly frozen in time, its rustic exterior standing out from the modern cafes and shops along Craig Road. Easily spotted by its conspicuous bright yellow banner, here’s your sneak peek into what lies within.
Oldschool Peranakan tiles from $10/tile
One of the first things that caught our eye were these intricately decorated, and likely handpainted tiles of various sizes. These would be perfect as a centrepiece or embedded amongst a wall of ceramic tiles.
Dramatic statues and busts
If you ever want to have an impressive decor or three for your modern Victorian or Parisian apartment home, there are some real head-turners scattered here. From the classical bust that seems to recreate the classical era style to the more dramatic hawk posing atop a rock, there are pieces here that will surely leave an impression on your guests.
A $40K giant Swiss-made polyphon
Essentially a music box of yore, but on steroids, this giant polyphon harkens to a time before vinyls and jukeboxes. It is entirely functional to boot, with the shopkeeper winding it occasionally when customers arrive.
Granted, what’s likely to stop the average homeowner from taking this polyphon home would be the asking price—an eye-watering $40K—but for the serious collector, this piece could well warrant a visit to the store.
Watercolour paintings & photos from the past
Tong Mern Sern is a veritable treasure trove when it comes to paintings, which line the shop’s staircase and upper floors. Though mostly dominated by chinese watercolour paintings, it also has a few works from other styles, as well as old sepia-toned photos providing a glimpse into yesteryear.
Decorative hanging plates & vintage ceramics
For those that want to add that cottagecore touch to their dining table, or miss the old dinnerware from your ah-ma’s or nenek’s era, there are porcelain plates and teacups that harken back to simpler times for sale here too.
Beyond just dinnerware, there’s also a variety of ceramic sculptures that would look good as home decor.
Nostalgic curios from the past
Some of Tong Mern Sern’s items are less historic antiques and more nostalgic sights for the pioneer generation, such as the once ubiquitous orange payphone.
If you ever want to imbue that academia look with a strong dose of authenticity, also consider perhaps looking to get an old large format camera. There is even a collection of the National Geographic magazine from the 70s to fill your bookshelves for that erudite aesthetic.
Lights & lanterns
From chandeliers to vintage lamps, the ceilings of this antique shop are filled with unique lights that you’d be hard-pressed to find in your regular lighting store today. There are even bonafide lanterns on sale here, should you be looking to add an air of authenticity to your peranakan-style home designs.
Antique furniture galore
Rounding out the list is the assortment of antique, mostly traditional chinese furniture, which fills the second and third floor of this shop. This intricately carved hardwood sofa in particular, with its beautiful pearl and marble insets, would make for a commanding statement piece for a living room.
The array of antique furniture in the shop, from screens to coffee table sets.
Tong Mern Sern: An antique shop filled with fascinating trinkets
Chock-full of plenty of cool nifty finds, Tong Mern Sern is a gem of an antique store, one that you might want to visit if the average vintage furniture or decor piece just does not cut it.
Address: 51 Craig Rd, Singapore 089689
Opening hours: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm
Contact: +65 6223 1037
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Photography by: Chan Hui Wen
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