Beijing is not the best city when it comes to kitting out your house with creative furniture brimming with personality and flair. In fact, let’s face it – our fair city is downright lacking in small furniture stores with character. Thankfully, if you are looking for something for a special occasion or to burn some of your bonus, the Dairuhe Handmade Art Store at Xinyuan Nanlu is a solid option to do just that.
Dairuhe is full of goods carried over by Japan
The name dairuhe (待入荷) means waiting for the arrival of goods, which luckily you won’t have to do once you’ve perused and filled your basket with household furnishings, accessories, tableware, and other knick-knacks that were personally carried from Japan by the owners.
Rock candy-like houses by Satoko Narita & Mellow Glass
The unique items are spread out across the store’s airy two-floor space, which is made immediately appealing thanks to its white façade, and is just as dedicated as looking good inside, using lighting that’s reminiscent of a museum’s. What’s more, that theme continues, with the owners inviting artists to hold monthly exhibitions at the venue. This past month’s exhibit was conducted by Satoko Narita & Mellow Glass from Japan, who are famous for their glass artworks, some of which were still on display in the store and include tiny transparent houses that look like they’re made from rock candy.
The heartwarming wood-carving figures by Mokko Kumakichi are heartbreakingly expensive
During our visit, there was also an individual exhibition called Wander on Forest by Japanese artist Mokko Kumakichi, who was exhibiting his wood-carved and painted animals in China for the first time. “Every figure has its own expression, which I believe allow specific ones to connect with you; take one of them home with you, let it accompany you through all your memorable moments,” reads an introduction to the exhibition by Kumakichi.
The shop’s second floor
Art, of course, doesn’t come cheap, meaning the goods from Japan here are priced at RMB 400 or more on average. That shouldn’t phase patrons looking to splurge on something special, however. That wide range of slightly upscale wares, along with the shop’s bright lighting, spacious but not empty set up, and other mindful elements make Dairuhe a pleasure peruse.
Dairuhe Handmade Art Store
Wed-Mon 11am-7pm. 1/F, One World Apartment, 16 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6461 1687)
待入荷：朝阳区新源南路16号世方豪庭1层
Photos: Tracy Wang
This post first appeared on our sister site, the Beijinger.
