Orientations

Orientations combines stunning Asian antiques with a period correct meticulous restoration of an important historic landmark.
Their collection spans Asia with museum quality antiques and a knowledgeable staff headed by owner Jerry.
Jerry has deep subject expertise and a passion for quality, design and gallery presentation.
The gallery is breathtaking and provides the perfect setting for the beautiful antiques.
The compound is huge and includes multiple themed gardens and wings arranged by region.
We spent a lovely afternoon here and plan on returning for multiple purchases.
One of the finest Asian Art galleries in the US, a true gem.

Very good variety of Oriental antiques. Excellent presentation of product for sale and kudos to those responsible for lighting and space management. Our stop at Orientations was the conclusion of a three week, «Japanese antique acquisition trip» for one of our homes. Unfortunately, we were not as impressed with the owner as he was with himself. My asian wife received all her education including a Masters in Japanese Art History and Design and lived in Japan most of her life. Her knowledge base of Japanese and Chinese antiques was also obtained first hand from her parents and grandparents? To the less knowledgable patron the owner would appear an authority, to the more educated he was at times misinformed. Regardless, he was often rude, repeatedly interrupting my wife during her attempts to offer clarity to his history of a particular piece. The owners lack of knowledge was only outdone by his lack of manners. We will not patronize this establishment in the future.

Quite simply a gem.
Museum quality asian art at fair prices.
A beautiful store.

Here’s a tip for the owners:
Close the store galleries on Sundays. Instead, open the main door, charge $ 3 – 5 per head to all the architectural curiosity seekers gathered there to tour the garden, and save your harried staff the trouble of wrangling looky-​loos who aren’t going to buy anything.
Like other reviewers, I wasn’t treated especially graciously, and I also ran afoul of the unsigned «no photography» ban. While I was delighted to see the revival of a building I remember as sadly derelict, I left Monterey feeling determined to get out the bad word about this place. Avoid, unless you’re really shopping for ginger jars or temple carvings.

I took my visiting relatives here because they are interested in Oriental art. I understood that it was part museum part store. However I wished that we had skipped this place altogether as the experience we had completely ruined our day. The staff here was incredibly rude and the merchandise was extremely overpriced. I don’t understand why we needed to be buzzed in since this place is in a nice location. Once inside we were greeted by one salesperson but not asked if we needed help. That is fine as we were just browsing. After touring the place we went to see the Japanese gardens. My uncle asked me to take a picture. I did not see any signs that stated I could not do so. I did not take any pictures inside as I figured that was not allowed. Since they were not selling any merchandise in the garden and not seeing any sign advising me not to do so, I took a few shots with my camera phone. However right in the middle of taking the pictures, the salesperson tending the gift shop flew outside and rudely told me I should know that it was not allowed and I should have known that since it was printed on the pamphlet. I went back inside to see where the sign was stating this and there was none I told him so and that I had not been directed there by any pamphlets but by word of mouth. Also, he could have told me politely, he was extremely rude about it. That really angered me but I didn’t make a big deal of it. After looking at a few more pieces inside, we decided to leave, we were a bit turned around as this place is quite large. So we asked where the exit was. The other rude salesman pointed in the general direction not wanting to even talk to us at this point so we started over to it. My aunt who had hurt her leg was looking to avoid the stairs and thought there was a ramp on the other side started to go around to that side. The salesman was so rude and practically yelled at her that no that was not the exit. He could have been much more polite and at that point they practically threw us out. I would never purchase anything from this place. There are much nicer places to purchase Oriental art without the major attitude that we encountered here. We all left there feeling very insulted. Avoid this place unless you like being treated rudely and paying way too much for furniture and artwork. I felt that we were being treated rudely because on this visit we were not purchasing anything. However they had no idea that we would not go back on a second visit to make a purchase. However after that experience, not only would I never purchase anything there, I would advise other people not to do so. All the salespeople need lessons on how to treat people. Just because I was not wearing designer clothing does not mean I could not afford most of the items in that shop. I have never been treated so rudely and believe me I do a lot of shopping at all sorts of stores.

We love the architectural design of the whole place. there are two gardens in the shop, Japanese and Chinese. Pricing is good for antique. if you love Asian stuff, you must go see this place. Close on Sunday, open from 11 to 5. Ship world wide.

Originally the building was established as a Chinese mercantile compound to promote tourism in the early 1900s, the first of its kind. It is not an organization or even a museum, but rather a fine art antique store. the building is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-​5pm.
this place is gorgeous inside and out. It exudes class and culture. The store is impeccable. Its grandeur and simplistic beauty takes you back to a time of antiquity. It’s a little intimidating having to ring a doorbell to be let into a store, but get over it and do it! after looking around inside i can see why. The antiques inside are hundreds and hundreds of years old. you wouldnt want to bring in young children in here.
The Japanese wing connects with the Japanese garden outside, complete with koi pond and turtles. On the other side is the Chinese wing with the Chinese garden. they also have a gift store where you can buy something as equally beautiful (and affordable). There is also a nice cozy lounge where they have light refreshments.
OH, and make sure you use the restroom. It’s an experience of its own. lol

This is should be on every «must visit» list for Monterey visitors. Monterey residents, hail to the talent of owners for the fantastic job they did renovating the Marsh Building to a level of elegance that is unsurpassed. I take pleasure in a quiet cuppa coffee/​tea and soak in the tranquil beauty of the gardens. There is a Chinese AND a Japanese garden for one to enjoy. The museum quality art pieces on display are all for sale. I can’t afford to buy anything here but I am particularly drawn to the Japanese Garden. BTW, this place is the ultimate destination for private parties – very classy.

A mystery unraveled in front of my eyes today as I entered the doors of the Marsh. Years of questioning it’s identity and the history behind this building have come to an end.
As I entered through the main door I was greeted by a Spiritual Door, a wall that acts like a partion between the world of good and evil. At first you are not sure where to go after you walk a few steps as you see another door (the real one) and amazing foilage and beautiful gardens to your left and right. Heading straight we were told that Spirits cannot turn corners and hence we have arrived withou bad spirits.
The renovation process took almost 3 years and words cannot describe how you feel in this space. I felt relaxed and healed during my time there, healed from all the toxins that I’d been putting into my body and my shoulders felt lighter than usual. The Japanese house did not have it’s original shoji (screen doors) or tatami but it did display a tatami like rug and solid thick contemporary glass that served as sliding doors. Apparently this has always been an antique shop and if you are a collector of Asian Art this place will rock your world.
The turtle pond outside among the patio along with the subtle yet tropical greenery looked like the perfect setting for an ultimate private party. Apparently you can rent this venue out and host a celebration inside and out. Truly amazing. If you like to throw parties with good classy taste, this is probably THE place to do it.
Enjoy some tea or visit their gift shop and don’t forget to use the bathroom, especially the one closer to the back wall. Gorgeous.
Even if you are not into art I think one can go to enjoy the use of space and all the litle details. There brochure says it all, «…a setting like no other».