Oriental Arts

I’ve been a shopper of Oriental Arts since the shop first opened and it’s nice to see that they are still doing well.
If you are looking for a jade bracelet, a Buddha statue or some nice Oriental calligraphy, then you would do well to make at stop here. They also sell Go (as Ronaldo mentioned) and Mah Jong sets. They will obviously cost a bit more for the nicer versions, but both these Chinese games are well worth taking the time to learn.
The staff know their stock well and are always happy to tell you about the history and purpose behind the items they stock. Most of it is also very reasonably priced and you can pick up a good present for someone that is both unusual and of quality.
These days the North Laine is full of corporate franchise shops, but the Oriental arts is a good illustration of how they used to be, full of quirky independent retailers.

Late last year, I was in Berlin, Germany. While I was in Berlin, Germany, I stumbled into a university where they had a Go tournament. Since then, I’ve been fascinated with the game of Go. If you’ve never heard of Go, it’s an ancient oriental strategic board game. I wasn’t (and am still not) familiar with the rules, but it was fascinating to watch.
There was an unexplainable force that made me enter Oriental Arts. I think it’s because that force wanted me to see that they sold Go boards here. When I discovered this, I swear that a single tear came out of the corner of my eye. While I was staring at the board, the staff member explained the strategic elements involved in playing Go, and went into a brief history of the game. There’s just a tremendous, positive vibe in this store, and it was great to see that the staff members were just so knowledgeable about what they had in stock. This is helpful especially because they have so many interesting Oriental arts and crafts for sale.

The Oriental Arts shop on Gardner Street is quite serene in comparison to its neighbouring shops. Once I walk inside, I’m struck by the sense of peace and delicateness in this small space. The sales clerk is quiet but smiles kindly as I begin to wander around and check out the interesting Asian arts.
Calligraphy equipment is displayed, along with completed posters of Calligraphic art. Other posters show images of Buddha in various settings, all painted expertly. Books are sold in both their original Asian languages, and in their English translations. Most are on spiritual topics, although Oriental Arts also sells journals and day planners. I notice some magnets with words of translated wisdom hanging near the counter. My favourite: Life is too short to wear tight shoes. Ah, it’s true.
Religious figurines and trinkets are set up on shelves. I notice Buddha’s grouped into categories by material. Each stone carving has a particular significance. Some bring luck, others promise double happiness.
I decide on a small bag of Iron Lady tealeaves for 1.45, hoping a cup will bring me strength. After scurrying to the bus stop in this nonstop rainstorm, I’ll definitely need it.

This shop is really cool. From the outside I wasn’t convinced I would think so… the window is absolutely rammed with little ornaments and knickknacks– the type of display that tends to have me glazing over, as my eyes try and fail to locate any one thing in particular. Walk inside, however, and you feel as if you’re in another world. Paper lanterns and fairy lights are strung form the ceiling and the smell of spiced tea often fills the air. Make sure you look up! There are some especially pretty and unusual light-​shades, my favourite one has painted Koi carp spiralling around it.
Run out of inspiration for Xmas presents? This is an excellent place to buy gifts. They sell some beautiful Chinese and Japanese prints, as well as books, china ware and ornaments. For about £8 you can buy really cool self-​straining tea cups and they have similar tea pots too. The lady who runs the shop is really helpful. All around a great little place!