Look no more for antiques

The Lodi area has much to offer when it comes to antiques. Some of the collectibles come from back east and some from the Valley.

While many of the shops carry items from out of the country as well, some of the shops in downtown Lodi specialize in items from other countries.

Avignon of France, located on Pine Street just west of School Street, offers French items, especially antique French furniture. The store emulates a French shop as best as possible, said owner Cinder Witt.

She started the store with her mother after taking a trip to France. She enjoyed what France had to offer, and while she and her mother were in the town of Avignon, they came up with the idea to start a store.

“We saw a lot of things we loved. We’ve always been interested in everything French and French history,” Witt said.

She and her mother go to France about once a year to see what’s there. Items in her store include Arte Italica, which is made of European pewter, French furniture, soaps, French-inspired clothing, French-style clocks and lamps, some bedding, tapestry, artwork and charm bracelets. Especially popular during Farmer’s Market season in Lodi are the French straw bags.

She brings in certain kinds of French-style clothing; the French wear a lot of linen, black and white and funky shirts.

The store is famous for the rabbit faience, Witt said. It is a pottery sculpture of a rabbit, and it comes in different sizes.

Antique French furniture is unique for several reasons. It is generally a dark wood such as dark walnut or tiger oak. The furniture is made of solid wood, and it is all hand-carved from the legs with leaf and other intricate designs down to the snail scroll foot.

“I like the beauty in each piece. Every year, they age more beautifully,” Witt said. “I like the fact that you’re holding on to something to be passed down.”

In addition to the antiques and collectibles, Witt offers interior design and bridal registry for Arte Italica. She also has French fabric and wall paper swatches that can be ordered.

The Immigrant’s Corner, located on School Street near Lodi Avenue, offers all things North European. Mimmi Vanderlans, owner, was born in Denmark and lived in Sweden. When she traveled to those countries from the U.S., she brought back authentic collectibles.

Later, she decided to sell them. At first, Vanderlans only sold collectible Royal Copenhagen Danish plates, but now, some of the most popular items include Swedish furniture, which has simple lines. Items range from the late 1700s to the 1950s and 60s.

In these countries, there are country furniture fairs in old fields. Vendors get to go on a hunting trip for furniture there, Vanderlans said.

She has a good relationship with dealers in the Northern European countries, in part because they can speak the language.

“It makes people feel comfortable,” she said. “I’m proud of my heritage, and I love America, so I get the best of both worlds.”

When customers ask about a piece in Vanderlans’ store, she enjoys telling them the history of the piece, what it was used for, and where it was from.

One of her most unique pieces was an 1840s Danish mahogany silver cabinet that was used only for special-occasion silver. Other items include wooden clogs made in Sweden, handmade dolls, tea sets, jars, art, embroidery and Danish bread slicers.

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