Business Details
20 Years
experience
Japanese & Chinese Antiques in Melbourne
Established in 2006, Tombo is a Melbourne-based business specializing in Japanese and Chinese antiques, furniture, and homewares. Our founders, Brad and Ashlee, bring decades of expertise to every aspect of our operations. Brad has dedicated over 35 years to restoring Japanese and Chinese antiques, while Ashlee has focused on vintage Japanese fabrics since 1993. Our shared passion for cultural heritage drives our commitment to curating unique, high-quality pieces. We personally source items during extended annual trips to Japan, selecting from auctions and private estates. Our collection is shipped directly from a Kyoto warehouse to our Fitzroy North showroom, where we also conduct all restoration work. The store offers a vast array of products, from antique furniture to textiles, ceramics, and statues, each reflecting our deep industry knowledge.Customer satisfaction is paramount, with personalized service and expert guidance available both in-store and online. Our reputation for authenticity and quality has been built through years of hands-on experience and direct engagement with artisans and collectors. Visitors to our Melbourne showroom can explore a carefully curated space that showcases the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece. We pride ourselves on transparency, offering detailed provenance and restoration insights for every item. This dedication to excellence ensures that every customer finds pieces that resonate with their appreciation for history and design.
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Homewares & Decor
Textile & Fabric Sales
Ceramic Restoration
Statue & Ornament Sales
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience restoring Japanese and Chinese antiques.
- Our team handpicks items directly from Japan during annual sourcing trips.
- We conduct all restoration work in-house at our Melbourne warehouse.
- Our collection includes rare, authentic pieces from auctions and private estates.
- Our staff provide expert guidance on antique care and provenance.
What people say
Unique Japanese treasures
Friendly and helpful staff
High-quality restoration work
Prompt delivery service
Exciting shop to visit
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Tombo offers an extensive collection of Japanese and Chinese antique furniture, including restored cabinets, tables, and seating. Each piece is handpicked from Japan and restored in-house using traditional techniques. Ideal for collectors and interior designers seeking authentic historical pieces with provenance.
Ceramic Restoration
Our specialists restore antique Japanese ceramics using period-appropriate methods. Services include crack repair, glaze matching, and structural reinforcement while preserving original character. This expertise ensures delicate items maintain their historical integrity and aesthetic value.
Textile & Fabric Sales
Tombo curates rare Japanese textiles including indigo fabrics, hemp garments, and silk kimonos. Items range from Meiji-era antiques to mid-century pieces, all carefully preserved. These textiles appeal to fashion historians, crafters, and collectors of traditional Japanese art.
Statue & Ornament Sales
Our collection features antique Japanese and Chinese statues, including Buddhist figures and decorative shi-shi dogs. Crafted from stone, bronze, or wood, these pieces showcase centuries-old artisanal techniques. Each item comes with detailed provenance and restoration history.
Homewares & Decor
Tombo offers unique Japanese homewares like matcha bowls, tea ceremony equipment, and decorative lanterns. These functional art pieces blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, perfect for creating authentic cultural spaces in contemporary homes.
People
Brad
Co-Owner & Antique Restorer
With over 35 years of experience restoring Japanese and Chinese antiques, Brad co-founded Tombo in 2006. He personally oversees all restoration work and sourcing trips to Japan, ensuring every piece meets exacting historical and quality standards.
Ashlee
Co-Owner & Textile Specialist
Ashlee has specialized in vintage Japanese fabrics since 1993. As co-owner, she curates Tombo's textile collection and manages the Melbourne showroom. Her expertise ensures authentic curation and proper preservation of delicate fabric items.
Questions
What types of antiques does Tombo specialize in?
Tombo focuses on Japanese and Chinese antiques including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and statues dating from the Meiji period to mid-20th century.
How are antique items restored?
All restoration work is done in-house using traditional techniques that preserve original materials while ensuring structural integrity for modern use.
Do you offer international shipping?
While our primary focus is Australia, we can arrange international shipping for select large items upon request.
Can I visit the Melbourne showroom?
Yes, our Fitzroy North showroom is open to the public with knowledgeable staff available to discuss item provenance and restoration details.
How often are new items added?
We add new pieces weekly, sourced directly from Japan through auctions and private estate sales.
What payment methods are accepted?
Our payment options are updated regularly - please check our website or contact staff for current accepted payment methods.
