One of my favorite parts of traveling is the thrill of discovering unique pieces, whether it is clothing, jewelry, or art.

During my recent sourcing trip to Jaipur, I explored antique stores filled with vintage art, textiles, and one of a kind finds that continue to inspire me.

I had the chance to visit Indian Art House, an antique store that truly felt like a treasure trove. The space was filled with framed vintage art, interesting old door knobs and handles, textiles, and countless other objects that made me want to take my time and look closer.

I spent over an hour browsing, slowly taking everything in, and brought home a few pieces that felt special. But beyond the objects themselves, what I enjoyed most was the energy of the place. There was a steady hum of conversation, and I found myself chatting with tourists visiting from the UK, local visitors accompanying tourists, and collectors. It felt like we were sharing a small adventure together.

At one point, I stepped outside with a warm cup of tea graciously offered by the friendly owners and soaked in the winter sun. It was one of those simple, perfect travel moments.

One of my favorite finds was a fish shaped padlock and key. I had just seen a similar one days earlier at the Living and Learning Design Centre in Kutch and was instantly drawn to it. When I spotted it again in Jaipur, it felt almost serendipitous. I knew immediately I wanted to bring it home. I am also curious about the history or significance of fish shaped locks in India, if there is any deeper meaning behind them. I have not yet had a chance to research it, but that question makes the piece even more interesting to me.

I also visited Royale Treasure, another antique store with beautiful vintage frames, furniture, and sculptures. I only had about fifteen minutes before it closed, so I could not browse at my usual pace, but even that short visit was inspiring.

For me, sourcing trips are not only about textiles and production. They are also about absorbing visual culture, meeting new people, and discovering and collecting pieces that spark something deeper.