Jew Town Antique Market

Overview

The Jew Town Antique Market stretches along the narrow lanes near the Pardesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, where dozens of antique dealers display an eclectic collection of colonial-era furniture, vintage jewelry, old maps, brass lamps, wooden carvings, and eclectic curios from across India and Asia.

Highlights

• Colonial antiques: Dutch, Portuguese, and British-era furniture, clocks, and decorative objects.
• Vintage treasures: Old maps, prints, colonial-era photographs, and rare books.
• Brass and copper: Traditional Kerala brass oil lamps (nilavilakku), uruli vessels, and temple artifacts.

History

The antique trade in Jew Town evolved naturally from the area's commercial heritage, as the declining Jewish community left behind household items and traders brought in antiques from across southern India. While some items are genuine antiques, many are skilled reproductions — a tradition of the trade here.

Visitor Tips

• Bargain: Prices are highly negotiable; expect to pay 40–60% of the initial asking price.
• Authentication: For high-value antiques, request provenance documentation and be aware of export restrictions.
• Duration: 45–75 minutes.