Kalae is a French word meaning roof decoration and is derived from the Thai word ‘galae’ - the northern Thai style roof decorations used to ward off evil
spirits. Kalae Pattaya is, however, a Thai house on the corner of North Road and Sukhumvit Highway filled with magically displayed antiques. It is here that the stylish Ursula
Rothstein has finally realized a long held dream and opened an Asian antique furniture and d้cor gallery in Pattaya.
Ursula, who is a talented artist herself, has superb taste in d้cor. Even some
of her own paintings grace the walls. She has the rare gift of elegance and perfect placement in interior decorating, even to the extent of having a large collection of
furniture, ornaments and artefacts in every room without it appearing cluttered, and in every angle yet another superb still-life. She changes the arrangements continually as
pieces are sold - an ever changing kaleidoscope of art.
The majority of the pieces are authentic antiques from Shanghai in southern China; however, there is also a selection of Thai, Indian, Vietnamese and Tibetan
artefacts and furniture. Stunning wedding chests and cabinets, tables, ancestor paintings, trunks and chairs as well as lamps, vases, hill tribe head-dresses, lacquer ware,
Thai silk, cushions, boxes and baskets are all chosen by Usula for their own individual intrinsic beauty. “The pleasure of the objects comes first,” said Ursula. “I just
enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things. I am not a very good businesswoman; the beautiful article comes first and everything else falls into place.
“A Belgium couple I have known for a long time in Bangkok opened a very successful Kalae gallery there, so I went into partnership with them and opened a
Kalae branch in Pattaya in December last year. They take care of all the shipping and transport and I just do what I love, the selection and the decorating and rearranging.
Next month I will have more time to paint too. It has always been my dream to be able to sell beautiful pieces.”
Just browsing through the two storey house is a real pleasure and one you may indulge
in weekly. Ursula is always happy to discuss the history of the pieces if you inquire. I was fascinated to discover opium pipes from Vietnam and painted ancestor portraits from
China dating back to the days before photography. Superb intricately carved antique Chinese cabinets too, that have filigree sliding panels at the bottom where, amazingly, the
villagers used to keep the live chickens and eggs right in the kitchen and ready for the pot.
Everything is priced to sell and sell they do, which is why the display is constantly changing. Prices start at 200 baht and go through to around 50,000 baht
for a well documented magnificent Chinese dresser, so there is always something to suit your pocket-book.
Truly a treasure trove uncovered and right here in Pattaya. If you have the soul of an artist you will not be disappointed with your visit to Kalae Pattaya.
Round About is a round up of where to find goods and services locally at affordable prices. Dealing with any merchandise, or services, art and craft,
accommodation, fashion, health, gardening, jewellery, music, spas, cars, mechanics, photographs, travel, teachers, wine or whatever service. The Pattaya Mail will track
it down for you. Are you desperately hunting for that elusive object or service? Send in an email to [email protected] and we will try to find your answer in this
column. Do you have a brilliant service or products that you want to share with the readers? Email [email protected] or fax roundabout on 038-231675.
