Amazing place! I look for Japanese antiques, however, they have a large collection of not only Japanese, but Chinese, Korean, etc. items. The warehouse is huge. It's kind of appointment-only, but they're easy to reach. I have purchased a few unique items from here, and the owners are very sweet. read more

I'll start by saying I showed up with my friend, and I was "underdressed" for sure for this place. Think graphic t-shirt & jeans. My friend (Japanese woman) was tastefully dressed and put together. The front door is not marked, like you have to know where you're going in order to enter. So we missed that. I was trying to find the entrance and found their larger bay door with metal gate across. I almost walked past, then walked back. Two Asian men were inside and seeing me stop, they struck up a conversation. I don't think they wanted to let me in, but asked how I found the place and I told them we were searching for antique shops and this was one on our list to visit. They let us in and made us feel welcome. My friend and I browsed the entire ~3500 square feet of their collection, which was very dense and hugely impressive. Mostly East Asian antiques, even my friend (who prefers European) was fascinated and we both agreed it felt like we were walking through a museum, but up close. The least expensive thing I personally saw a price on there was a small bird figure I really liked at $600. I also overheard a man try to bargain on something that was 15,000 and I saw many items in that range and above. One of the garden statues I really loved was $9,000. The man at the desk encouraged me to also see their website, where some of the pieces are listed (with prices, if applicable). Some items were only "price on request." Later in our browsing, a Caucasian woman approached us and wanted to find out more about us. I got the feeling she didn't think we belonged. She kind of stuck around us, and then asked if I owned any Asian pieces already. When I told her we'd bought a house in Japan she softened slightly, and recounted her years living there. I'm not the target client for this shop (yet), but perhaps someday. I will definitely not forget them. read more

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horribly overpriced. you are able to find the same pieces for far lower elsewhere - even as low as 1/10th of the price that they are selling for. read more

I have a long history going back over thirty years with the Zentner Collection and the family who owns and operates this gem of a business. Over the years I have purchased numerous items from their huge collection of stunning pieces, from tansus to ranmas to baskets and water urns and once even a giant mortar and pestle for a garden ornament. If it exists, they have it. Beyond just being an excellent source, the family has always gone above and beyond, including from an artistic standpoint. Once, my then husband and I bought a large tansu from them to use as a china cabinet, but then we couldn't find a table or chairs in the retail stores that looked appropriate with it. Jenny Zentner always has loved a challenge, and she sketched out a table, which was so absolutely perfect -- and she even had a recommendation of a furniture maker to build it. When was the last time anyone went to that extent for you as a client? Another time I had the idea that I wanted a coffee table made from a "found object" as I had seen in design magazines. Over the period of a few weeks, Jenny and I went on hunting trips into her warehouse, looking for perhaps two good sized matching pots that I might be able to rest a slab of glass on top of, or we even considered a basket that could have support added inside to hold up a piece of glass. In the end, we found a perfect ranma with a lattice look to it that was cut down by their excellent woodworker-staff; the ranma sat on a metal frame and I ordered a glass top for it. I get so many compliments on it. It is a one-of-a-kind and looks marvelous with my Japanese tansus. I can't say enough good things about the Zentner Collection. I have never had anything but the best experiences there. I have learned so much from them as they enjoy sharing the history of any of their pieces. Prepare to be impressed. Janis Wild read more

Was looking for some fine pics for my new office. When I get to the place, I do find some nice pieces, there is an old man trying to introduce the furnitures, but a young man Interrupt him and asked me to leave. I don't know if he was judging by my outfit or by race thinks I can't afford it or something else. If I can't afford to buy,why would I be there at the first time? read more

Beautiful array of furniture! Robert is delightful to work with, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I could get lost in this place for hours, you can smell and stare your way into a wonderful story of what these pieces have glimpses in history. It's a great place to go for inspiration! But also...for furniture and decor. I bought a beautiful Japanese tansho cabinet with a persimmon wood accent that is unusual and very elegant. I'm delighted with it! Highly recommend this place! read more

Wow! What an amazing collection of treasures. Super pricy and not for the thrifty shopper. Museum Quality. Honesty to make sure the right buyers find this gem. If you are looking for authentic, historical collectibles- this is the place. Great find! Don't waste your time with cheap imported crap when you are looking for authentic treasures! read more

Very lovely selection. I bought a tansu and the staff was friendly and accommodating. They even polished it up before it was loaded into the truck. Thank you so much! read more

Zentner's collection of Javanese + Chinese antique furniture is outstanding!! They have museum quality pieces available for purchase at a reasonable price (for what it is). Jenny + Perry were both very knowledgeable and very helpful. I wish I could take home more pieces!! My husband has my wish list! read more

Zentner Collection - Beautiful piece! - Antiques Near Me - Emeryville, California

Your authentic one-stop shop for horrifically-priced but genuinely antique tansu (Japanese cabinetry). In the front you walk past the workers restoring the pieces and preparing them for sale. Tansu are their own art genre. They have a utility (holding your clothes) but their craftsmanship has its own set of values- generally, there are no "structural" nails in a tansu; all the wood is held together with elaborate joins. The decorative metal plates are hand-worked and affixed with tiny metal nails. Zentner also has other pieces, like the little household shrines you put in a Japanese house, or the many-drawered Chinese apothecary cabinets used in Chinese medicine. Sometimes I go to Zentner and browse their stock. From looking at the examples, their source and date of manufacture, I can see the difference between Japanese tansu and similar Chinese and Korean pieces. At this point I can fairly accurately determine the date (within 50 years) and nation of manufacture. Someday this will be useful, I"m sure. The warehouse is huge and open to the public; it's like going to a free museum. And it's not just me- I actually saw an exhibit of some of Zentner's stock at an art gallery in Palo Alto (the Palo Alto Art Center). read more

So I am redecorating my home and have been searching to find quality furniture with an Asian flare. I stumbled upon this gem on google and stopped in last week. They have at least four different rooms of wonderful furniture that I was able to feast my eyes on for hours! I was like a kid in a candy store. I finally decided on two pieces of gorgeous furniture and dare I say, I will be back for more. I've read the reviews about the bug damage and infestation. I am pleased to say that my items are bug damage free and gorgeous. Prices were totally reasonable/fair and the guys who were helping me were genuinely caring, not just trying to sell me something. In fact the whole staff was pleasant and knew their stuff. All in all, I give this establishment 5 stars.. They deserve it! read more

Zentner Collection - My Japanese Sendai Tansu :) - Antiques Near Me - Emeryville, California

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When I die, bury me here. That is all. Great, attentive service. We're not high rollers by any means, but we were treated with dignity and respect even though we were looking at pretty humble pieces (relative to the overall collection). I didn't get that stuffy, condescending vibe I get in many higher end Bay Area fine furnishings stores, not at all. In the end, we did decide to buy about 5 different pieces, all of which were actually pretty reasonably priced, and the owner even discounted some of the items (we didn't even have to ask). So, to conclude. Amazing, mind-blowing collection of artifacts -- most of which are literally one of a kind. Kind, courteous, and downright helpful owners and staff. Prices that are fair and reasonable, especially considering the nature of what they carry here. Strongly recommend Zentner Collection. But beware: I fear this may become habit-forming. read more

I have been coming and buying from The Zentner Collection for over 20 Years now. I have come to know the owners and they are very honest people. I truly appreciate that this is a family owned business that loves what they do. The quality of furniture is un equalled at any other store. Not to mention the selection is well Above and Beyond anyone else. Huge multi room gallery and warehouse. I have no problem with the six pieces I have collected over the years. True timeless treasures! Not just furniture but small very collectible pieces as well. A true museum with great prices. A Retail location with wholesale prices. Must stop when visiting the Bay Area! read more

Zentner Collection - A true warrior - Antiques Near Me - Emeryville, California

An absolutely beautiful collection of museum quality pieces. I bought a Korean tansu that was the perfect size, except for the height. Robert and his staff built a custom stand for it, which fit perfectly and looked like it had always been there. Friendly, knowledgeable people and beautiful products. read more

My husband and I, novices I admit, can not say enough how professional and friendly Zentner is. The gallery is astounding, their service impeccable! Our research has shown that their pricing is fair. Go see the collection! You will be amazed! read more

My great-grandmother's glass bowl was broken by a carpet cleaner that we had come over to do some cleaning. My little brother found Zentner so we brought the bowl to them for repairs. First off, it turned out absolutely beautiful and my mother is thrilled that her grandmother's bowl was able to be repaired. Second, all of the employees were all absolutely amazing. They were so patient dealing with us as we waited for the 3rd party insurance company to give us information. I had to email and call them frequently while dealing with the insurance company and everyone was always super friendly. I can't thank them enough for their help and I would absolutely return. Thank you Robert and Jade!!! read more

Zentner Collection - Antiques Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I have collected Asian art for the past 40 years, and I worked for a well-known Japanese antique dealer when I lived in Tokyo for 5 years. So I really looked forward to visiting the Zentner Collection and stopped in yesterday to take a look at the gallery. The staff is lovely and helpful, and the showrooms are beautiful. That's where my good review ends. Someone, who I believe was Mr. Zentner, was in the gallery. He never greeted me, even though I was the only customer. His manner was brusque when I inquired about a few items that did not show a price. I can deal with brusque, but I can't deal with what came next. I wandered to the back of the showroom, and through a door that was wide open. The door opened into a narrow hallway that had many items in and on top of display cases, primarily large Japanese baskets. Another door opened into a huge warehouse that was obviously off-limits to the public. I did not enter that room. The baskets on the display cases were clearly marked and cleaned for sale, so I started to look at several of them. I then heard,"Hey! You're not supposed to be back there!" and turned to see Zentner coming toward me. I told him that I was looking at the baskets, and he said, "Well, if you are going to stay back here I have to stay with you," in a tone that indicated he was not pleased. I told him that he was making me uncomfortable, and that I didn't like being made to feel uncomfortable. His response as I started to leave? "Oh." And he walked away. I left the gallery. There were so many ways that he could have handled my being in an off-limit area that would have been conducive to professionalism, but he chose to be rude and a creep. Period.This is a man who emanates bad energy. As for his collection, he has many beautiful and unusual things. But they are stunningly overpriced ($20,000 for a tansu, anyone?). Japanese art prices have been in a free fall for the past 10 years and are now at a 40-year low (I know--I have a lot of it), so it is inconceivable to me how he can justify his prices for Japanese furniture and textiles. So, if you want to purchase overpriced Asian art from a really rude business owner, the Zentner Collection is your place. read more

I bought a Tansu from Zentner several years ago. It was expensive (over $1000). I was living in London for the past couple of years and when I got the Tansu out of storage it was riddled with powder post beetles- they eat wood similar to termites. The Tansu had small, and some not so small, holes everywhere. I had never heard of these pests so I did some research and found that they are commonly found in wood imported from Asia. The beetles can lie dormant in the wood for years. (It's such a problem with wood imported from Asia that now you can't bring wood products into the U.S. without a certificate that the piece has been fumigated.) Not knowing what to do, I talked to a furniture refinisher, read an article by the University of Florida, talked to an importer about this problem and the feedback was all that the beetles were definitely in the Tansu when I purchased it from Zentner and not from storing it. I called Zentner and they gave me the name of the place that they use to fumigate furniture stating that normally fumigation occurs before furniture is imported but sometimes it just doesn't work and this is what must have happened in my case. When they notice beetle damage, they send their pieces out to a particular fumigator and provided me the name. The fumigator then told me he charges $350 as a minimum but stated that since the beetles would have been in the Tansu when I purchased it , maybe Zentner would be willing to let me put my Tansu in with some of their pieces when they next fumigated. When I proposed this to Zentner, the owner gave a flat out curse and angry "No" saying I had purchased it a while a go and he would take no responsibility. This is in spite of the fact that everyone, even his own people, telling me that the beetles were in the piece when purchased. I wasn't expecting him to repair the piece or pay the $350 to fumigate, just let me put my piece in with some of theirs to reduce the cost. And, at the very least sound sympathetic. Buyer beware if you deal with this company! read more

While I like the Asian furniture they offer. We and others have found some of their furniture is infested with minute beetles that are virtually impossible to get rid of. After tented fumigation and ripping out rugs, we finally had to dispose of three of our pieces. Friends have had the exact same problem. The beetles live in the wood, usually the underside, and deposit larvae in the rugs. Very expensive experience. Detection often can take a few years which makes this worse. read more

Just stopped by this weekend with my sister and realized i've never reviewed Zentner... I love this place!! My family and I have been coming here for years. We've purchased Japanese art (wood-block prints), beautiful wood panels, and a few cool pieces of furniture (that will remain in our family). We've always been satisfied. I don't think they'd still be in business this long if they didn't know what they were doing (40 years). Not to mention the Zentner Collection has the most impressive and complete selection of art and antiques if you're shopping for Chinese, Korean or Japanese style. Their warehouse/showroom is loaded with treasures if you're looking for quality. This place is the real deal! I'll definitely be coming back :) read more

Excellent! A real treat for anyone who is interested in Asian antiques. Rustic museum like quality. A rare warehouse. I love browsing their catalog online. Family owned an operated. However, there are some serious family issues that affect business. After negotiating, I once made an expensive purchase. ( About a year ago.) I was in the process of paying for it, when the wife of the owner threw an emotional hissy fit and started yelling at her husband saying that the item was under priced. The husband excused himself to speak with her in a back room and I could still hear her screaming at him, saying that "no one listens" to her. He returned shaking his head saying that his wife was "hysterical - just hysterical" and that he had to raise the price a thousand dollars. Needless to say, I chose not to buy the item and haven't been back since. I left flabbergasted. It was the most bizarre purchase I almost made. read more

This place is amazing! Exquisite antiques and Asian art and from ALL over Asia!! I absolutely love the atmosphere as well.. it feels like walking through a museum! the business is family owned and operated, and every one is welcoming, and extremely knowledgable! i have purchased several japanese tansu's from them and every time the transactions went smoothly and efficiently from the moment i walked in the door. And of course i am beyond pleased with the beautiful tansus themselves. if you are at all in the market for asian antiques and art, or simply have an interest in the Asian culture, you HAVE to check this place out. Im Completely impressed with the merchandise, and customer service. Needless to say.. They have made a regular customer out of me! read more

I found a splendid wood carving on the Zentner site, and contacted the seller. I received a courteous response within minutes, and we proceeded yo discuss the item snd the terms of its purchase. The seller was most forthcoming and helpful, arranging shipment to Canada. The carving arrived quickly, packaged expertly, and it found its spot on my wall. I am delighted with the wood carving, and happy with the impeccable service. I'll be back. read more

Zentner Collection - Antiques Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I don't know what's cooler a museum or this place!!! MUST MUST check out! Genuine Artifacts.

Very cool place to visit to see and touch Asian furniture, art, and other things. The owners are incredibly knowledgeable and super friendly. They love what they do. I saw something that some of my family members would be interested in having. They have an extensive online store as well. Will definitely come back again! read more

Dropped in, looking for some ideas for a new interior project we're working on. Liked the new fish tank set about 1/2 in the warehouse. Helpful, supportive and unique furniture. Gotta lot the assortment or rugs, opium beds, occasional and assorted furniture. You only need one or two cool pieces to perk up a boring living room. read more

Zentner collection is such a magical place to enter, so much history in the antiques you could spend hours looking and marveling at. You can tell the owners love what they do. Not to mention great service and information that's provided on each item. Love my new pieces! I WILL be back!!! read more

I bought a unique and fabulous 18th century Buddha from the Zentner Collection and a gorgeous 19th century Japanese two section tansu with the original metal work and finish. It looks beautiful in my hallway and contrary to previous reviews I found no termite damage. This is the second tansu I have bought from them over the past few years and the first is still sitting in my room looking great. I thought it was about time I wrote a review for this place, being that I am a pleased and regular customer. Really, the best quality I have seen among Asian antique stores and collections. read more

I have been shopping at Zentner Collection for a very long time. I have always found the owners and all the staff to be professional and so very helpful. They are true experts and operate with honor. I would recommend this gallery without reservation. They stand behind their pieces and the scholarship they possess on most all of their merchandise makes buying here a pleasure. read more

What a place! You will not understand until you visit them. Huge selection of quality pieces from all over Southeast Asia. Stunning selection of Japanese furniture that is unrivaled anywhere in the US. Honestly I refer anyone to this stores that is looking for something special for their home. They are a family run business, how many of these are still around? I have been there many times and always find something to add to my growing collection. If you are in Northern California, make a point to visit them. You will not be disappointed. read more

Owned and operated by an amazing family, members of which have been there for me when I needed it most. Gave me a place to stay when I had none, the definition of good people! You can expect the same and I hope you get a chance to know the Zentner's. read more

I am appalled!! They bait and switch! I'm a huge antiques fan, especially of asian pieces, and I love their collection but... Last year I visited twice within a week because I was interested in a Tibetan console table. The first time I came in the price was listed on the tag on the table as $600. I talked with the owner about the table and told him I would think about it, and did. I returned the following weekend to purchase only to find the price had increased to $1200! Ummm..... The owner told me 'Oh, we figured out what we had. It's worth more than it was originally priced for.' I have been buying antiques for many, many years, and yes, sometimes owners misprice their pieces. However, usually when they do they will honor the original price or give some percentage off another piece as a gesture for their mistake. This didn't happen at Zentner. Still, I hadn't been in a year, and I'm hunting pieces for my office so yesterday I returned. I found a lovely scroll box (without the scroll) that was priced $20 and two other similarly priced small pieces. The owner took them to the register for me while I continued to shop, and when I tried to pay I was told 'Oh, that box went with a scroll. I don't want to separate them. Here, you can have one of these two (inferior and not at all the same) boxes instead.' When I said that the item I found was priced and labeled and that the 'replacement' items were not of the same quality, he said flatly, 'We made a booboo. You can have these (replacement boxes) but not that one (originally chosen and clearly labeled box).' I left without any purchases, and I will not return. I urge you to do the same. The owner's customer service skills are in sad shape. His business practices should be reported. I don't know how he gets away with it. Shame on you, Zentner Collection! May your warehouse remain full, and your bank account empty. read more

I had just started negotiating for a piece, & then very abruptly I received an email that the piece had been sold. Since it was very late in the day, I strongly suspect that the owner simply didn't want to work with me anymore. It was a very bizarre and unpleasant experience! read more

To my fellow antiques lovers - you must visit this place!! Antiques stores have been closing all over the Bay Area because for some reason people prefer overpriced, factory-made in China Pottery Barn, Ikea, etc. Zentner is a huge warehouse full of beautiful Asian antiques from Japan, China, India, Korea. Incredible antique rugs, doors, caseboxes, cane chairs, tansus. It's a treat to have a tour from the owner. Also, he makes custom made furniture too with hand-picked high quality wood. This place is fantastic, one of the best, if not the best, antiques store in the Bay Area. read more

Great selection of tansu, statuary, and various pan asian articles . Huge selection. Very helpful staff and longtime family business. A bit far from San Francisco for us casual visitors, but we got there. Recommend for those on the prowl for good Japanese antiques! read more

I grew up with tansus. When decorating a second home I searched the web and stores. The Zentner Collection had by far the best selection on the web. I happened to be in the Bay Area on business and stopped by to see specific pieces that fit my very tight specifications for size. The web listings do not do the warehouse justice, it went on and on. I was able to go about even in the way back with a tape measure and photograph pieces to make a decision. I purchased two pieces, one small but very elegant tea tansu and the top of a kitchen tansu. I needed these shipped up to the San Juans in Washington. They were able to arrange and had a flawless delivery. Very helpful throughout the process, good communication and follow up. A bit pricey, but the value is there if you know what you are looking at. Jenny was great to work with. read more

THE resource in the Bay Area for Asian antiques for decades. Customers are made to feel very welcome to browse the enormous selection of top quality antiques of every type, for every taste, at every price range. Prices range from a modest $100 for a handmade, solid ash antique stool to many thousands for exquisite, collector grade items. This IS the store that Gump's WAS, so many years ago. If you are looking for authentic, top quality, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai furniture or art objects, you will find it here. read more

I have purchased several items at the Zentner Collection over the years - Tansu's, japanese prints and other items. I have been pleased with my purchases. I never had a problem at Zentner. I have visited several times just to walk through the storerooms and the adjacent warehouse - always a fascinating experience. read more

As a collector of Japanese and Chinese antiques, and also being a store owner of same (plus Tea!) I was overwhelmed by the immensity of their collection, and the breadth of what they carry - everything from simple tansu's to elaborate Chinese tables, from iron and stone ware to delicate and rare antique ceramics.... things you often see only one or two of after scouring several other stores, here you see them in troves! Truly astounding. They were very attentive and treated me with utmost respect, although from MY appearance that day (slightly disheveled) I might not have seemed 'worthy' to other shop keepers of a similar level of wares. I was very thankful to have found a few reasonably priced pieces among the plethora of more high end priced things, and they were quick to honor my re-sale card and gave me an additional discount on top of that. Very commendable. Will certainly be returning regularly as this place is a Bay Area gem - the largest collection of its kind anywhere! read more