This California Antique Shop Has Been Selling Rare Treasures Since 1888 And Is Still Family-Owned
Some businesses have been around so long that their history is almost as interesting as what they sell. But this one has a few stories that sound almost too unusual to be true.
For starters, its earliest customers weren’t shopping for antiques at all.
The business began with something completely different, and one family decision changed its direction forever. That was only the beginning.
Over the decades, this California shop attracted famous names, survived enormous changes, and built a reputation that few antique dealers can match.
Today, its Pasadena location is filled with objects that have traveled across continents and survived for centuries.
More than 130 years later, the business is still connected to the people who started it. Even its history has found a surprising life beyond the shop’s walls.
It All Started With Silk Underwear, Believe It Or Not
Few antique empires begin with underwear. F.
Suie One Co. did, and that origin story is part of its charm. Founder Fong See arrived in the United States from China in 1871 at just 14 years old.
He first built his business in Sacramento selling silk undergarments. That’s a bold start for a teenager in a new country. It also shows the grit that would carry the company for generations.
The big turn came from his wife, Leticie Pruett, known as Ticie. She encouraged him to shift toward antiques.
Honestly, that might be one of the best business tips in California history.
That pivot helped create what’s recognized as the oldest continuously operating Asian antique business in the United States. It’s also known as one of California’s very first Chinese-owned businesses.
That’s a lot of firsts for one family.
The shop traces its roots to 1888, and the name still honors Fong See today. Think about how many companies from that era have vanished completely.
This one simply kept going, adjusting and growing along the way.
So when you browse, you’re shopping inside a real piece of American history. The silk days are long gone, but the spirit stuck around.
Two Floors Of Asian Art Make Browsing An Adventure
Calling it a store almost undersells it. F. Suie One Co. fills a two-story building with art, furniture, and collectibles. The Los Angeles Times once described it as a warren, and that word fits nicely.
The focus is clear and specific. Everything here is Asian antiques and furniture. You won’t find random garage-sale clutter mixed in with the good stuff.
The collection draws from China, Japan, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Some pieces are truly ancient.
Others are more recent vintage finds with plenty of their own character.
That range makes the shop fun even if you’re not a serious collector. You might spot elegant porcelain on one shelf.
A heavy carved cabinet could be sitting just around the corner.
Give yourself real time to wander. Rushing through a place like this feels like speed-reading a history book. You’ll miss the best parts.
A good tip is to look up, down, and behind things. Treasures don’t always sit at eye level. Some of the most interesting pieces hide in spots you’d easily walk past.
Curiosity is the only map you need here. Just maybe keep your elbows close.
Some Of These Pieces Are Older Than Most Countries
Here’s a fun math problem. A Chinese ceramic horseman from around 200 B.C. is more than 2,000 years old.
That piece was created long before the shop’s founder was even an idea. The horseman has impressive company at F. Suie One Co.
A Buddha from the Gandhara period, dating to the first or second century, has been part of the collection. Gandhara art blended styles from different cultures, which makes these figures especially striking.
Then there’s the carved stone Rakshasa head from 9th-century Indonesia. In many Asian traditions, a Rakshasa is a fierce mythical being.
Carvings like this often show bold features and dramatic expressions.
Seeing pieces like these outside a museum feels a little unreal. There’s no velvet rope and no glass case between you and centuries of craftsmanship.
That closeness is part of what makes the shop so memorable.
Inventory at any antique shop changes over time, of course. A piece you read about may have found a new home already. That’s the nature of one-of-a-kind items.
Still, the depth of history here is the real headline. Whatever’s on display, you’re likely standing near something astonishingly old.
Frank Lloyd Wright Shopped Here, So You’re In Good Company
Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was once a regular customer. That’s quite a reference for any shop.
When a design legend keeps coming back, it says something about the goods.
He wasn’t the only big name either. Interior designer Tony Duquette, known for his lavish and imaginative style, also shopped at F. Suie One Co. His work often mixed exotic pieces in bold ways.
Hollywood came calling too. Filmmakers turned to the shop for authentic pieces to dress Chinese movie sets.
Some of that old screen magic may have started right in this family’s collection.
It’s fun to think about while you browse. A carved chair or vase nearby might share a background with pieces once seen on film. History here often comes with a little sparkle.
The takeaway isn’t about celebrity, though. These creative minds valued quality and authenticity. They trusted this family to deliver real pieces with real stories.
That reputation took generations to build. It also explains why serious collectors and designers still pay attention to this California shop. Good taste, it turns out, ages about as well as fine porcelain.
A Granddaughter Keeps The Family Legacy Alive
Keeping a business in one family for over a century takes serious dedication. Today, F. Suie One Co. is run by Leslee See Leong, granddaughter of founder Fong See. She works alongside her husband, Joe Schulman.
Leslee represents the third generation to guide the shop. That’s a rare thing in any industry. Most family businesses don’t make it past the second handoff.
Her role goes beyond selling objects. She carries forward deep knowledge of Asian art and the stories behind it. That kind of expertise can’t be picked up overnight.
The shop also seems to have a furry staff member. Online mentions point to a friendly dog named Phoebe. A shop dog always makes browsing feel a little more welcoming.
Family ownership shapes the whole feel of the place. Decisions come from people who care about the legacy, not just the bottom line. You can sense that in how the collection is kept and presented.
If you have questions about a piece, ask. Family-run antique shops often hold knowledge you won’t find on a tag.
A short chat could turn a pretty object into an unforgettable story.
The Family Story Became A Bestselling Book And An Opera
Not every shop gets its own bestseller. In 1995, author Lisa See published On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family.
Lisa is Leslee’s cousin, and the book tells their family’s remarkable story.
The memoir follows Fong See’s journey and the generations that came after. It covers immigration, business, love, and the challenges of building a life in America.
It’s an easy pick for anyone curious before visiting.
The story kept growing from there. An opera based on the book was staged in May 2022. Few antique shops can say their history inspired live music on a stage.
The Huntington Library in San Marino also holds family papers and collections. That means scholars and visitors can explore this history long into the future. It’s a big honor for any family.
Reading the book first is a smart move. It adds rich background to what you’ll see in the shop. Suddenly, the furniture and lanterns feel connected to real people and choices.
History can feel distant in textbooks. Here, it has names, faces, and a storefront you can visit.
Plan Your Trip Around These Limited Hours
Timing matters with this one. F. Suie One Co. sits at 1335 E Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106. It’s near Pasadena City College on a busy, well-known stretch of road.
The shop keeps fairly short hours. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the doors stay closed.
That schedule makes a little planning worth it. Showing up on a Monday would be a real letdown. Checking hours before you head out is always wise, since schedules can change.
Colorado Boulevard has plenty of fame on its own. It’s the same famous street used for Pasadena’s Rose Parade. That gives your antique hunt a classic Southern California backdrop.
Give yourself a relaxed afternoon instead of a rushed stop. The collection rewards slow, careful looking. Squeezing it into fifteen minutes won’t do it justice.
If you’re shopping for something large, think ahead about transport. Antique furniture can be heavy and awkward. Measuring your space at home before visiting is a smart move.
Comfortable shoes help too. Two floors of treasures add up quickly.
Why This Shop Deserves A Spot On Your California Bucket List
Plenty of shops sell old things. Very few have lived through as much history as F.
Suie One Co. The business has grown from silk sales in Sacramento to a Pasadena landmark full of ancient art.
That journey matters. It tells a story of immigration, family teamwork, and smart choices made long ago. Every visit connects you to that bigger picture.
You don’t need to be a collector to enjoy it either. Curious minds, design lovers, and history fans will all find something to admire. Even a quick look at the rickshaw is worth the trip.
The shop also proves how special independent businesses can be. Chains come and go along busy boulevards.
This family kept its doors open across generations in California.
Go in with an open mind. Ask questions, take your time, and notice the small details. A tiny carving might hold as much history as a giant cabinet.
And yes, you might leave with something. Temptation lives on every shelf here. Just don’t blame the Gandhara Buddha if your wallet feels lighter.
Some stories are best experienced in person. This one has been unfolding since 1888.
