CaShi is pronounced Ka (a as in father) She (as in pronoun she). CaShi Gallery was founded in 1998 by Carolyn Shaver and Steve Thurston. In the import business since 1969, Carolyn brings her creative talents, knowledge and enthusiasm for things Asian, and a vast network of connections to CaShi. Steve, with over 30 years experience of

antique furniture restoration, uses his knowledge of woods, furniture joinery, construction methods, and complex finishes to discover real finds in China and to restore each one at CaShi.

Our name, CaShi, was inspired by the oasis town of Kashgar (Kashi in Chinese). Kashgar is a 2000 year old trading town in western China, on the edge of the great Taklamakan desert, where both major northern and southern silk routes converged and through which passed ideas, peoples and trade goods from all over the world.

At CaShi, through our selection of antiques, we strive to create a spiritual ambiance—an environment that nourishes the spirit and connects with the past.

We travel to Asia several times each year in search of high quality, original oriental antiques which we then import to Denver, clean, restore and rejuvenate according to the needs of each piece and client. We have a large selection of quality inventory at our warehouse showroom located at 3458 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado (phone Steve or Carolyn at 303-297-2947). The fact that Steve restores nearly every piece himself, rather than having it done in China, sets us apart from most dealers. We do not refinish our antiques. Refinishing implies sanding down the surface to the bare wood so that one can put a new finish on a piece. Refinishing destroys the patina and the antique value.

In our restoration process, Steve assesses each piece and its condition. There is no formula. First, Steve carefully cleans a piece, being careful not to destroy any painting or original lacquer finish. Then he does repairs or carves missing details. Next he decides what if any finish to apply. This can depend on the client, as he may do nothing more. If a piece retains much of its original lacquer, he may apply a few coats of tung oil which brings up the finish. (Tung oil is extracted from the seeds of the Chinese tung tree. In China, both lacquer and tung oil were used together in the lacquering of furniture.) Steve must rub out each coat and let it dry before the next coat can be applied. Finally, he may wax the piece.  

Services

We can ship anywhere. All furniture must be crated to insure its safety. If you let us know the item and your zip code, we can let you know the cost of shipping, insurance, crating and handling.

To the Trade

We are happy to work with you. Call or email us with your design company's information and requests.