The concept of selling from a trunk dates to the trading days along the Silk Road. Merchants would return to Venice, for example, laden with precious objects, silks, spices and textiles. Often, they would spread out some items for public sale, after taking their goods to the patron, prince or Doge. The items for public sale would be quickly purchased by local citizens, eager for the exotic goods and stories from the East.

For White Ginger, a trunk show works in much the same way, though sadly without the camels. We travel to China and find beautiful 19th century pieces of furniture and then on to Cambodia to design exquisite clothing made of hand-woven silk. We then “open our trunk” in special places in America and sell our “exotic wares” to clients and customers, old and new. By bringing a temporary trunk show to Martha’s Vineyard or Northeast Harbor, or other destinations each year, we have the rare opportunity to be fluid and flexible, thus providing elegant items for very reasonable prices. We can create new products, find unique and personalized gifts and antiques for clients who appreciate personal attention, cultivating relationships and sharing stories from the East.