Antiquing - Tips for Finding Treasure - Part II with Rajiv Surendra 

As an official "minimalist," I really love and appreciate your wisdom on choosing things to add to a home with the eye for real value and use. You have such a gentle and knowledgeable way of educating and encouraging us all. Thank you, Rajiv!

Yes! More Antiquing with Rajiv! I could watch hours of you brousing some antique store and telling us some bits of your knowledge.

You need a PBS show just being yourself, whatever you feel like sharing and teaching. You are excellent.

He is an old soul in a young body. Love his thoughts on having things that are hand made.

More antiquing please! Rajiv's excitement really rubs of on you and you can't help but get stoked on linen

Love everything Rajiv does! he’s the epitome of grace and elegance. My heart is so happy every time I watch his videos 🥺❤️

Those 3 pits that form a triangle shape are from the stands they used to stack ironstone in the kiln. They are not flaws. Also, anything marked 'England' is pre-1920, and 'Made in England' is post-1920. I had antique shops for years and china and glass are and were my passion. Thank you for this.

My grandma casually referred to "killing" her pig as a kid when she needed money, and at first I didn't realize she was referring to breaking her piggy bank.

I started to look up thrifting on youtube, because Rajiv's videos sparked a whole new interest in me. But majority of the results are from influencers only seeing vintage and antiques as a quick cash and only buy from thrift stores to resell it. I feel like Rajiv is one of the few people on here who appreciate old things as they are and buy antiques and secondhand with the intention to give them an actual home.

Rajiv, I hope you are able to appreciate from all of these comments the profound effect you have on people. Your kind and gentle is so soothing. Your unbounded glee in the details of these objects is a rare source of inspiration. You have a lovely spirit and an infectious energy. You are an example in elegance and what it means to live a considered life.

Rajiv, I almost started crying when you sang that bit of "Just a closer walk with Thee". I hadn't thought of that song in years, brings me back to a really sweet time in my life. When I was a little girl our church would take all of us kids between morning and evening services on Sundays, to lunch, and to go see "the old folks", at the elderly home. We would learn old hymns to sing to them, and they loved it. Some would weep, some would sing along. We would then get turned loose to run around visiting with whomever wanted our attention. I fell in love with so many old souls, and when they'd pass away, I missed them. I learned so many important lessons from that time. How to respect and value my elders. Realizing that as I am, they once were... What a comfort the Lord is. Anyway, thank you for reminding me. P. S. I am still influenced by Beatrix Potter. I even named one of my daughters after her! Beatrix means sojourner.

As the great man said: “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”! If the things around you don’t bring you joy when you look at them, or touch/use them, why have them at all? Enjoy antiquing, it’s a wonderful way to spend your time and as an actual antique myself, it’s nice to be appreciated😘🌸

Time flies by when I watch Rajiv's videos. The end comes and I think, NO! This cannot be over yet! I love the expertise, wisdom, and humor!

Rajiv, please consider making this a series! I love the moment you waved us over and crouched down to teach us something about old linens-like a nature documentary but in an antique mall! It’s a magical feeling to spot something you love in a booth. Thanks for sharing your expertise! Ps. I’ve found two DOG bowls in the last week! I don’t currently have a dog, but I was so tempted to scoop them up.

Inspiring, AS ALWAYS! Appreciate Rajiv’s realness. In the first episode of Antiquing he didn’t edit out the breaking of the lesser yellow ware bowl like a lot of people would have. I don’t trust many people, but Rajiv seems solid.

I have always used linen napkins. I love them, and agree they should be used. It is refreshing to see a young man appreciate old things and find the beauty and quality that they have.

A PART 2!!! Had to watch ASAP!👍👍👍🥰

It’s so amazing that when you are hunting for treasure, you always find Jesus. You sang that hymn beautifully!

Hello Rajiv, first off, I absolutely love your style and taste for old things, I’m exactly the same. You got me to subscribe when I first watched one of your videos and you wrote in cursive. I was taught how to write first in cursive, in first grade. We had to practice writing in pencil and then trace over with a fountain pen. To this day I have several fountain pens that I use and love. And about clothes irons, my grandmother used to have a couple of those that opened up and one put burning coals inside. I’m still ironing pillow cases and kitchen towels. Love you, your almost 59 years old friend in Oregon

His cinematography and story telling is ammmazing. 😮

Thank you Rajiv, i’m waiting for part 3. ❤

I spent so many beautiful days with my Mom doing this same kind of wandering; she loved to go antiquing! I lost her a year ago tomorrow. Your video was like a long ago wander with my Mom. She had a keen eye, and lovingly used the wonderful things she found. (we both did) Thank you for a reminder of beautiful memories.

I would pay to watch these antiquing with Rajiv videos. I was trying to explain Rajiv to my husband and words were not enough. There is something so endearing about you. I absolutely agree I love antiquing and thrifting alone. Friends always ask to join and I say no or warn them that I will wander off ;) Thank you for adding so much care and beauty to everything you do. You make the world a better place.

Rajiv, you are so gracious and delightful in all of the diverse and lovely things you bring to us. I find it especially charming that as a young man, you appreciate and share your joy of old-fashioned tools, linens, workmanship, etc. and that you enjoy sharing those things with us. I always look forward to your videos and wonder "what's next?". Thank you!❤

his excitement about the $5 linen towel made me so happy

LOVE these types of videos! (as well as all the other ones) Please do include the prices- that's as interesting as your commentaries. Such diversity in prices according to where you are shopping in the country.

Rajiv's reasoning, excitement and convincing is exactly what I do when I am eager to buy something hahaha. I love this.

I just couldn’t believe a part II was filmed! Your channel has easily become my favorite ❤️

You are a gracious being. Please continue antiquing, this content is beautiful. ✌️love you Rajiv

More antiquing videos please! That was so much fun.

Rajiv, I could watch you antiquing for hours!Watching your joyful response in finding wonderful things brings joy to my heart xx

I really enjoy how Rajiv explores and lives his life for himself. It’s a true testament of living a sparking joy life. Thank you for sparking joy for me.

Rajiv, You give me hope someone will appreciate the many beautiful things I’ve collected over the years. I love your sweater. It looks to be an authentic Gansey and suits you very well!

I could watch your videos forever. They feel calming. In the crazy world we live in, it is a little corner of heaven! 🙏

I have never felt more validated from a video. Literally yelled, "Me too!" when Rajiv said, "I love painted tin." Thank you for the wonderful video.

Im so happy you have your own channel now!!! I love watching you. Such a great teacher.

The way I could watch this man antique for HOURS 😊

Antiquing with Rajiv is such a joy I was very happy to find part 2 next time I go to my local Antique centre here in England you will be with me in spirit !

I recently started using linen napkins... to my surprise, both my family and friends were absolutely hesitant to use them. They were afraid of staining them. I literally had to push back and insisted that they use them and promised that I would not get upset that they would get stained because I planned to wash them afterwards. I explained that I'm gathering treasures to use them and not store them! After that speech, they reluctantly agreed to use them. I love the entire concept and am thoroughly enjoying every minute of hunting and collecting treasures for my home and especially my table. Thanks Rajiv for reinforcing what I knew I wanted to achieve on this next chapter of my antiquing journey!

I love the sight of those pretty, weathered hands, with their groomed nails and diamond wedding rings, wrapping your breakables for you. It's such a careful thing to do, underlying the value of an item that possibly could have even been hers. We have lots of antique shops here staffed on a voluntary basis by the folks who rent the stalls. Thanks for slowing me down on an antiquing adventure today. Loved every minute.

You are in my home state! And now, you're in my Mom's home town! Just lovely to imagine. Enjoy!

Antiquing is so relaxing and enjoyable. Thank you Rajiv for bringing us along.

It's so Interesting, I've never met anyone like me so to see someone who could literally be cut from the same soul cloth on RU-vid is just incredible. And not just in appreciation of well made old items, but I'm the kind of person who wants to learn old skills....I raise sheep and rabbits and spin their wool by hand, then knit and weave it (including open-work.) I grow flax and rhet it, hackle it, then spin and weave it. I have learned glass blowing, hide tanning, metallurgy, I have goats that I milk and make soap and cheese, I grow willows and other plants and weave baskets, I bought a wood lathe and handturn wood. I have an iron collection on my wood cook stove, I'm slowly replacing every plastic item in my home, down to my hairbrush. I collect old linens (real flax linens since linen doesn't mean linen anymore.) All my fabrics are being replaced with natural textiles and handwovens, and I'm making many of my own clothes. I use old Mason and atlas jars in my kitchen, I collect ironstone and silver items. It's just so crazy to see someone so much like me.

the face you make when you get excited about something, like the chisel.... lmao love it

You bring so much joy into My daily life. Each time I feel sad somehow your content pops up in my youtube feed when I need it. You remind me to have kindness for those in my life. Remember to find the joy in those small moments.

He's always so impeccable! Thank you for this, Rajiv!

These videos are ASMR to me. The world is a better place with you in it Rajiv, thank you for all that you do.

Wow Rajiv you really amaze me with your knowledge and your love for antiques! Like me, I love antiques and my house is full of them! I don’t think I’ve bought anything utilitarian for at least 6 years! But everything antique or vintage was made to last and I really enjoy it! Enjoy your time in Indiana 😊

You could never do to many of these videos.❤ I can’t wait to see what else I can learn from you while working!

Your hand-made videos are every bit as thoughtful, interesting, entertaining and up-lifting as you seem to be. Thank you for sharing your discoveries with all of us.

What a thrill it is to watch your videos, gives me so much joy. Thank you for sharing your world ❤️

You bring such joy to everything that you do. The Gratitude you have for your stuff is so unique to behold. You made a very good point, use and enjoy your stuff, don't save them for a special occasion.

Part 2! What a delightful surprise!! That little pig lives in my studio now. Her name is Petal.

I just discovered Rajiv’s channel yesterday. I can’t express how entertained, enlightened and inspired I am to get my entire life together with his tips. The relatability you exude is endearing Rajiv and you’re so funny! ❤

I too have collected antique ironstone and yellowware for 25 years. They’re not only beautiful to look at but also practical to use!

Antique malls are a museum of things that have survive the test of time thank you so much for sharing have a great week

You’ve inspired me to start using the beautiful things I’ve acquired in every day life. Thank you 💚

I love your antiquing videos! I am moving into my own place for the first time and you really inspire me to fill it out with things that will spark joy when used. Thank you for shedding light on the simple joys in life!

A thumbs up, and more, more, more. I agree with your statement that we become knowledgeable upon seeing and comparing pottery, or any other items we are attracted to over time. With that being said my only wish is to slow down time so I can enjoy searching for treasures more. Thank you for your explanations and thoughts given freely to us. Jersey Ann from NJ🥰

I love your videos! And when you broke into “Just a closer walk with thee” I couldn’t believe it!!😂😂😂😂

I also buy old linen towels, tablecloths, etc. I love the texture of them and the beauty of the weave. It's always a bonus when they have a monogram, a clue of it's previous life. Linen towels also absorb moisture better than any other fabric. I also like old tools. I buy them for my husband at sales, he doesn't appreciate the beauty as I do. I love the old patina of the worn handles. They look like a piece of art to me. When my father died, I kept a few of his old tools....a folding ruler, antique oil cans, his old hand crank drill, plus an old metal coffee can full of small hand tools. Somehow it makes me feel I still have a piece of Dad with me.

I absolutely adore you Rajiv. 💖From the first video posted for “Homeboy” until now, you brighten my day. My husband always jokes that you’re my best friend 😂 and I kind of feel that way. I live in CT and if you’re ever around (and not busy with Wolf Pottery) would love to host you and show you around our stomping grounds that can provide tons of inspiration for your artwork 😊.

"...and then that person probably just died."😂 For some reason, that line cracked me up. From now on, I'm using the linens. 😊 Thanks again, Rajiv! You're the best!😊

Oh, dear! You could have picked up that huge ironstone vase since you love setting flower arrangements. It was so incredibly beautiful

I live in Indiana! Welcome Rajiv - hope you enjoyed your time in Indiana. I could listen to you forever - I always learn something from you! I love how "intentional" you are about your life and the things in it.

Rajiv, you are all about love, simplicity and finding the beauty in the old & abandoned. How lovely is that ! Keep going ! We learn from you every time we watch you at work !😊

Yes, finally a video that teaches and demonstrates antiquing for a novice like me. I’ve learned so much in the last two videos. I’ve even ventured out to a local antique store recently. It was fun! Hope to see more videos like these.

The thrill you have for old things just makes me happy!!! “Too many irons on the fire” might make sense to some now! And when you broke into Just a Closer Walk With Thee….made me laugh out loud!!! I’m convinced you are a friend I haven’t actually met yet!!!! Pure enjoyment!

The RU-vid angels gifted me by dropping one of your videos into my random feed about an hour ago. I am incredibly captivated! I live in SW Missouri and antiquing, thrift stores and flea markets are favorite pastimes. However, I have a new appreciation for the vintage and antique treasures I find after watching. Over the years I have learned to hone in on my 'treasures' and sure enough it is thrilling when you find a special piece. Thanks much!

That little singing with the fan took me back to my pentecostal childhood 😅👏🏽💕

I, too, love vintage and old things. I have often wondered how I came to love them, being a younger person. I feel like I am helping preserve history by collecting and using them! Thank you for your lovely videos, and for sharing your love and appreciation for antiques. (And I loved your singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” ❤)

Loved this video! I love old linens too, and use them or repurpose them. And I want to find one of those old irons to use as a doorstop. At least today you didn’t break any bowls! I was worried when you were holding that old stoneware pitcher. Thanks for the videos! 😊

🎼Let it be dear Lord , let it be 🎵🎼 I just love this video so much😃😃. My grandma & grandpa had that iron 😂. Love this video so much . Love love thrifting & antiquing. Thank you for this video.

That ironstone pitcher is a beauty!!

How challenging to walk along with you, see something that screams “you need me” and know I can’t take it home! It’s delightful to see someone young like yourself get other young people excited about collecting and repurposing beautiful things from our past. I’m at the place where I’m purging anything that isn’t necessary or that I don’t absolutely love. I’ve helped those older than myself transition from independent life to nursing homes or to downsize. How nice that your apartment is only occupied by things you love. When you sang “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” I was shocked. Never anticipated someone your age or ethnic background knowing that song. Delightful surprise. Blessings to you.

Love this video! This is my idea of a good time too. I love visiting antique stores, estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores. I learned all about Fiesta, Ironstone, McCoy, Bakelite, and Shiny Brite from my mom. I've passed on the hunting and collecting bug to my two sons. We just spent Spring Break visiting my mom in her new home north of Seattle and must have shopped at ten different antique malls around the different port towns. So much fun!! The thrill of the hunt and the history behind the objects are more fun than any other hobby I've tried.

Well, this was timely! I bought a few kitchen utensils at an estate sale last weekend and when placing them in the utensil drawer it occurred to me there were items in there I have not used in the 20 years I have been in my home. So I purged the unused items (10+) and then remembered I had a small crock with larger tools in the back of my pantry. There I found a half dozen antique wooden spoons, including one seemingly identical to the one Rajiv shows at 5:42- right down to the turned collar detail and the handle that tapers toward each end. They are now on the kitchen counter in their crock, ready to use and admire!

I cannot overstate how much I ADORE these antiquing videos..! So peaceful, thoughtful, and second-hand satisfying for someone who doesn't live anywhere near antique malls like these. I could watch this series endlessly!

Your point about the beautiful but unused table linens hit hard. My mother left a beautiful set of white linen napkins that were embroidered with a small blue flower. They are in my care now and I will use them. As it is, I have several nice sets of napkins that I use everyday, it makes dining more special.

I have a weakness for wooden spoons!! The old ones are so beautiful. The antique screwdriver..want one!! My garden trowels look better when the handles get worn. It’s the simple things that make us smile. Totally in tune with what you mean by exhausting but enjoyable at the same time. Great vlog thank you!

Love how consistent this guy posts with that same video quality

I feel like finding the beautiful Ironstone pitcher, admiring it, then leaving it, reminds me of catch & release fishing. 😅 It looks like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

I love your videos and totally agree with your ideology. I started a collection of hand painted Asian soup spoons (they’re all different). I vowed to never buy anything (that I’ll be using multiple times) that isn’t beautiful and doesn’t strike a sense of awe inside of me when I look at it. I love old items and prefer them. I love items with soul and mystery in them.

Love the old heavy “sad” irons, so much history to them🤎. I have a passion for wood, painted tinware too, especially old tin match holders. Thanks for taking us along and love your passion for the history of treasures of the past like I have

I could watch a whole series of Rajiv antique hunting ❤

Me too! First thing I look for is an antique shop or thrift store. Finding a treasure from the area is much better than buying a new souvenir

My husband loves his old tools, finds the most amazingly well made items that we actually use! I have a heavy steam iron and I may or may not iron while listening to audiobooks all my summer clothes every year with heavy starch! I also have three shoe bushes for cleaning an polishing my shoes. In my head I am an 18th century valet! I have a huge white ironstone jug that I use as a vase for my oversized floral bouquets!

I was really surprised you sang, Just A Closer Walk With Thee. There aren't a huge number of people that remember that song! I used to seek out antique stores and seek treasures. Watching you makes me long to do that again

When I was 14 and had money from babysitting, I would go to charity thrift shops on the East Side on 3rd Ave in NYC and buy antique linens. I was not the average teenager..

A Part 2! Fantastic! I feel spoiled. Love watching Rajiv's videos! 😊

Rajiv, thank you. I watch your shows and just appreciate the maker and creator of all the things I can bring home. I somehow feel like in a meditative state whenever I watch you.

I have an old iron that was giving to me by my dad’s cousin. We lived in windy New Mexico for a while so I used it as a door stop. We now live close to the beach and still need a door stop now and then.

I would absolutely watch a weekly episode of this.

8:00 these are still used by some laundry services in India. Only they keep it on an iron plate placed over burning charcoal

I like the part when the linen tag called itself “very nice” she knows her stuff haha

...and a part two....I feel so spoiled. He so is my bestie antique buddy. Yes. Made my day. :)

Embroidered linens, too nice to use, were typically made by a loved one, put away and perhaps only used on special occasions and cherished. Love it!💐💝

So enjoying your philosophy of using the things we have. You've reminded me of something my father used to say: "I don't understand the houses in which people only take out the fine porcelain when they have visitors. In my house, I AM the visitor." Another thing I learned from my parents: Children don't need unbreakable glasses. They can learn to appreciate things, value them, and be careful. I've lived it firsthand with the children in my life. They can wash their hands, touch the art, ask questions, satisfy their curiosity, and learn to play ball outside of the living room.

I recently discovered your videos and as I consumed the first one, I said to myself, I bet this guy loves to go to the flea market. THEN I found your antiquing videos. I've been buying & selling for fifty years and I totally get how much you love it.

I mean I can't get enough of these type of videos..I would love to see purchased items being utilized at your home..how you decorate at home..that special special touch!!!🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂