Distant Lands began in the Los Angeles area in 1993 after an unusual first trip to China. I had gone to visit a friend in Beijing. I ended up meeting my future sister in law. There was furniture that was completely different than the Chinese furniture I had encountered in the states. More rustic, not overly elaborate without the gloss of heavy lacquer. Completely charmed, the first container of furniture arrived later that same year. In 2003 Distant Lands moved to Seattle. Our first space was on 1st Ave near Jackson shared with Turabi Rugs. 6 months later we moved to our present location of 109 1st Ave S. close to the corner of 1st and Yesler.