Just steps away, Michael Kessler of Michael Kessler Antiques, at No. 44, is a third-generation dealer who arrived on West Putnam about two years ago. The shop specializes in finely detailed tables, chairs and distinctive 19th-century chandeliers ($2,000–25,000). Furnishings include signed pieces by French cabinetmakers Schmidt, Duvivier and Zwiener. Among the other offerings are a circa 1900 oval satinwood inlaid table ($2,850) and a carved mahogany Chippendale demilune ($5,000).

Across Putnam is Donald A. Rich Interiors & Antiques at No. 23, which features English and French furnishings as well as a notable collection of 18th- and 19th-century American pieces, such as a circa 1790–1800 American mahogany card table ($6,500) with a folded top and a circa 1810–20 Federal inlaid mahogany sideboard ($16,500). Another temptation is a 19th-century Japanese lacquered bookcase ($9,800).

Return to the corner and cross to Greenwich Oriental Art, 7 East Putnam. This unique gallery deals primarily in Chinese antiquities, including original silk tapestries and hand-embroidered textiles; it specializes in furniture, pottery figures and accessories. Before their marriage, owners Stephanie and Jeff Liang were familiar with antiques; both sets of parents were in the antiques business in China. They continue to travel there searching for rare collectibles, such as gray 17-inch pottery horses from the early T’ang dynasty (618–907) tagged at $19,000 and an exotic, 18th-century ink painting on silk titled “A Spectacular Fine Painting of Various Exotic Birds and Flowers” ($14,000).

Farther east you’ll find a sumptuous inventory at B&D Johnson Antiques, 122 East Putnam. Co-owners Brent and Derek Johnson grew up as sons of antiques dealers; they buy privately and sell to a distinguished clientele. Their shop is a mecca for enthusiasts of dining-room tables and unusual items. Of interest is an intricately carved rosewood wall-mantel that was rescued before demolition from Rockwood Hall, William Rockefeller’s former country estate. Another gem is a rare pair of 18th-century English Chippendale window benches with a provenance from the Vanderlip family (founders of Citicorp).

Lois Richards Galleries, 54 Greenwich Avenue, has been in this location for six years and carries a stable of 20th-century American and European Impressionists. H. Claude Pissarro--Camille’s grandson--has works in museums in England, France and Japan and is under the patronage of Prince Rainier of Monaco. His painting “River Seine” evokes a bucolic river scene with a rowboat and swan. Look for paintings by Collette Privat, who exhibits in major European cities as well as in Palm Beach, Florida.