Echoes of the past

As it winds its way through Echo Park, Sunset Boulevard lets shoppers feel all the thrills of an urban archeological dig. Seeking something Mission, Mexican, African, Navajo, Modern or Gothic? This two-block stretch just west of Alvarado Street has it, along with classic Americana (Rumer B, [213] 413-6230), junk shop finds and stylish 1950s and ‘60s housewares (Kohlman Quinn, [213] 413-9900). Be aware, though, that many shops here are open only afternoons from Wednesday to Saturday.

The strip is anchored by Wells Antiques, an Echo Park landmark that is a tile resource for designers who restore early 20th century fireplaces. Along with a huge assortment of museum-quality ceramic squares and trim, Wells also has tile-topped wrought-iron tables, 1940s Mexican designs from the San Jose Mission Co., Bauer Indian bowls and hard-to-find, oversized garden pots by 1920s Southern California manufacturers such as Gladding McBean.

For more whimsical gardens, Agoodbuy Antiques ([213] 989-0822) has a stash of cast concrete figures, including garden gnome-sized versions of Snow White’s dwarfs, among a jumble of housewares.

The mood at Old L.A. Antiques is as dark and romantic as the shop. Cloisonne animals perch in front of lacquered Asian screens in one corner, Native American artifacts sit in a vitrine in front of Mexican handicrafts and African masks, and a vintage matador’s outfit stands like a sentry near the cash register.

Across the street, Peter Vanstone Inc. offers an eclectic range of 20th century furniture, old photographs -- even a Phyllis Morris original pink poodle lamp -- in a space where the walls are covered from floor to ceiling with framed prints and original oils. The comfortable clutter beckons with the promise of discovery.