Purchasing Chinese Antiquities

Posted 2022-01-12 18:27:51

Antique Chinese chairs 250-year-old Qing Dynasty $400. $300 for a 300-year-old vase

Do these folks truly believe they can sell such products legitimately on Bidsquare or through their business? They absolutely do, and they've proven it time and time again. I'm guessing the people who paid $20,000 for a 300-year-old vase at a New York auction had been living under a tree and have never heard of Bidsquare.

Unfortunately, every time a customer buys something from these folks, they are ripped off. It's between 250 and 300 years old, and it could have been constructed only last week in a little factory out of old wood. But why would they deceive me?

One of my objectives is to inform them about what constitutes antique and what does not. Yes, even industry specialists can be duped by the world's top craftspeople, but I can tell you that you will not be able to purchase any genuine Ming dynasty antiques for less than the cost of a Porsche.

The Chinese government also prohibits the export of antiques and related goods that are more than 250 years old. This isn't to suggest that none have ever left the country, but the chances of you finding one on eBay or in a quaint small boutique are slim to none.

A reseller will frequently issue a certificate of authenticity or age, although they are frequently not worth the cost of the paper on which they are written. Unless the certificate is produced by an industry expert or someone in a position of authority, it is merely another piece of marketing aimed to seduce the unwitting customer.

We can then sift through a lot of the garbage on the market today with that small bit of knowledge. The majority of the items for sale are under 150 years old, which I consider to be an antique.

If you're buying from a dealer, ask as many questions as you can to confirm the piece's authenticity.

Did they buy the furniture from a local wholesaler or did they buy it directly from China?

Do they go to China on their own?

What kind of wood was used to create the piece? The type of wood used, as well as its age, will frequently determine the value of a work.

Do they have any idea where the piece originated from?

Is there a new paint and/or lacquer smell to the piece?

Are the paintings bright and distinct, or are they faded and smooth?

Are there any signs of wear on the drawer runners?

Do the dovetail joints have a tiny, universal shape? If they're handmade, they should be big and thick.

A very old antique lacquered cabinet will frequently have cracks running through it; this form of ageing is exceedingly difficult to replicate and is often a strong indicator of age.

Unfortunately, many corporations are fooling the world's unwary retailers, who unwittingly pass on inaccurate information to the general population. They make "antiques" out of old lampposts and other materials, so the wood seems old but the structure is fresh. It's difficult to tell the difference between this type of furniture and authentic antiques, but asking the correct questions and looking at some of the aspects mentioned above should assist.

The movement of the furniture is another sign, but it is typically overlooked until your prized possession is in your home. Although Chinese furniture is intended to move with the seasons, excessive cracking and movement are frequently signs of young wood that has not yet dried sufficiently.

When it comes to buying an authentic Chinese antique, all of the following should be taken into account. This should serve as a starting point for anyone looking to buy genuine Chinese antiques.

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