Curating a Lifestyle: Elevating Exoticism

*This article is reprinted from our regular article in Sophisticated Living Magazine. See http://www.garths.com/WebPhotos/1_23_14_AsianArt/1_23_14_AsianArt.asp for a timely auction related to the subject of this blog entry.

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Beginning with Marco Polo’s fantastic descriptions of his adventures across Cathay, our collective Western curiosity about an exotic Eastern world has seemed, at times,  insatiable.  The earliest visitors to Asia were compelled by the indescribable sights and sounds they experienced.  Returning laden with trinkets and treasures reminiscent of the unique styles, flavors and culture of the region was the norm.  Even today, despite the instantaneous (and voyeuristic) opportunities to connect with people all over the globe, travel remains the only way to immerse and truly experience a culture that is distinctively different from the relative homogeneity of our side of the globe. Souvenirs remain tactile reminders of our time there.

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, China developed in near isolation until the Age of Discovery brought European ships looking for new trading partners. A robust export economy that would last through the 21st Century began.  It should come as no surprise that the earliest demand for Chinese exports was for the eponymous porcelain goods known now to the world as “china”.  Decorated to appeal to each specific market for which it was created, china made for export was inspired by the bits of material culture brought by Western traders to the Eastern shores. Coins, fabrics, paintings and the visitors themselves served as valuable illustration of the world in which the end-users lived.  For centuries, these exported treasures were valued by collectors all over the globe.

Today, as China flourishes, and thousands of new millionaires every year look for creative ways to flaunt and enjoy their wealth, the export goods that drove an economy and made history are not what appeals to this generation of spenders.  After all, exported goods were always intended for someone else.  Wealthy Chinese buyers are motivated to buy back their culture:  the everyday and ceremonial objects that cumulatively tell the ancestral story of China.  These buyers crave carvings (particularly in rare and precious materials), jewelry and textiles - objects that were never intended for export, but found their way out of China via a steady stream of tourists and on to mantles, bookshelves and attics throughout the Western world.  

For the most part overlooked by their Western caretakers, good Chinese antiques explode in price when they reach the market in a qualified venue with internet exposure.  The appetite and voracity with which Chinese collectors pursue the best objects is truly inspiring.  With just a bit of study, understanding the passion is simple:  these buyers love quality, beauty, luxury and (most importantly) their heritage.  Under one Chinese Dynasty (the now revered Qing period), not-quite-perfect was not quite acceptable, and objects that did not meet the strict standards of the emperor were destroyed.  It is no wonder that antique porcelains, jades and ivories from that period consistently outperform any other.

The burgeoning interest in Asian antiquities is driving tastemakers everywhere to look to Eastern inspirations for interior design and fashion.  So, break out that Rose Medallion punch bowl and set it on the silk embroidered shawl Aunt Millie brought back from her trip in the 60s.  Eastern exotic is hot,and the auction forecast is calling for an Indian summer.

This jade bowl embodies the major factors driving a bullish Asian Arts market:  luxurious materials, incredible workmanship and authentic age.  A lucky collector in Hong Kong now enjoys it in his collection.  
Sold, Garth’s, $162,500.

Cool colors of amber and coral complement one another in this 19th Century ceremonial chain and toggle.  Sold, Garth’s, $1,880.

International transport of ivory is quite restricted, but antiques with appropriate paperwork are generally exempt - allowing bidders from all over the world to compete on the oldest and best objects.  This vase was intricately carved in three pieces by a well-known artist.  

Sold, Garth’s, $55,813.

Blue and white porcelains from the revered Qing Dynasty are in high demand, often emerging from unassuming American collections to sell at shockingly strong prices.  This tea service had been in storage for almost 10 years prior to auction.   

Sold, Garth’s, $90,500.

While Asian buyers display an enthusiastic appetite for antique material culture, there is a strong interest in contemporary art and jewelry, as well.  This triptych is by Chinese-born Michigan artist, Chuang Che.  Sold, Garth’s, $45,790.

Buddha statues are infinitely collectible, but early examples from tribal regions of Asia are particularly hot in today’s market.  This 18th Century Mongolian example has a wonderful surface.  

 Sold, Garth’s, $70,500.