Lots to watch, Asian Arts Auction

In today's auction, a few lots seem like they may well surpass the estimate. Why do I think that? The week of an auction, it becomes clear which lots are "hot" when we receive many inquiries and bids. Of course, it only takes two people to make an auction (the winning bidder and the underbidder), so we may be happily surprised by some items that fly under our radar. But, here are our "lots to watch" for the Asian Arts session, happening in just a few hours:

1114 Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva

This Buddha is a beautiful, early example, probably from Tibet. 

It has terrific surface and intricate details.

1186 Scroll Painting signed Xu Beihong

This scroll painting came to us from a consignor who had purchased it at an estate sale 

15 years ago. She loved the style and grace, two hallmarks of Xu Beihong's works. 

Until only a few years ago, she had never heard of the artist. 

1056 Jade Belt Hook

It is possible that we incorrectly catalogued this beautiful belt hook as 20th Century, or it may be by a maker not known to us but known to the bidders. It has received a huge amount of attention and will likely blow past the $500 - $700 estimate.

Other lots to watch include:

1007 Lacquered Inro

1038 Silver tea set

1155 Fifteen Pottery Bowls

1169 Thirty Silver Items

1209 Porcelain Plate

Beijing, International Auctioneer Forum, Part 1

Last week I made a ridiculously quick trip to China. Invited as a representative of the US luxury auction market by our live online auction platform provider, Invaluable.com, the trip represented a unique opportunity for our company to more deeply connect with the Chinese collecting and auction community. I will be blogging about the trip over a series of posts.  Enjoy!

Landing at about 4p China time on Thursday, April 10 (coincidentally my oldest child's 16th birthday!)  I found the Beijing traffic was not kind. My small group arrived at the Shangri La China World hotel at roughly 6p - just enough time to freshen up and head to dinner. I have a very serious food allergy to squid and scallops, so I had made myself a personal promise to not get too confident with the epi-pen, Benadryl and a small (emergency) supply of steroids I had packed. No, for this trip, I would be vegetarian. I even asked a Chinese friend to translate "I am vegetarian" for me, so I could flash an image of the Chinese calligraphy on my phone to any restaurant server. Too bad for me my group was taken to the amazing Dadong Roast Duck that night for dinner! Oh, my. Spicy beef, spicy shrimp, pickled cucumber (no, not a pickle...a pickled cucumber...slightly more cucumber than pickle, with a dusting of red pepper flakes!  Mmmm) - the meal was terrific. Conversation was spirited with representatives from China (of course), USA, UK and France. While our hostess, the beautiful and brilliant Dr. Qiqi Jiang (CEO of Epailive.com) encouraged us to be patient and hold our work dialog for the 2014 International Auctioneer Forum (hosted by Epailive the next day), we could not help ourselves.

I think we began with an engaging and entertaining explanation of the challenging regulations and tax codes faced by French Auctioneers by President of the French Auctioneers Association, Jean-Pierre Osenot. Even Jean-Pierre had to admit to a pretty wonderful quality of life, as he shares the extensive vacation and holiday time granted to his employees by French legislation.  From there, we explored the import taxes in each country, aided by the expert voice of Andrew Jackman, owner of Alban Shipping in the U.K.  Since buyers generally pay their import tax outside of our transaction, I had not yet educated myself to the costs.  Yikes! VAT is 17% in China, making the U.K.'s 5% tax seem paltry.  Andrew is a bright guy and offered many suggestions to the group, but did lament the high cost of shipping in the U.S. While we all had to admit that a comparison of shipping rates between a country the size of Mississippi (the United Kingdom is roughly the same landmass as Mississippi or Louisiana) and all of the United States was a bit unfair, when you see the custom crates Andrew is building his clients, you cannot believe how low he sets his rates. Andrew and Epailive had recently engaged in an interesting project: Epailive organized a joint auction between several UK auction houses, held in Beijing. The goal of the auction was to expose Chinese buyers to Western antiques, art and taste, hopefully building interest, enthusiasm and prices. This was a topic continued on the next day, but I really enjoyed learning about this experiment by Epailive. Prior to the auction, Andrew's company shipped all of the merchandise to Epailive.com. Since it was imported prior to auction, the VAT was based on the estimated fair market value. When the auction was a gigantic success (some items selling for 10x's the estimate), the VAT savings were enormous.  Brilliant.

For dinner, I sat next to the (new) CEO of Invaluable, Rob Weisberg and Catalog Specialist for Charlton Hall Galleries, Kinga Bender. Rob's flight had arrived late, and with traffic, he had to drive directly to the restaurant. Like many auctioneers, we have historically had a love/hate relationship with online auction providers, but the vast majority of Invaluable's team have been impressive professionals, and Rob was no exception. He is one busy guy, relating many travels to auction centers all over the world. It was especially interesting to hear about his time with Zipcar. Kinga and I focused our discussion on the sumptuous foods we shared family-style, although Kinga proved throughout the trip to be a much more adventurous diner than me.

A 13 hour flight, time change and roughly 23 hours without sleep left most of us begging for a pillow after dinner, so we headed back to the hotel. Per my usual bedtime routine, I popped open my iPad to catch up with my friends on Facebook and Twitter, only to be reminded of the strict censorship of those sites by the Chinese government. Although the trip was wonderful in many ways, this theme of censorship would recur consistently. Battling a bit of jetlag, I discovered 2048 - a ridiculous game apparently downloaded by one of my kids, but I was not long to sleep.

The next morning was an early start, and thankfully I had slept well. Together, the American group (Kinga, Rob and I, along with Ron Long, also of Charlton Hall and John Schofield of Eldred's) was greeted by our gracious and eager guide, Yibei (pronounced Ebay) who deftly navigated the streets of Beijing to the forum location. We were greeted in VIP fashion, with orchid corsages, prime seating and a VIP "chill" room. From a cultural perspective, it was interesting to note the acceptance of smoking indoors, the formal and fashionable clothing (one of my favorite aspects of Beijing) and the considerable effort to produce an impressive and exciting event. With over 50 members of the press, many Chinese government officials and representatives from the international art, antiques ad auction industry, the day kicked off with a series of mini-presentations and panel discussions on various topics (I was a panelist on the topic of factors in a successful online auction market). Every speaker was enthusiastic about the market and interested in opportunities for Integration and Innovation (the over-arching theme of the forum).

I listened with interest as impressive speakers:

• called on the Chinese government to reduce or waive the VAT tax on Chinese cultural artifacts;
• implored members of the trade to encourage and educate Chinese bidders about western art and antiques (making a compelling case for a healthy future collecting market in China, with concern for the post-Asian Art boom)
• expressed an interest to develop depth in the Chinese auction market, providing Chinese bidders (as well as an ambition for international buyers) an alternative to the "Tier 1" houses (this topic often referenced spurious and unethical practices at the highest level, but also spoke to an appetite (actually, hunger) for entrepreneurial endeavors)

In the late morning, Qiqi (pronounced Chi Chi) and Rob participated in an elaborate ceremony announcing an exclusive, strategic partnership between their two companies. We broke for lunch, a combination of western foods (including corn on the cob!) and traditional, family-style Chinese fare. In the afternoon, additional speakers continued the theme of the morning, with each international delegate offered an opportunity to provide insights.

Having successfully transitioned to "China time," the American group quickly changed into more comfortable clothes (and I gratefully grabbed a quick Facetime convo with Jeff and the kids before they headed off to school) and headed over to the SK Tower complex, without a Chinese guide. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Lei Garden, despite a communication challenge (no one working in the restaurant spoke English, and we certainly did not speak Chinese!), and I only passed on a handful of dishes (Shark Fin Soup was not my gig...and, after hearing from my children about the ecological issues related to it, I'll take a pass next time). Returning to the hotel, a few of us grabbed a bit of Port and scotch at the hotel bar, sharing many stories about our experiences in the auction world.

Check back for Part 2 of my China adventure!

~ Amelia

Ohio Magazine, "Ohio Finds" March 2014

 

 

Even before Moses Cleaveland and his team of surveyors undertook the monumental task of mapping and platting the townships of the Western Reserve in 1806, northeast Ohio had become an important and pivotal location for a budding United States.  Its location on Lake Erie offered an efficient means of transportation of goods and people to the area from the more established eastern states; and savvy developers quickly recognized the region as a critical factor in enabling westward expansion via the Ohio River and related waterways.

The significance of Ohio to the greater success of our nation was solidified during the War of 1812, when American naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry won a strategic (and now iconic) victory over a formidable Royal Navy on the lake.  Although The Battle of Lake Erie did not win the war for the colonies, Perry had preserved America’s control of the Ohio River Valley and effectively halted the British invasion of the west.

When the war was finally over, and the United States had once again successfully fought for independence, tradespeople in England were delighted.  Americans represented a robust audience for the export of manufactured goods.  In fact, brilliant marketers designed products that appealed to a growing patriotic spirit in the states.  Notably, England’s pottery makers seized the moment to produce wares emblazoned with significant events, locations and national heroes.  The historical pottery produced in the Staffordshire region of England during the 19th Century has become incredibly collectible today, with scenes from (what was then) the American West - including all of Ohio - commanding impressive prices.  

From the English shops of James and Ralph Clews, the platter shown here is one example from their “American Cities” series.  The important pottery piece recently sold at Garth’s for $5,288 and depicts the city of Sandusky as it existed in about 1840.

Likonomics, Asian Art and Alternative Asset Management

I often ask investment and legal professionals, "are you talking with your clients about their investments in antiques, art and collectibles?  Are you offering informed advice on the management of a potentially significant portion of their overall net position?"

More often than not, unless the client has pro-actively discussed their alternative assets (better known to the owner as their "collection"), the investment or legal professional is in the dark. It has been interesting and rewarding to help these folks connect with their clients on this issue and begin to make informed decisions on the management of what is sometimes a significant investment.

Most recently, I authored a short article titled "What do Likonomics have to do with the price of Jade in America?" While the article was written for attorneys and wealth managers, it is an interesting and hot topic that may appeal to a larger audience - and illustrates how the art and antiques market is influenced by world events and economies.  Since this article was completed, Ukraine has seen a growing unrest and the possibility for conflict for the US is great. We will explore how political (international and domestic) unrest can impact the alternative asset (collecting) market in the near future.

Read on, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback.

What do Likonomics have to do with the price of Jade in America?

More than you would think, actually!  First, it may help to understand the concept of "Likonomics". Coined last summer by an economics professor doing some work for Barclays, "Likonomics" was first referenced in a scholarly article explaining the policies of China's newest Prime Minister, Li Keqiand (Click here to read the original article by Huand Yiping). Yiping described Keqiand's policies as:

• interest in de-leveraging the Chinese economy
• slowing economic growth to sustainable levels
• reducing the country's reliance on export markets  

What does this have to do with jade collectibles and the larger art and antiques market, you ask?

Over recent months, major international auction houses, including Garth’s, have seen a slight slowdown in prices for the best jade, porcelain and bronze Chinese relics.  For several years, the market for Asian Arts has been driven by a bullish Chinese economy and a growing upper class eager to flash their new found wealth and acquire objects of status.  Prices have risen to record - almost ridiculous - prices, with most informed trade professionals expressing a concern for the ramifications of an ever-stretching bubble (we reference the 2008 credit crisis and economic crash in our own country).  Although Prime Minister Li Keqiand’s conservative approach to tempering growth has been met with skepticism by other economists since Yiping's article was published, the author stands firm on optimism for the reformation under Likonomics. Click here for a recent article by Yiping revisiting the topic and addressing the shifting and developing policies of Keqiand and his advisers.

In short, although we agree with Yiping's enthusiasm for Keqiand's influence on the Chinese economy, the luxury goods market still holds the long-term potential for a significant slowdown. The question remains: will the slowdown come with a screeching halt of the market or in a more tempered environment with restrained and realistic gains? We do feel confident that prices for the best Asian artifacts will continue to be strong (if a bit more realistic) for the short-term, but we hedge on the long term outlook.  

Although most collectors have not built collections based on the investment potential (nor do we suggest that approach), anyone holding collections of significant size or value should be considering how and when (and where) to most advantageously dispose of their items. Gains for most US collectors of Asian art will be robust if realized now, and we recommend seizing the moment to liquidate investment or collection positions that include Asian artifacts.

Adding to the concern for managing an Asian art portfolio is a recent executive order banning the sale of ivory in the United States. Following in the footsteps of the EU, and developing on the heels of an almost complete ban on international shipments of ivory, the policy is unclear at best (click here for a link to a fact sheet issued by the White House on the order). For now, the sale of antique ivory items seems to be permissible, but the level of documentation that will be required may cripple the market for such goods. As the Department of Fish and Wildlife works with the executive office to determine the best policies for implementation and enforcement of the ban, it has never been more important to deal with a reputable and expert representative on the sale of antique ivory goods. This ban, combined with issues surrounding international shipment and ownership, has had a chilling effect on prices for all but the very best items. A review of ivory collections is truly a critical move for collectors and their advisers to undertake as soon as possible.

See below for a number of recent prices realized across several categories of Asian art and collectibles. Of course, if you or your client’s collecting interests include American arts and antiques, precious metals, firearms or other collectibles, we have experts who can help.  Call me today for a detailed and discreet discussion.

Amelia Jeffers

President

Garth's Auctions, Inc.

740.362.4771

amelia@garths.com

 This nephrite (jade) bowl was consigned by a collector / dealer who expected it to sell for $60,000 or so.  It had wonderful carving and was made of a fine material.  At auction, multiple bidders from the US and China fought to a selling price of $162,500.  It sold to a Hong Kong collector.

Bronze Buddha figures have been in high demand for several years.  We have sold several examples for more than $40,000 - with collectors seeking a wonderful patina, fine detail and precious metals and stone adornments.  This 18th Century example sold for $70,500.

 

Guardian figures like this example play an important ceremonial role in the Chinese culture.  This highly carved example retains a warm, mellow finish.  Consigned to Garth's from a well-developed Ohio collection, it sold for $9,225.

   

 Contemporary art is in high demand on the Asian continent, 

with savvy buyers scouring the internet for reputable sources.  This triptych by Michigan artist (born in China), Chuang Che is an impressive 15 feet long and sold for an even more impressive $45,000.

   

 The sale of ivory has become far more complicated than when this ivory vase sold; but, the intricate carving and signature created high demand.  A vase believed to be carved by the same artist sold just prior to this in New York at a well-known auction company for a bit less.  Garth's example sold to a dealer with offices in the US and China for $55,000.

This Archaistic cast bell with intricately carved relief patterns remained in a sophisticated Midwestern collection until it sold at Garth's for $9,000.  Bidding for the ceremonial item was competitive between New York buyers (present in the room) and internet and phone bidders.

Finding the Art in the Everyday

When a successful Texas gentleman began decorating his 10,000 square foot home several years ago, he could have looked to top interior designers for inspiration.  Instead, in search of a unique and engaging aesthetic, he sought advice from a select few of America’s top antique and folk art dealers.  Over a five year period, he made purchases for his home based on color, form and whimsy, resulting in a collection that popped against the new architecture, spoke to his humble roots and sang to his guests - most of whom had never seen such an assemblage before.

In January of 2013, the collection of this Texas gentleman came to auction at Garth’s - to the delight and enthusiasm of folk art buyers all over the country.  Bidding was fervent - with some items selling well above the high-retail prices he had paid.  Folk art collectors rejoiced, and whispers were heard throughout shows in New York City just a week later, “Is the market back?”

Born in the 1930’s, by art world visionary and patron Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, the “folk art market” has experienced as many highs and lows as any other economic sector.  The peak is considered to have hit in around 2006, when examples like a copper weathervane in the form of an American Indian chief sold for $5.8 million dollars at auction.  Despite the astronomical prices of that period, as a segment of the art and antiques market folk art has often struggled for respect - with many a discussion surrounding exactly how to define the category.  

In it’s infancy, the folk art market reflected the artwork created by unknown, itinerant and accidental artists of the 18th, 19th and 20th Century.  Primarily (although not exclusively) folk art is an American phenomenon, speaking to the developing landscape of our earliest days as a country.  Schoolteachers found extra income by painting portraits for students’ families; artists traveling westward for the promise of prosperity exchanged artworks for room and board; young girls whose family could afford the luxury of a dayschool produced intricate needleworks portraying family life.  As it has grown, however, the folk art market has gobbled up categories like painted furniture and utilitarian objects that have been enhanced with whimsical decoration.  Today, a folk art auction or show may contain objects from any of the past 300 years of American material culture - but are usually included as much because of the feeling the object inspires as the intention with which it was made.

With stylemakers touting a rustic, reclaimed aesthetic, look for more focus on this nebulous and intriguing market.  In the meantime, get comfortable with thinking outside the box and start looking for the art in your everyday.

Sidebar:  Most experts in the field today would agree that the “folk art market” was born of the visionary and intuitive eye of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.  Her combination of financial means, formidable connections in the corporate world, hard work and a passion for art in all forms provided gifts to our cultural heritage that are invaluable today - including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Colonial Williamsburg, where the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum resides.  Abby’s interest in art was as wide and deep as one can imagine - from Picasso to Monet to unidentified artists of the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries whose works had gone largely unappreciated before.  It was Abby’s ability to independently define what “art” meant for her (and finding it in everyday objects) that has inspired several generations of collectors, including our Texas gentleman.  

An interior scene from the home of a Texas gentleman whose folk art collection sold at auction earlier this year.  The game boards (mostly 19th C), barber pole and other items were just a small portion of the nearly $1M in material with which he parted.  The painted stepback cupboard in the foreground sold for $6,025.

This large hotel sign was displayed in the collector’s home among colorful game wheels, trade signs and store displays in a rustic, country setting.  The helpful bellman brought $3,878 at Garth’s in January, 2013.

Game wheels are a favorite of many folk art collectors who love color, form and whimsy.  Prices for the examples shown here ranged from several hundred to a few thousand dollars each.  The Imperial Res’t Home Cooking lit exterior sign was a popular auction item when it fetched $3,643.

Paint-decorated buckets and boxes take on an artistic flair when displayed in multiples, as shown here.  The warm, mellow 19th Century hues are attractive to collectors who favor a rustic, country aesthetic.  The auction values ranged from approximately $300 to over $1,000.

A life-sized 19th Century saddle-maker’s model is wonderfully folksy, yet exudes a stylish sophistication - and, of course, was an uncommon but appropriate accessory in a large Texas home.  It sold at auction for $8,813.

Cleveland School...

As a center of wealth in the late 19th Century (due in large part to the work of savvy industrialists and a strategic location on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River), Cleveland embraced a serendipitous opportunity to become one of the leaders in the development of America’s contemporary art market.  In 1876 at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, from an international pool of artists, a Cleveland son was made famous when his iconic painting, “The Spirit of ‘76” was overwhelmingly declared the most important work at the fair.  Returning to Cleveland a celebrity, Archibald Willard was instrumental in inspiring and engaging a growing group of artists and their wealthy patrons.  Among the accomplishments of the Cleveland art scene in the following decades were the development of the Cleveland Art Club, The Western Reserve School of Design for Women (which would later become the Cleveland Institute of Art), and, eventually, The Cleveland Museum of Art.  

A dynamic economy juxtaposed by seemingly perpetual friction between the city’s conservative constituency and artists eager to embrace avant garde techniques tempered the progression of the art market into the early decades of the 20th Century.  Artists from the region established a base of knowledge among important instructors and peers, then left for a more welcoming climate in Europe and New York - with a disproportionate number achieving acclaim and notoriety.  Among the pool of artists who explored success in Paris, George (Buck) Warshawsky and his brother, Alexander, arose from a humble background as 2 of 9 children born to Jewish immigrants from Poland who migrated to Cleveland from Sharon, Pennsylvania.  Both Warshawskys ultimately settled in California, but maintained strong local ties.

 FOUR GENERATIONS BY ABEL GEORGE (BUCK) WARSHAWSKY (OHIO, 1883-1962). 
Oil on canvas, unsigned. Depicting four ladies making lace. 43"h. 48.5"w., in a frame, 48.5"h. 54.75"w. 

On the back is a tag stating the painting was owned by the artist's niece, Tobnette Bigelson. 
Sold, $31,725

LANDSCAPE BY ABEL G. WARSHAWSKY (AMERICAN, 1883-1962). 
Oil on canvas, signed lower right. Born 1883 in Pennsylvania, Warshawsky grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and lived in Paris for almost forty years, returning to California where he died in 1962. Brightly painted, impressionistic, cattle in a wooded pasture. 25 3/4'h. 31'w., in a frame. 30 1/4'h. 36 3/4'w.
Sold, $7,638

Break out the marketing plan, it's a new year!

With a new year comes lots of planning, especially for those working in the marketing departments of businesses both large and small.  While marketing plans have evolved through the years to include newspapers, magazines, radio, the internet and everything in between, savvy business owners have always recognized the significance of one simple tool for boosting name recognition:  a sign.  Utilizing a catchy slogan or a  memorable graphic on your sign has proven to be an effective way to lure walk-in business; and, a talented sign-maker can be worth his weight in gold.

In the earliest days of Ohio, as store owners, craftsmen and innkeepers opened for business, a well-carved, carefully painted sign was a terrific investment.  Occasionally a trade sign was so appealing that even after the business closed, the person who removed it was unable to toss it into the dumpster - instead, tucking it away for safe-keeping.  These accidental stewards may not have envisioned decorating their homes with the signs, but today’s lifestyle focus on repurposing and edgy, industrial chic have elevated trade signs to a new found glory.  In recent years, interest in trade signs has escalated with some examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.  Of particular interest are signs from the 19th Century, 3-dimensional signs and examples with particularly witty or ironic slogans.  

Garth’s has sold hundreds of trade signs over the years.  Some of our favorites have been simple, handpainted versions for small businesses across Ohio, including great names like “Buckeye Beer”.  But beyond a name, it’s hard to resist terrific dimensional examples like the carved signs made for optometrists, cobblers and barbers.  Even more recent examples from the 1960’s and 70’s make a great conversation starter when hung on a wall.  The next time you are cruising through your favorite Ohio town, keep an eye out for these unassuming gems - and, who knows?  Maybe you’ll find an example to add to your collection.

 This double-sided tin sign was made for the Imperial Restaurant in Springfield, Ohio by the McSavaney [sign] Company in the early 20th Century.  Measuring at over 5 feet wide, the sign has holes for lights and sold at Garth’s for $3,643. 

 OCULIST TRADE SIGN. American,19th century, zinc. Original polychrome paint with some wear, but great color. In the shape of spectacles with eye balls and: "Oculists prescriptions Compounded, J. H. Bayley, OPT.D." 14 ¼"h. 36"w. Sold, $9.987.50.

Copper trade sign in the form of a torch.  American,19th century. Hollow with very good detail and old verdigris patina. Imperfections. 41"h.  Sold at Garth's, $3,525

.

Fish trade sign.  American, 1st quarter-20th century, wood. Two-sided realistic fish shaped sign "Hamilton's Market". 82.5"l.  Sold at Garth's, $3,407.50.

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.

********************

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.