WHAT CHINESE ANTIQUES ARE POPULAR TODAY?
PKR Antiques & Fine art have over a decades experience buying and appraising Chinese and Asian Antiques & Art.
Over such time many trends and fads have some and gone. What was popular and most sort after 20 years ago is certainly different to what is sort after today.
Namely, the wealthy Western, European and American buyer has been replaced by a mainline China client. The major observed trend has been the move away from pre Qing burial objects to Qing dynasty high point decorative arts.
To expand, the egg and spinach Tang burial horses, figures, and camels have been replaced by enameled and under glazed 18th and 19th century porcelains.
The Western client view Chinese Antiques through a slightly antiquarian “historical” view point. Simply put the older the object the more interesting, collectable and therefore valuable.
The Chinese client today understands that the very best of most decorative arts (bronze, jade, porcelain and so forth) was produced during the 18th century, Qianlong period.
This is when China has its finest kiln master at work and most dedicated workshop masters (glass, snuff bottles, metal work and other).
There are a few exceptions of cause, it is likely argued they Yongle (15th Century) porcelain and Buddhist images are the most desirable of all periods. Many fine examples of 18th century and later Chinese Antiques are presents in Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami. Many objects were acquired for modest amounts during the 70-90, while trends and fashion were directed towards early wear.
It’s important to sell the right object at the right time. When Robert of PKR Antiques appraisers for sale Chinese & Asian Antiques and paintings in Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami, he will advise if “now is the best time to sell”.
A fine example of the right and wrong timing is snuff bottles. From 2007-2012 the market for high to mid-market snuff bottles was strong if not a little over heated and speculative.
However, after a series of high profile auctions feature the single collection of the George Bloch, the market was saturated and subsequent values have been depressed.
Consulting an experience appraiser and buyer of Chinese & Asian Antiques and paintings would allow a client to be fully aware of coming trends and possible effects on the value of collectable.
DOES CONDITION MATTER?
While buying Chinese and Asian Antiques in Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami PKR Antiques will take condition into consideration.
Robert of PKR Antiques like to use the expression “old things should look old”.
While condition is important, the purpose, material and age of the object must always be taken into consideration.
The feet of furniture should be worn, edges of porcelain may have a few “flea bites” and textiles should have pulled trends and minor staining.
For example, if a censer was used for centuries- then the interior should be worn and rubbed, the fine edge to rim should have minor dents consistent with use and age and lastly if used daily for centuries the foot-rim should be worn down exposing a base metal rather than coffee brown patina.
Condition is an issue when it impedes the natural line or aesthetic of the object.
That’s to say, if a vase was potted with two handles and one is missing, although one maybe replaced and repaired the “lines” and “form” will never be the same.
So, when a client is looking for the very best example of an object – he or she may be willing to pay a premium for one without compromise.
Robert of PKR Antiques while appraising and buying Chinese & Asian Antiques and painting in Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami will always advise whether repairs and restoration is advisable or would hinder resale.
Treasure coast and Miami
The Treasure Coast, including Vero Beach, South Florida and Miami are perfectly situated to maintain collections of Chinese and Asian Antiques and Fine art, including Chinese furniture, paintings, jade, snuff bottle and porcelain, not to mention bronzes and Buddhist Sculpture.
With wonderful Museums to inspire collecting, including the Norton in Palm Beach and the Morikami in Delray.
Many vast and impressive collections were seeded by a youthful visit to a gallery exhibiting a passion inducing figure, bronze or simple plate.
The Norton has one of the best collections of Qing jades in America and the Morikami makes all who visit wish to start refined and simplifying collection of Japanese scholars objects or tea ritual objects.
The transit population of Southern Florida, the Treasure Coast and Miami means interesting Chinese and Asian Antiques and painting currently reside here- not to mention wonderful Indonesian and Vietnamese contemporary art such as Le Pho and Vu Dam – always of interest for purchase to PKR Antiques & Fine Art.
The area from Vero Beach to Miami to vast, However Robert Waterhouse of PKR Antiques is happy to schedule a in-house or on site Apprasial for sale- buying objects of interest and able to refer objects below a price point to a suitable venue.
PKR Antiques are always happy to view images emailed to info@pkrantiques.com