Antique pieces

Do you know why the vases and bowls of the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China are highly contested items in auction houses? Firstly, these utensils were made with exceptional workmanship and quality, including the decorations, paintings and glaze on them Secondly, they were made for imperial use (you head will roll to the floor if the emperors found out any flaws in them if you were in charge of this area). Thirdly, they were pieces of history that reminded us of our origin, our culture and the nation under different rulers. For things to command high value, they got to have history behind them, they must be magnificent looking and they also have to be rare. Otherwise, you could have picked up a rock (which is very old) and headed straight to an auction house and expect people to bid for it. It is still possible if you find one that is out of this world, the meteorites from the outer space.


A meteorite from outer space: great value 

I have not been to any auction house for my pocket is not that deep. You need to have a strong heart as you can see people shouting 10 millions, 12 millions (it can go on and on) over your favourite item and you know that there is nothing you can do to out bid them. It can be quite frustrating. In this places you almost feel that money has lost its worth. By the way, you can also work as agents bidding on behalf of museums and earn some commissions when you have bought successfully the items the museums want through intense bidding. That require skills and expertise.

I have a couple of bowls of the late Qing Dynasty (not bought in any auction but nowadays late Qing artifacts slowly find their way to major auction houses due to scarcity) which I bought at affordable prices many years ago. Here are some photos to share:


大清同治

大清光緒

大清同治

An auction piece

If you have not been to any auction house like myself, don't worry. I will take you to one so you can feel the atmosphere there. The place is like battle ground with interested parties fighting with each other over the auction pieces they want. The atmosphere can be nail biting and you need to possess exceptional skills and talent, or else you will be beaten flat on the ground. But this time round, do not bring any cash or money with you as I know (just like me) you will not  have a chance to bid, even if you do you won't be able to out bid them.  Another thing is that we may be refused entry to the  auction house as this place is solely for people of a different kind, the super super rich ones. So relax, just click on the video below and imagine yourself inside one of the major auction houses of the world and enjoy the bidding process.

                                                      Christies Auction in Hong Kong

To know more about the Qing Dynasty, click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qing_Dynasty