Antiques fair may offer overlooked finds
By Wang Jie |
April 1, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE Shanghai (China) Antiques and Artworks Expo is a kaleidoscope of treasures, from small to daunting, for casual buyers and major dealers.
It runs from April 20 to 23 at the 5,000-squre-meter Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall.
Nearly 200 exhibitors from China and overseas will exhibit around 10,000 antiques of all types. Interest in Chinese antiques has increased as fine antiques are seen as a hedge against inflation.
"Actually some exhibitors are hoarding those first-class rated antiques," says Wang Jiancun, a member of the organizing staff, "because the price of high-quality antiques rises sharply every year."
He says the same item could double in price in less than a year.
According to Wang, a dragon-shaped copper ornament inlaid with precious stones sold for 1.61 million yuan (US$255,570) at the Beijing Poly Spring Auction. It will also be on sale at the Shanghai fair.
One interesting piece is an antique enamel Swiss pocket watch; the cover depicts a young Western girl playing with her dog in a garden.
"This watch was made by Western watchmakers to appeal to Chinese tastes in the late 18th century," Wang says. "The case and movement were all standardized."
Another highlight is a Chinese imperial gold crown inlaid with large precious gems; it is said to have belonged to a Ming Dynasty (1644-1911) prince. It was discovered in a tomb but all the other relics were eroded and destroyed, except for the crown, Wang says.
The festival also features small antique items at affordable prices.
"I suggest visitors might consider some iron teapots, which have become very popular in recent days," Wang says, adding that people find they are excellent for preparing Pu'er tea. Japanese tea prepared in special iron teapots also retain their flavor, he says.
Purple-clay teapots, jade plates and other decorative items are also reasonably priced.
"Sometimes these small items can be lucky purchases, because they are not so eye-catching and may be ignored," Wang says. "Last year a visitor bought a small ceramic cut for a very low price but it prove to be a treasure. This is part of the fun of visiting this fair."
Date: April 20-23, 9am-5pm
Venue: Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall, 800 Lingling Rd
It runs from April 20 to 23 at the 5,000-squre-meter Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall.
Nearly 200 exhibitors from China and overseas will exhibit around 10,000 antiques of all types. Interest in Chinese antiques has increased as fine antiques are seen as a hedge against inflation.
"Actually some exhibitors are hoarding those first-class rated antiques," says Wang Jiancun, a member of the organizing staff, "because the price of high-quality antiques rises sharply every year."
He says the same item could double in price in less than a year.
According to Wang, a dragon-shaped copper ornament inlaid with precious stones sold for 1.61 million yuan (US$255,570) at the Beijing Poly Spring Auction. It will also be on sale at the Shanghai fair.
One interesting piece is an antique enamel Swiss pocket watch; the cover depicts a young Western girl playing with her dog in a garden.
"This watch was made by Western watchmakers to appeal to Chinese tastes in the late 18th century," Wang says. "The case and movement were all standardized."
Another highlight is a Chinese imperial gold crown inlaid with large precious gems; it is said to have belonged to a Ming Dynasty (1644-1911) prince. It was discovered in a tomb but all the other relics were eroded and destroyed, except for the crown, Wang says.
The festival also features small antique items at affordable prices.
"I suggest visitors might consider some iron teapots, which have become very popular in recent days," Wang says, adding that people find they are excellent for preparing Pu'er tea. Japanese tea prepared in special iron teapots also retain their flavor, he says.
Purple-clay teapots, jade plates and other decorative items are also reasonably priced.
"Sometimes these small items can be lucky purchases, because they are not so eye-catching and may be ignored," Wang says. "Last year a visitor bought a small ceramic cut for a very low price but it prove to be a treasure. This is part of the fun of visiting this fair."
Date: April 20-23, 9am-5pm
Venue: Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall, 800 Lingling Rd
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