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April 11, 2014

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Rare, affordable artworks for sale at antique fair

THE Shanghai Antiques and Artworks Expo will feature around 10,000 antiques from China and overseas, including a pair of jade figurines owned by Emperor Qianlong (1711-99) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in the Forbidden City.

Nearly 200 exhibitors will take part in the 7th annual show and sale from April 25 to 28 at the Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall.

Interest in Chinese antiques has increased since fine works are considered a hedge against inflation.

ÒSome exhibitors have been hoarding first-class antiques, since their price rises sharply every year,Ó says Hou Ruiwen, a member of the organizing staff. An item can double in price in less than a year, she says.

The jade figurines owned by Qianlong will be displayed for the first time by a Taiwan collector, she says.

The figurines are in good condition, the quality of the jade and the carving are Òsuperb,Ó she notes.

Another highlight is a carved jade swan from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The head, neck and feathers are all carved from different hues in the same piece of jade.

Western antiques include watches and ceramics, such as an 1815 Meissen tea set by the famous 300-year-old German brand.

In recent years, antique watches are also coveted in the Chinese market because of their quality, accuracy and investment value.

Western watches are seldom seen in exhibitions and usually auctioned, so this is a good opportunity to see them, she says.

The exhibition also features affordable antiques, and Hou recommends iron teapots that have become very popular and are excellent for preparing PuÕer tea and Japanese tea.

The festival also features small antique items at affordable prices.

ÒI suggest visitors might consider some iron teapots, which have become very popular in recent days,Ó Hou says, adding that people find they are excellent for preparing Pu'er tea. Japanese tea prepared in special iron teapots also retain their flavor, she says.

Purple clay teapots, jade plates and other decorative items are also for sale.

ÒSometimes these small items can be lucky purchases, because they are not so eye-catching and may be ignored,Ó Hou says. ÒLast year a visitor bought a small ceramic cup for a very low price but it proved to be a treasure. This is part of the fun of visiting the fair.Ó

Date: April 25-28, 9am-5pm

Venue: Shanghai East Asia Exhibition Hall, 800 Lingling Rd


 

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