Bloomberg News reports that Christie's will hold its first auction in Mainland China this fall. In doing so it will become the first international auction firm to hold its branded events there. The article cites the European Fine Art Foundation which concludes the $13.7 billion market is the second-largest in the world. The move may begin … Continue reading Christie’s to Enter China Auction Market
A stool labeled as being from the Han dynasty (roughly 200 B.C. to 220 a.d.) recently brought $220 million with premium at auction in China. There’s only one problem, stools were not yet used in China during the Han Dynasty. According to Inside China, the jade set labeled “Han Qing Huang Yulong phoenix dressing table … Continue reading Stool Sold as Han in China Likely from Qing Dynasty
There is no more enduring symbol of how the Old West became part of the New World than the American railroad, with its steam-powered “iron horses” that linked East to West. It is the lifelong fascination with early trains and the culture that surrounded them that inspired the late Roy Gay’s 65-year collection of railroadiana. … Continue reading Texas Railroad Memorabilia Up for Auction
Bazaar or Antiques Mall? You Decide! Part 1 – Internet stores with brick mortar facades Xuzhou is one of the oldest cities in China. Situated as the transportation hub in northwestern Jiansu province, it is less than a two and half hour ride away from either Shanghai or Beijing by high-speed train. Geographically the city … Continue reading Road in Antiquing – Antiquing in Xuzhou, China — 1
Revenue at the auctioneer Sotheby's has gone up, way up. The company reported record first half revenues of $489.4 million, the highest ever first half consolidated sales of $3.4 billion and its highest ever quarterly net income of $127.2 million in the second quarter. “This is the best quarter in Sotheby’s history,” said Bill Ruprecht, President … Continue reading Chinese Buyers Help Bring Record Revenue to Sotheby’s
It took a while, but I finally was able to visit the Winter Antiques Show. The $20 admission cost seems like a lot to dish out, especially when re-entry costs another $20. I've been to a number of high-end shows, among them the Armory Show and the Philadelphia Antiques Show and I expected something similar … Continue reading Warming up to the Winter Antiques Show
Urban Art & Antiques 