Chinese antiques: The Unique Treasures
What's about Asian that is continuously hailing popularity to many? Is it about the blend of simplicity and elegance of Asian living? Or their harmonious sense of proportion achieved through their pleasing though simple artistry?
Asian has so much to magnetize people from diverse countries in the world. Particularly in China, their antique craftsmanship is matchless and precious. Many avid collectors of old items purchase their series of collection from this country. Generally, Chinese antiques possess beauty and outstanding artistry.
Chinese antiques fall into several categories and they are the furniture, curios, jewelry, books, paintings and calligraphy, and porcelain. When you travel to China and need to export your collection of Chinese antiques, your basic consideration would have to be whether these items are permitted to be sent abroad.
Chinese laws state that only Chinese antiques that are dated after the period 1797 can be taken out and traded. And any antiquities that must be sent out must hold the little seal attesting that the items have passed and ready for export. This must also be marked by National Administration for the Preservation of Cultural Relics. You must also secure an export license to take the items out of their country. Aside from that, there are administrative officers positioned in different department centers and antique shops to aid shoppers in verifying their purchases.
Since a lot of imitation items are widely flooding the market, you should also be careful especially when the Chinese antiques you prefer are expensive. China also recommends buying in shops that are owned by China government.
Meanwhile, if you are only searching for Chinese antiques in your community, it is advisable to carefully examine your preference before making the purchase. You don't have to be an antique expert to be able to determine if the item is authentic or not. A simple scrutiny, looking inside, behind and under the items will do. Among the categories of antiquity in China, books are probably the groups that don't need painstaking examination to determine authenticity. You can simply check its date of publication, and looking at its cover, you will easily know if it belongs to the antique group.
But here is a warning. Do not purchase antiques and consider it as your investment unless you are already an antique dealer for a long time or a knowledgeable piece collector. Chances of recouping its price and that the piece is some undiscovered treasures 10 times worth what you paid are exceedingly unlikely.
