Restoration Work of the First Batch of Relics at YuanMingyuan Park is Nearly Finished!

It's been years since my last visit to Beijing, but I am definitely looking forward to revisiting Yuanmingyuan Park after restoration works are completed! Apparently, restoration work of the first batch of relics - a snuff bottle, a stool, two bowls and two pieces of glazed tiles - is nearly finished :p



http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1151036.shtml

Billionaire’s Secrets on How to Make a Bundle in Art

Many collectors go to an art fair with the hopes of purchasing a 'masterpiece'. As such, it comes as no surprise that many would be willing to pay an arm and a leg for a 'one of kind' piece. However, what I find particularly interesting (in article in link below) was Mr Sigg's comment about having a mere one hour to decide whether or not to spend one million dollars at an art fair these days! If what he says is indeed true, then it's safe to say that when art collectors attend an art fair, they have to:

1. know exactly what they want.
2. be prepared to spend a ton of money if they manage to find what they want.

'Once a work catches your eye, read up as much as you can about the artist and scour the Internet for past sales results on auction house websites and third party providers such as Artnet and Artprice. Check the C.V. too. The chances of appreciation in value are much better when an artist’s works have been featured in reputable galleries or acquired by major museums.'

- Uli Sigg, collector of more than 2500 pieces of Chinese contemporary art, including the likes of Ai Weiwei, Zhang Xiaogang and Zeng Fengzhi

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-05-07/top-collectors-reveal-the-secrets-of-how-to-invest-in-art?fbclid=IwAR3FsD0LdWokoq7F-n-Dh0avkbRIFkUaHQ0pnc1CymvUYVRjVVe3tjDZr3g

A Bidding War Over a Chipped Chinese Pot with No Date Mark

Chipped and no date marks. Yet, the pot in question (in link below) sold for thirty times its pre-sale estimate! With all the hype about markings and condition (of items), I must admit I was quite surprised that a pot with no mark and in poor condition attracted any attention at all, let alone sparked a bidding war. It would be interesting to see if other similar pieces will garner as much interest in future....
  

https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/chipped-chinese-pot-sparks-international-2761301

A 23% Dip in Private Sales for Sotheby's....

It's worth noting that Sotheby's private sales dropped by a sizable 23% from the equivalent period in 2018. While CEO Tad Smith noted that results can vary from quarter to quarter, he expressed optimism for the coming six months due to several 'significant' private sales that closed last month. 

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I'm quite keen to see how their upcoming evening auction in New York does :p



https://news.artnet.com/market/shift-in-hong-kong-auction-schedule-put-pressure-on-sothebys-first-quarter-earnings-1533139?fbclid=IwAR3m6s7Wg-ZuXotgZ3TulHq-QiptA4CdZtBWkVBbgxsPYlOLS7eO5f-G8RQ

A Peak at An Extremely Rare and Stunning 'Nine Dragon' Lacquer Throne Fit for an 'Emperor'

It's no wonder they say this throne is fit for an 'emperor' :p: The workmanship of this extremely rare 'Nine Dragon' lacquer throne dating back to the Qianlong period is just amazing!

https://www.christies.com/features/An-important-Chinese-lacquer-throne-Qianlong-dynasty-9819-3.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0yES2-5a7q7nR0mIlEw8S7J-lKWCmIWVR1Gny9t5FjZs6KZhfToTvifpI

How To Choose A Chinese Teapot by Daniel Lui

Deciding on what to collect can be tricky....and teapots are no different. Appreciate Mr Liu sharing his thoughts and insights in his article titled, 'How to Choose a Teapot.' Hope you find it helpful!

http://www.thechineseteashop.com/how-to-choose-teapot.html?fbclid=IwAR0s-GheCzs9rCBZ9sdwayjVnY2OoBz0LynvbUQVJBeCuOiwdORZDBeZwxE