Thank you, BBC!

While the documentary may have been a short one, I am so glad BBC was literally granted full access to the Terracotta warriors from the Qin dynasty! I was particularly pleased that viewers were given a glimpse of the hidden 'stamps of quality control' found on some of the Terracotta warriors.


https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p07n8vwl/how-mass-production-shaped-history

US$36m for An Imperial “Nine Dragon” Lacquer Throne, A Celadon Glazed ‘Chrysanthemum’ Teapot, A Jade Animal-Shaped Plaque and A Blue and White Red ‘Dragon’ Bottle Vase

I couldn't help but noticed the stark difference in pricetag between the blue and white vase (Yongzheng period) and the magnificent imperial three-coloured carved 'nine dragon' lacquer throne (Qianlong period) paid by Chinese billionaire Liu Yiqian. Could it be that ceramics is still more in demand than lacquer items?


https://en.thevalue.com/articles/liu-yiqian-collector-chinese-antiques-auction?fbclid=IwAR3Zli6m61LvLm5snqlNV7o_6QzxRYXMb5cssdsowNDFMRhFREZv0vrmy9Y

The Numerous Roles of Mirrors in Chinese History

While mirrors have been reduced to nothing more than a grooming aid in modern times, it's amazing how they were also used as ornaments, tokens of love, gifts, religious items in Taoism and burial objects in the ancient Chinese culture!

https://www.shine.cn/feature/art-culture/1807289481/

Experts Top Tips on Buying Antiques

Despite recent news of buyers' purchasing 'imperfect' pieces at auctions, I'm relieved that one expert is discouraging buyers from purchasing fine porcelain that have cracks and chips on them.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/how-to/114984953/experts-give-their-top-tips-on-buying-antiques

Tea Drinking in China

Tea drinking is an essential experience to connect with the past and the present. It’s also a great way to indulge our senses, which is what I think great art is all about.
- Shunan Teng, founder of Tea Drunk.


https://www.christies.com/features/Brewing-tea-in-a-Yixing-teapot-9723-3.aspx

The Mystery of Ancient Chinese Pottery Finally Cracked!

The mystery of a qingbai ewer (recovered from the ocean floor) is finally cracked with the help of portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF). Given the pXRF's fine detail, it would be very interesting to see what else scientists will uncover about twelfth century manufacturing in China over time :p


https://cosmosmagazine.com/archaeology/scientists-crack-mystery-of-ancient-chinese-pottery-found-in-shipwreck

10% drop in Art Sales at Sotheby's

Sotheby's cited uncertainties related to Brexit as one reason for the 10% drop in art sales in the first six months of 2019. It would be interesting to see if the art market makes a comeback when the dust finally settles :p


https://news.artnet.com/market/sothebys-final-earnings-report-1613755