Legendary Collector Robert Chang Pays a Whooping 540,000Euros for Qianglong White Jade Vase

Hmm....it's interesting how white jade pieces have been highly sought-after in recent years. It would be interesting to see if this trend changes over time.

https://en.thevalue.com/articles/art-d-asie-christies-paris-spring-2019-result

Junkunc Jade Dragon Head Fails to Sell at Christie’s New York

The only Tang-dynasty jade dragon head (in private hands) fails to find a new owner at Christie's New York despite pre-sale hype....

It's interesting how the sentiment in the room changed so quickly. I personally couldn't help but wonder if it would have been snapped up had Christie's been willing to settle for a 'modest' US$2.2million.


https://en.thevalue.com/articles/junkunc-jade-dragon-head-tang-christies-fail

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