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This is probably not the most brilliant move I've ever made, but after finding your board and reading many of the messages posted, I THINK that there are many people here who are honest and knowledgeable about Asian antiques. I have the goal of obtaining an authentic Tang or Han or ??? Dynasty horse. I'm not so obsessed with the actual Dynasty - the individual piece that grabs my heart is more where I'm going.
I have several lovely replicas in both pottery and bronze (thank you Ebay) and afew pieces dated from the early 1800's (a local collector) but I would really like to own an authentic ancient piece. The catch is: I'm not rich. I can't go to a lovely gallery and spend thousands of dollars.
This is perhaps an incredibly stupid question but here goes! Is there a way to find what I'm looking for in the hundreds instead of thousands of dollars range or am I just dreaming? I'm not trying to sound like a complete idiot but having spent countless hours online searching all kinds of sites, I thought that perhaps I could get an honest answer here.
I would greatly appreciate any honest input you may have to offer. If I've only made a fool of myself, oh well, it wouldn't be the first time!
Thank you, in advance, for any information or insight that you would be willing to share!
Kind Regards,
Melanie

Dear Melanie,

There is a seller who specializes in damaged but repaired San Cai/Tri-Color Glaze items. You can own some real items very cheap. I forgot the seller's name, and some of the members here may be able to help you with that.

Randy Li

Be careful, don't dream...be realistic !!! Do you think that anybody,who knows how to buy a several thousand Dollar item, for several hundred Dollar, would honestly tell you.... Forget it!
This is only my opinion.
Ernest

Here goes...

How badly do you want it? Are you willing to make it your second job? Are you a treasure hunter?

1) Learn. Read. Become an expert.
2) Attend local auctions. Those without national exposure like eBay. Yes, you have to leave the sofa.
3) Research. The auctions should be from estates where the owner had a Chinese connection: ambassador, merchant, traveler. Read obituaries.
4) On vacation visit cities that historically had a strong Asia trade. Seek out auctions, antique, and junk shops.
5) Think of it as an adventure.
6) Good luck.

Now, you are a collector.

Cheers,
Stan

PS. I once stopped bidding on a Rembrandt self portrait etching at $500. It went for $800. I read enough French to know that the label on the back said it was a first state. I regret that now because I know more now.

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