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Subject:Re: Christie's becoming narrow in their focus
Posted By: Sunny Sharma Tue, Aug 04, 2009 IP: 81.152.197.32

Dear all,

I have recently sent photographs of my rare Chicken head ewer, and other pieces including some good quality Longquan pieces to Christies in London with the intention of entering them into their November sales. I received a reply from a specialist, without any estimates. Although they were genuine, she stated that due to market shifts early pottery pieces (don't know her definition of early) were becoming less sort after and they were now only looking to enter imperial marked porcelain and jade into their specialist Asian Arts sales. She never stated that any of them were fake nor gave any more details than this.

In contrast, Bonhams and a good provincial auction house with a successful Asian Arts department, more enthusiastic about entering them into their specialist sales in the Autumn (estimates were given in the thousands). Which makes me doubt the specialist at Christies even bothered to examine the photos properly, as Longquan is still sort after I think. In fact one of the peices was previously purchased from Sothbeys and details were given of this to Christies.

Does this mark a narrow minded shift from Christie's towards selling only Imperial porcelain and jades in their sales? There are around only 150 lots in their September sales. What are pople's experience?

Sunny

Subject:Re: Re: Christie's becoming narrow in their focus
Posted By: Cal Wed, Aug 05, 2009

Auction houses are business. In this time they do what brings most profit. More 'premium' for item sell 100,000 pounds than item sell 500 pounds. Also are less buyers of 500-pounds items.

Good luck,
Cal

Subject:Re: Re: Christie's becoming narrow in their focus
Posted By: kk Wed, Aug 05, 2009

It is hard to said without seeing which Lungquan pieces you are talking about. A pic will help.


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