China has one of the most distinctive cultures globally, and the country’s ceramics, ornaments, and cultural creations are no exception. People worldwide have embraced the idea of collecting Chinese ceramics for different reasons. Some want to trade these products, while others want to refresh their personal collections. Whatever the reason, you should understand the top tips for this collection and gathering journey. This’s the information you’ll gather from this article as long as you go through it keenly.
1. Consult the Experts
Some individuals have been in the ceramic collection business longer than others. They’ve honed their skills and comprehensively understand how the entire process goes. Fiona Chalom is one of these individuals to help you with your gathering endeavors. The main point of consulting such experts and professionals is to get appropriate answers to various questions regarding this intriguing and enjoyable exercise.
Ceramic authentication is a remarkably complex subject among many collectors, especially beginners and inexperienced individuals. You can read reference books, but the guide you get from experts and professionals is incomparable. Fortunately, these experts have increased in the contemporary world, so finding one isn’t as complex as before.
2. Check Different Pieces
The feel to the touch is one of the top considerations when purchasing Chinese ceramics and related products. Potters worldwide have curated different ways to imitate Chinese products and make them look as legit as possible. Many buyers have found themselves with low-quality units, yet they thought they’d landed the best deal.
The best way to avoid being deceived is to handle several pieces before deciding on the one that suits your needs. Fortunately, reputable Chinese ceramic auction places worldwide allow you, the buyer, to handle different products, unlike museums.
3. Go for What You Love
The ceramic collection is a sensitive undertaking. Landing the best units starts by describing your tastes, preferences, and what thrills your spirit. You can’t exhaust the long Chinese ceramic list, but that doesn’t mean everything suits you. Purchasing to invest is an excellent idea, considering these products can carry hefty price tags on the open market.
Buying something you love will never disappoint you. You can include it in your collection if you don’t get a buyer. However, you must ensure that your budget can cover the item’s cost and price.
4. Consider the Product’s Condition
Collecting Chinese ceramics is like purchasing any other item from the broad market, because you must consider its condition. The year the unit was made and whether its imperial quality or not are the main determinants of such a product’s condition acceptability. A few flaws don’t mean the item is in a bad state, but that largely depends on its make year.
For instance, a few kiln grits on a 17th-century Kraak is acceptable, but it’d be unfit for an 18th-century unit. This takes you back to step one, where you talk to the experts for a better explanation of how to confirm a ceramic’s condition.
There’s a long list of hobbies, but just a few can level up with the Chinese ceramic collection. Nonetheless, you must learn everything possible to understand how to go about this business. The above-explained points explain the practical tips to increase your success rate in this lucrative yet fragile undertaking.