Relevant categories: Bronzes,Porcelain,Tables
(Above photo - Antique Japanese Desk and Chair Set - Carved Hardwood 1880 )
Japan has had a long history as an artistic nation. Today, it is possible to find Japanese antiques that have survived the years. They include earthenware vases, netsuke figures, paintings, prints, and scrolls. You can buy them at a premium for unique aesthetics as well as historical significance. If you are new to the Japanese art market, you may not know what to look for. In this write-up, we provide a simple guide to buying Japanese antiques.
1. Buy What Appeals To Your Heart
(Above photo - Large Japanese Meiji Porcelain Carved Screen Room Divider )
As a collector, you have no reason to go to great lengths just to please the seller. It is always great to buy only what’s aesthetically appealing to you. Before you buy anything, make sure it is beautiful. Picture how it’s going to fit in with the rest of the décor on your home. If it is good enough, don’t hesitate to put your money into it.
2. Make Quality A Priority
Art is an investment. As such, paying money to acquire a piece of art is a risky affair. However, you can minimize risk if you approach it correctly. Before you buy, look for the items of the highest quality. Such an item should be the best possible example of the given object. In years to come, such items will not just retain but will also increase its value. Apart from doing a physical examination, request for a condition report of the Japanese antiques.
3. Read the Descriptions Carefully
(Above photo - Red Lacquer Japanese Console Table Altar Table Circa 1920 )
Most buyers of Japanese antiques are making their purchases online. For such individuals a careful reading of the description provided will help them understand the pre-existing condition of the work. These descriptions usually reveal the true value of what you are buying. Where vague language is used to describe the style, there is no way a seller will refund you if the item turns out not to be authentic. When dealing with a new seller, make sure they have an established refund policy.
4. Develop Interest in Japanese Antiques
(Above photo - Pair Japanese Kutani Porcelain Vases Urns )
To avoid getting scammed, you have to make deliberate efforts to become an expert in Japanese antiques. It is only possible to get a good deal on an art piece if you know what similar artworks have previously sold for. Study the market and find out the trends and conditions that often affect the value of the piece of art. Importantly, talk with an expert or specialist to know the intricacies involved in the whole process.
5. Determine the Value of the Piece of Art
The value of Japanese antiques is determined on the basis of factors such as the materials used. As such, items made of bronze, ivory, hardwood, jade, and ceramics will be sold at different prices. As a buyer, you will also need to look at the condition of the piece of art. Check for possible cracks and damage due to exposure to smoke, fire, water, and UV rays. Importantly, every piece of art should have a record of its history. Things such as previous owners, time purchased, and time sold can point you in the right direction. Don’t forget to have an expert do dating and an authenticity test.
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