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I want to share a recent event that I think may be of some use to others like me that search estate sales for lost treasures.
Estatesales.net is a regular source that I use to find great 'lost' art. It hs been my experience that some of the best pieces are hidden in a photo as a side note, rather than the central piece, and the estate seller more often than not ommits any description, so you really have to rely on studying the photo, and making the best assessment on what you see. However, this is inherently risky - high risk comes with high reward, and many times high loss if you manage to pursuad a seller to pre-sell on the basis of the photo. This recent event could have gone very bad for me if I had taken that approach, but since I didn't, I escaped without loosing anything but some time and the cost of gas.
This lovely home, valued at half a million dollars +++, was home to a very old collector who's family was helping to downsize. Most of the items in the home were European antiques, but as you can see in this photo there is a statue that appears to be a fantastic treasure (if genuine), a fantastic large Tang buddhist figure potentially worth millions of dollars.
Its's important not to tip off the buyer, not so much about pricing, but if you inquire to specifically about a piece, theynusually disappear from the sale. So, I did not inquire with the seller about the piece under most circumstances until I'm at the sale.
Instead, in typical form, I packed my mini-van for an overnight stay in front of the house to be first in line. "If you're not first - you're last!" - (Ricky Bobby) Will Ferrill in Talladaga Nights
About mid day prior to the sale, the estate seller showed up, and in rare form, let me inspect the statue.
Looking and inspecting the piece, no joke, my eyes were still convinced the statue was a Tang dynast figure, but my hands confirmed the figure as a very fine replica made from cast resin.
Had I just bought on photo alone, I would have lost my shirt.
I am not sure where they bought the piece, but it was incredibly detailed with none of the obvious signs of resin...perhaps even worked on by hand to make it more realistic.
So, perhaps I am restating the obvious, but unless your spending money that you can afford to throw away, or have some guarantee that you can return an item, or the provenance and photo evidence is overwhelming, buy only what you can physically inspect.
Yes, you might miss out on a good piece here and there, but you'll likely save yourself a fortune in mistakes.
@greeno107 Thanks for the good story and advice, I love the entry hall (?) Beauties wallpaper, did you find anything to buy?
It is unfortunate that they remove a lot once you request more information on it. Most of the time you can get a very good idea with detailed pictures alone and don't have to waste hours doing the trip to see that it is without interest. Perhaps if you request pictures of multiple lots it won't raise suspicion on the one you are the most interested in? Just a little idea.
@springmeier Yes, the old 'can you send me more pics on the three things' trick! It works only once in a while. 😜
@avatar$275. I almost bought it for it's artistic merits and to show how advanced some reproductions have come. In hindsight, I should have at least taken some close ups to share - slipped my mind.
@surfcollector Not solid resin.....like a vacuum formed shell. There was hole in the bottom of the plastic/resin base. I picked it up and turned it over...maybe 6-8 pounds (3-4 kg).
Like I said, even while holding it, my eyes were telling me 'BUY!', but there is no doubt in my mind it was some form of plastic.
At $275 I would probably have bought it to examine it more closely in my home. But if you say you were 100% it was resin then not ...
I bloody hope you're right. In 2020 no less than five pieces potentially worth more than a million dollar each slipped through my fingers. I couldn't get to inspect them but still have the pictures and when I look at them I keep blaming myself for letting these treasures slip. And I should add that I have found several highly valuable pieces that was purchased without physical inspection but only on the basis of photographs.
I was camping out at the house - first in line, and the seller let me in the afternoon before the sale, so I had plenty of time to carefully inspect....100% sure.
2020 I bought two imperial pieces, one I sold this past September, and one that is coming up this March, so I suppose I can let one slip by.
Sometimes a piece is so obvious from the photos, and the price so cheap, that buying on photos alone is not much of a risk. But, there is such a good chance that after you buy the piece, that someone snipes your purchase by offering more money before you collect the piece, that I almost never do it.
Anyway, I have a client who's deceased uncle donated around $37 million in Chinese porcelains the Barnum Museum in Sarasota Florida, but kept several pieces for himself. I bougt a pair of Qianlong m & p bowls from him that I've since sold, but he also has some paintings, some soapstone seals, and a song porcelain dish that looks quite amazing that I want to buy, so I need save my pennies.
@greeno107 I would like to see the soapstone seals if the time ever comes when you can share photos.
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Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. ... Chinese Art (US) General enquiries
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Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars Bonhams : Asian Art We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site.
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Bonhams Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers: auctioneers of art, pictures, collectables and motor cars. We use cookies to remember choices you make on functionality and personal features to enhance your experience to our site. By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies. ... Asian Art Bonhams. Work. 22 Queen St.