Want to spot the next big shift in the art and antiques market?
Look to China.
40 years ago it was illegal to own art. Today it has overtaken the US to become the world's largest art market, boosted by the country's rapidly expanding wealthy elite.
Anthony Lin, the former chairman of Christie's Asia, recently explained to the Wall Street Journal the attraction of art for Chinese investors.
"In China, they don't have open money markets or commodity markets," he said.
"For the amount of wealth that has been generated, there's not many options for investment. The art market is one of the few areas where there is quite a strong investment position being taken."
I'm not talking about the mass repatriation of China's artistic heritage, which is already well established.
I'm talking about non-Chinese areas of the sector that the country's collectors and investors are turning to.
 Arturo Ricci's The Concert Interval is among the works being offered by Sotheby's in Hong Kong |
Which foreign art sectors are booming in China?
Antique English furniture is one such area, with values for pieces achieving 10 times the amount in China that they do in the UK.
A recent report by the Daily Mail newspaper found that an antique English bookcase, worth £980 ($1,560) in Britain, sold for £10,000 ($15,900) in China recently - a rise of 920.4%.
And this week there are signs that 19th century European works could be next, with Sotheby's setting up a selling exhibition of extravagant furnishings, furniture and neoclassical artwork in Hong Kong.
"Asian interest in exceptional items of furniture and decorative arts produced in Europe is flourishing," comments Patti Wong, the current chairman of Sotheby's Asia.
"This exhibition will cater to the diverse taste of Asian collectors that is expanding beyond traditional Asian arts."
It follows Sotheby's historic move into mainland China earlier in the year.
What does this mean for you?
China is driving the art market. If you buy into a sector of that art market before it goes big in Beijing, you could well find yourself the owner of pieces in great demand, and of rising value.
With experts and contacts located around the world we are uniquely placed to source these items for you.
You can get in touch today on +44 (0)117 933 9500 or info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Fraser
