Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese

If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most antique Chinese parrots are hand painted and very detailed works of art that can enhance any personal collection. Before you start collecting antique parrots, here is what you need to know.

1. Authenticity is key

While decorative collectibles are fun to look at it, if you’re in this business to acquire valuable pieces of art, authenticity is definitely key. There are a lot of mass produced collectibles out there that are pretty, but have no value above their sticker price. When you want to buy authentic antique Chinese collectibles, make sure that they are authentic. You can do this by hiring an appraiser, or by looking for special maker’s marks on the bottom of the piece.

Condition is important

Chipped or cracked collectibles instantly lose their value. If you are buying an antique Chinese parrot online, make sure that the seller provides you with many different pictures that cover all the angles of the piece. If you can’t see the item well, ask for a clearer picture. This is the best way to make sure that you are getting a piece that is in good condition. If you are shopping in person, hold the piece up the light and take the time to really examine it. This can mean the difference between a collectible that is worth thousands, or one that is worth $5.

Look for certain eras

Antique Chinese parrots were more popular during some eras in Chinese history than others. It pays to do your research on the different dynasties and learn how the various parrots were produced during each era. This will help you build a collection that is either based around design similarity or that is based by era. If you are serious about building a specific collection around a dynasty, this is a very important step to take.

Look for fading paint

This is natural, especially with older antique Chinese parrots, but it can have an impact on the overall value of the piece. Ideally, you should be looking for one that is in near perfect condition. One of the easiest ways to tell the age of a piece is to look for how worn the paint is. This is probably the one time where the condition may not count against the piece. If there is a small area of worn paint, that should not impact the value too much. However, a piece that is very faded may need to be restored. This can have an adverse effect on the value.

Collecting antique Chinese parrots can be fun and educational. These brightly colored pieces have a lot of history and are at home in any place or private collection where antiques are appreciated and loved.

Photo Credits: uwdigitalcollections

Originally posted 2008-10-03 05:00:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Chinese Antique Jade Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese Chinese antique jade isn't just beautiful in its own right, but carries a deep cultural significance for the Chinese people. Historically, it was used for jewelry, in religious ceremonies, culturally, monetarily, and was believed to hold great mystical and healing powers. Today, it's still an......
• How to Identify Antique Items You already know that an antique is something that is no less than 100 years old, but how exactly can you be certain that the particular piece you are looking at was truly crafted that long ago? Learning to identify antiques is not difficult, it just takes a little bit......
• The Benefits of Antiques Insurance If you have a collection of antiques, collectibles or fine art, then you may find yourself wondering about insurance coverage, and how antiques insurance can possibly be used to cover your needs and ensure that your cherished items are protected. In general, antiques insurance is tricky because placing a value......
• Antique Collection Some people falsely believe that the passion for accumulating a variety of antique treasures in an antique collection is an addiction, such as being a pack rat, but this is not actually true. The truth about going antiquing is that while it may be infectious, it is certainly not a......
• Online Antiques Auctions According purely to definition, antiques are described as being any object that has a collectible value and that is more than 100 years in age. There are a number of different antiques auction websites that are designed to sell these types of antique items online. Some of these websites specialize......

• Incorporating Your Family in Coin Collecting One of the best things that you can do for your coin collection is to involve others. This does not mean simply showing other the coins that you have purchased – it means actually incorporating your family into the coin collecting process. Coin collecting is simply more fun when others......
• How to Become a Better Coin Collector There are millions of people around the world who consider themselves to be coin collectors. The general term can truly apply to anyone with an interest in coins, grouping together those who are serious about collecting and those who simply collect coins randomly. In the world of more professional and......
• How to Start Coin Collecting The hobby of coin collecting often starts at a very young age. Children are fascinated by the different sizes, colors and feel of coins. If they show an interest in collecting coins, parents should encourage them to pursue the hobby. A child might start out by collecting coins from their......
• How to Get Started Collecting British Paper Money There are many different kinds of paper money that can be collected. In fact, ever since paper money was first used, it has been collected by royalty and commoners alike. Those who enjoy collecting foreign currency appreciate collecting British paper money for a few different reasons. One reason is because......
• 4 Tips on Inspecting Paper Money Before a Purchase If you think that collecting paper money is the same as collecting coins, think again. Paper money is a different world, as far as collecting is concerned. While values and basics stay the same, issues like counterfeiting and inspecting change. There are certain things that you must look for when......

• Obis Japanese 1900-Now Asian Cultures, Ethnicities Collectibles
• Stereoviews Antique (Pre-1940) Photographic Images Collectibles
• Japanese Asian Antiques
• Grandfather Antique (Pre-1930) Clocks Collectibles
• Snuff Bottles Chinese Asian Antiques

Dealers -> Antiques -> Asian

For anyone who enjoys Asian art, an antique silk screen can make a gorgeous addition to your home. Paintings and even silkscreened prints with an Asian theme can give a room a distinct atmosphere, but there’s nothing quite like a paneled screen that can be hung on the wall like artwork or placed on the floor. And while a new silk screen might offer a wider variety of colors and designs than antique ones probably do, new ones just don’t bring with them that ancient feel and authenticity.

A reproduction of an antique Chinese silk screen will probably cost anywhere from $100 to $300 today. Some reproductions are hand-painted in much the style one would have been done hundreds of years ago, so if you’re looking for a screen as close to an antique original as possible, these are your best option for finding one affordably.

A true antique silk screen could cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars and on up, but most likely you’ll find true antique screens priced well into the thousands, with some very exquisite pieces easy reaching five figures. Much depends on how the screen is made, its age, its condition and whether or not it has the original fasteners and findings.

An antique silk screen that’s handpainted with four panels and a very small, unobtrusive frame is the most common type you’ll probably find. In many, the entire painting was done as one solid piece of art across all four panels, and there’s no real border to speak of. In some screens, each panel has its own image, and most of these have some sort of frame or border around each panel. Some have the border around each panel, with each panel as part of the large painting, as well.

The least expensive type of screen will most likely be the kind with no border around the individual panels and one large artwork covering the whole thing. The price is determined by the age of the screen and its condition. Sometimes a silk screen isn’t painted, but embroidered instead, or finished with a combination of the two. Often these will have the borders around each panel. Ask what type of wood makes up the frame—zitan wood is especially valuable, as it’s so rarely used for things today. It’s an extremely dense wood that sinks in water, and was once a popular type of wood in China. A wooden-framed screen could be rather plain with only straight borders and legs, but some are intricately carved, adding greatly to the value.

When you’re looking a silk screen, either in person or on eBay, ask if the fastenings are original or if they’ve been replaced. Be sure and ask about any damage, as well, because pictures don’t always reveal small details. Any antique screen will likely grow in value at it ages, so they’re all good investments. The ultimate test in whether you should purchase an antique silk screen, though, is whether or not you love the artwork.

Originally posted 2008-12-07 05:00:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Sideboard Dealers -> Furniture -> Cabinets-Armoires-Cupboards A sideboard is a piece of furniture used to display China or to set food out while dining. The sideboards we’re familiar with first appeared in the 1700s, but became more popular in the 1800s when more people had dining rooms to eat in, and......
• Antique Goblet Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Stemware How do you tell an antique goblet from an antique cup or mug? Goblets are stemware, with the earliest goblets made from earthenware and then expanding to other stronger materials as the years passed. The use of goblets pre-dates the Roman Empire, though the......
• Antique Chinese Parrot Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most......
• Antique Bird Cages Dealers -> Antiques -> Decorative-Arts Years ago, before the introduction of plastics and resins, even animals’ indoor homes like antique bird cages were considered beautiful pieces of furniture. Of course, some were plain and utilitarian, but many more were actually created in the popular furniture styles of the times. Bird......
• Mantle Clocks Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Clocks- Antique mantle clocks are a wonderful investment that not only beautify your home, but also provide you with a great conversation piece. Many antique mantle clocks are true works of art and with careful shopping, you may even end up with one that used......

• Antique Tools Collectibles -> Tools, Hardware and Locks -> Tools The market for antique tools is growing as many collectors seek a return to when times were simpler. The nostalgia value of old tools is great, but there are many antique tools that are actually quite valuable on their own. Whether you......
• Precious Moments Collectibles Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Precious Moments -> Figurines With their distinctive designs and inspirational quips, Precious Moments collectibles are one of the most sought after decorative arts. Originally designed in 1975 by Eugene Freedman, it wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that the company hit full stride. Since then, these cute......
• Stamps of Newfoundland Stamps -> Worldwide Stamps of Newfoundland were first issued in 1857, with the country continuing to issue its own stamps until 1949. Newfoundland has over 300 of its own stamp issues, making this a popular category for collectors who need to impose boundaries in their collecting to reign themselves......
• Japanese Art Collectibles -> Cultures-Ethnicities -> Asian Japanese art is a type of art that has a very distinctive look. If a painting, a vase, a sculpture or some other type of art is Japanese, particularly if it’s antique art, it usually only takes a quick look for you to recognize the......
• Benefits of Collecting Old Stamps Collecting old stamps, especially vintage postage stamps can bring great value. Collecting old stamps can be fun and educational, it can be affordable, and it can bring about understanding of history, art, travel and many other areas of culture as well. Here is an explanation of why collecting old stamps......

• Tea Sets Precious Moments Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Panel Pool Heaters & Solar Panels Pool Parts & Maintenance Pools & Spas Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• New England Village Department 56 Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Flambro Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Trays Woodenware Decorative Arts Antiques

Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese

Chinese antique jade isn’t just beautiful in its own right, but carries a deep cultural significance for the Chinese people. Historically, it was used for jewelry, in religious ceremonies, culturally, monetarily, and was believed to hold great mystical and healing powers. Today, it’s still an important stone for the Chinese people, whether used in jewelry or in a traditional jade carving.

Its beauty is admired worldwide, and often jade appears without any link to China or its history at all, in jewelry and other mediums. While most people think all jade is green, that’s merely the most popular color. Jade actually comes in a variety of hues. The Chinese had several different stories about the origins of jade, with one of the most popular holding that when the Mongols invaded China, dragons cried for the people. Their tears became Chinese antique jade.

Jade was revered above all other stones and minerals in ancient times. It was given as an award for the winners of contests of skill, intelligence and strength. The nobility owned jade, and often carved seals and symbols were passed down through the ages, much like a crown or sceptre, as a sign of rank and honor. When someone died, jade might have been given to the grieving family and then placed in the tomb. It was a valuable stone for much more than its beauty. The Chinese people believed that there were certain qualities inherent in the stone that made it desirable. If you find Chinese antique jade, the story behind it, one you’ll likely never know, could be fascinating.

A truly ancient piece of jade could have been used in marriage, birth, death, fertility, healing or other ceremonies. It could have been an amulet used to bring luck, or keep bad luck away. It might have belonged to someone of high rank or great importance. Those who collect Chinese antique jade do so in part because of the rich history of the pieces, even if one can only guess at the true purpose of a piece. When you find a piece that speaks to you, whether anyone knows its history or not, then that’s the perfect piece for your collection.

Often you’ll find Chinese antique jade in the form of carvings. While there won’t be a date or any other outward sign of the actual age of a carving, most carvings were relatively small figures until the advent of Buddhism, when the carvings expanded in size a bit to encompass landscapes and larger scenes, including large statues of Buddha. Statues of dragons, flowers and animals were some of the most popular. If you find a rare antique jade that’s a creamy white color, it’s probably much older than the green jade.

When collecting Chinese antique jade, you may want to specialize in a particular type of jade, like carvings of a certain type, or pieces from a certain period. Places like eBay are great for looking at a variety of pieces, but find a knowledgeable dealer so you know you’re getting genuine jade.

Originally posted 2008-11-11 06:17:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Antique Collection Some people falsely believe that the passion for accumulating a variety of antique treasures in an antique collection is an addiction, such as being a pack rat, but this is not actually true. The truth about going antiquing is that while it may be infectious, it is certainly not a......
• Silk Screen Dealers -> Antiques -> Asian For anyone who enjoys Asian art, an antique silk screen can make a gorgeous addition to your home. Paintings and even silkscreened prints with an Asian theme can give a room a distinct atmosphere, but there’s nothing quite like a paneled screen that can be......
• How to Find Antiques to Buy If you are trying to learn how to find antiques that you can buy and add to your collection or resell through other avenues such as online or through antiques auctions, the following guide should prove useful to you. Here is a brief guide on how to find antiques that......
• Antique Shops Online One thing that you will know if you are interested in antiquing is that there are antique shops located all over the world. When people think of antiques and antiquing, what they think about is buying items that and then hoping someday that they will gain value. When it......
• Where and How to Buy Antique Furniture Unless you are shopping around in a museum, it may be difficult to buy antique furniture dated before the 16th century. Collectors are generally only able to obtain pieces of furniture from the 1485 to 1600 Tudor Period and onwards, and even the furniture selection from this period is relatively......

• 3 Ways in Which Coin Collector Software Has Change the Industry There have been many changes in the world of coin collecting over the years. These changes have mostly been in regards to which coins are prized above others. Every once in a while a toll will come along which will help those in the industry to enjoy collecting more or......
• 4 Tips for Getting Kids into Coin Collection There are plenty of adults who get into coin collection at an older age, starting their collection when they have the money to do so. There are others who started at a younger age, collecting coins from the period they grew up in. There is something to be said for......
• Value of a Coin Collecting Book Collecting coins is simply a hobby or a passion for some people, but for other people it is truly a science. For at least the past century, people have been taking this hobby much more seriously and now there are a myriad of different coin collecting book options to choose......
• How to Find the Most Valuable Coins for the Least Money Having a good coin collection means having a collection which is attractive to look at as well as a collection which is worth a lot of money. There are a few things you will need to know in order to be able to get the coins that you want at......
• Interesting Ways to Expand your Coin Collection Anyone who has had a coin collection for an extended period of time will go through the same steps in an attempt to add to that collection. Most will hunt down a coin that they are interested in, scouring every store that they find until they see a price that......

• Antique Gnomes & Sprites Statues & Yard Art Garden D�cor Yard, Garden & Outdoor Living Nursery
• Jewelry & Watches Chicago Cubs Baseball-MLB Fan Apparel & Souvenirs Sports Collectibles
• Color 1990-99 Photos Television Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
• Jewelry & Watches St. Louis Cardinals Baseball-MLB Fan Apparel & Souvenirs Sports Collectibles
• Jewelry & Watches Baltimore Ravens Football-NFL Fan Apparel & Souvenirs Sports Collectibles

Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese: Chests

A Chinese chest can improve the look of any room, in addition to providing storage space and serving as a conversation piece, especially if it’s an antique. A chest can function as more than just storage, it can be used as a coffee or side table, or it can simply be on its own, with collectibles displayed on top as well as stored inside.

If you’re after the look of an authentic antique Chinese chest, first examine your budget. An antique Asian chest can cost a great deal, depending on its age and the period in which it was created, and of course, on its condition. The price can also depend on the intended use for the chest. While many were created simply as beautiful storage pieces, many were designed for a specific purpose, like to hold blankets or books, and some have drawers for hiding away small items. Some feature a single compartment, some are designed to be quite tall and some were designed to have a low profile.

Chests and trunks were used by the Ancient Chinese to store almost everything they needed, from food to bedding. They often stacked chests on top of one another, with the highest chests containing those items used regularly, and lower chests holding things used only occasionally for convenience. The Ancient Chinese considered this an efficient method, to eliminate time spent searching for items. A Chinese chest is likely to feature drawers of some type, an invention attributed to the Chinese and their sense of neatness and efficiency.

A true ancient Chinese chest will be made of wood, usually camphor or elm because these woods repelled insects and fungi that can destroy wood over time. Tropical wood is often used today that’s imported from other Asian countries, and is often painted black or red featuring landscape scenes. New Chinese chests are sometimes even made from steel which can last longer than wood and is less expensive. But authentic ancient chests will be wood, with a simple design, and decorative handles and hinges. Some things do vary by period, though. For instance, a Chinese chest made during the Ming Dynasty will be more ornate than those constructed during some other periods. Handles, locks and hinges as well as other accessories on the chest would most likely be made from precious stones, brass or copper.

If you’re looking to buy a Chinese chest, a local dealer is a good starting point, even if only for research. Research online to find the popular attributes of the time period you’re looking for. And if you shop online on eBay for instance, ask the seller many questions about damage and repair to see if the piece has been altered.

A Chinese chest can cost $150 or thousands of dollars. While the lower priced authentic chests aren’t going to be much more than their reproductions, the older chests than range from several hundred to thousands of dollars are probably best passed over for reproductions, unless you’re purchasing for the investment rather than the aesthetic.

Photo Credits: taiyofj

Originally posted 2008-10-31 14:00:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Antique Lighting Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps Whether you are trying to restore an older home and would like to keep it in the period style, or you just appreciate older light fixtures, antique lighting has much to offer. There are many different styles from Victorian, to Art Deco to Modern......
• Antique Goblet Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Stemware How do you tell an antique goblet from an antique cup or mug? Goblets are stemware, with the earliest goblets made from earthenware and then expanding to other stronger materials as the years passed. The use of goblets pre-dates the Roman Empire, though the......
• Antique Bicycles Antiques Antique bicycles, even ones as recent as the 1950s and 1960s, are highly sought out and prized among collectors today. Certain brands and types of bicycles are snapped up and restored by bike aficionados who pay far more for the bicycles than they cost when they were new. Some......
• Tiffany Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts Tiffany lamps offer collectors a chance not only to find something valuable but also a collector’s piece that is functional and beautiful. If you are looking for a piece that will enhance your home as well as your bottom line, then this is definitely a collectible......
• Antique Appraisal 101 There is quite a demand in today's market for antique items of all types, and so learning how to conduct antique appraisal is becoming increasingly important. Antique items are supplied to customers by way of the market that buys goods in both unrestored and restored conditions. The process of the......

• Beginners Guide to Wood Putty Most woodworkers that are novices do not realize how powerful wood putty can be. Most of them have probably heard about what wood putty is, and they may have even worked with it in the past, but because they never learned to harness its great powers, the results were poor.......
• More Fishing and Boating Lexicon Fishery - This is a term that is used for lakes, rivers and streams where it is possible for people to come and catch fish, or to catch a specific type of fish, such as a trout fishery or a bass fishery. Fish hook - This is a barbless or......
• Choosing & Erecting a Pent Shed Selecting a pent shed is easy when you know what you're looking for, but to others it can be quite an adventure! First I would recommend researching what size pent shed you're looking for and what you can accommodate; then focus on how money to spend.  The least expensive pent......
• Top 3 Places to Buy Coins When Looking for a Deal Having a coin collection is something which more and more people are getting into every year. This is because it is fun and it can be quite profitable when you get a good deal on a coin. This is because some coins can be worth nothing more than the face......
• Persian Rugs Collectibles -> Linens-Fabric-and-Textiles -> Rugs Iran is the country of origin of the Persian rug, and still the largest producer of carpets and rugs in the world today. In Iran, investors purchase Persian carpets the way some investors buy gold and diamonds; they know the value will only increase with......

• Indonesian 1900-Now Asian Cultures, Ethnicities Collectibles
• Asian Vehicles Patches Automobilia Transportation Collectibles
• Bowls Japanese Asian Antiques
• Chinese Crested Dog Animals Collectibles
• Upright & Chest Freezers Refrigerators & Freezers Major Appliances