In the past decade, trade relationships between Asia and the United States have improved. Additionally, more and more Americans are spending time in China, Japan, Singapore or Taiwan for business or government careers. As a result, a new breed of collectors of Asian antiques have been born. Americans who spend a considerable amount of time in Asian countries gain the opportunity to gather expertise in the history and art of the local culture. Before long, they've made valuable contacts, located master artisans and discovered "secret" antique shops. When they return to the U.S., they gather the treasures they have collected, such as Japanese vases or Chinese jade figurines, and either set up a gallery, or sell their wares online. In Asian countries, like Japan, many of the antiques have been well preserved. Japan's antiques had been highly protected. During World War II, the most precious objects were safely hidden. Kyoto, which was the capital of art and culture in Japan, was fortunately never bombed. As a result, Japan's links to antiquity have remained intact and honored. In contrast, China was decimated by war. During Mao Tse-tung's Cultural Revolution, the fine arts were abolished. Shards of Ming and Qing Dynasty porcelain are examples of the widespread smashing of fine art during this era. Fortunately, some folks recognized the value of the shards and were smart enough to hide them. Today, Chinese jewelers incorporate the shards into jewelry and boxes. Many of the items that were not destroyed were sent to Army warehouses. Since the Chinese army is supposed to be self-sufficient, they are now selling some of the antiques. Today, having been deprived of new items for so long, many of the Chinese middle class have no interest in old furniture. While the altar tables, painted chests, chairs and tables do not have the splendor of the Pre Mao-Tse -tung days, their rustic appearance works well in American homes with a country decor. |
