Market for Chinese Art Is Increasingly in China

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Scott Reyburn
Ming dynasty gilt-bronze statues of seated Buddhas sold for ¤6.3 million with fees at the Bordeaux, France, auctioneers Briscadieu. Credit Bardot Studio
CHINA---In France on March 12, a trio of Ming dynasty gilt-bronze statues of seated Buddhas sold for 6.3 million euros with fees, about $7 million, at the Bordeaux auctioneers Briscadieu to one of 20 Asian bidders in the sales room. The 15th-century statues were estimated at €400,000 to €600,000. The statues, thought to be from an original set of five “Great Buddhas of Wisdom” from a provincial temple in China, were part of a collection formed by a military doctor in Asia in the early 20th century. “The future of the market for Chinese art is exceptionally strong,” said Mr. Berwald, the London antiques dealer. “But that future is in China.” [link]