The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.Chinese Furniture is a survey of these collectibles—from the very best museum-quality hardwood pieces to standard softwood specimens still available at reasonable prices on the international market. Carpenters from this era were artisans. They elevated furniture from the functional to the realm of the philosophical. By artfully aligning wood grain patterns, experimenting with spatial dimensions, and innovating new forms of joinery, simple tables and chairs came to represent something higher—the harmony and union of man and nature.Lavishly illustrated with over 300 color photographs, historical prints and detailed drawings, this book presents an overview of: Carving Styles Wood Types Regional Variations Class Distinctions Restoration Techniques And much more! With its detailed historical overview and regional coverage, this book highlights the great diversity of antique Chinese furniture and serves as an indispensable guide to collectors, new and old. Read more

One dealer's journey from the populist mayhem of flea markets to the rarefied realm of auctions reveals the rich, often outrageous subculture of antiques and collectibles. Millions of Americans are drawn to antiques and flea-market culture, whether as participants or as viewers of the perennially popular Antiques Roadshow or the recent hit American Pickers. This world has the air of a lottery: a $20 purchase might net you four, five, or six figures. Master dealer Curt Avery, the unlikely star of Killer Stuff and Tons of Money, plays that lottery every day, and he wins it more than most. Occasionally he gets lucky, but more often, he draws on a deep knowledge of America's past and the odd, fascinating, and beautiful objects that have survived it. Week in, week out, Avery trawls the flea and antiques circuit-buying, selling, and advising other dealers in his many areas of expertise, from furniture to glass to stoneware, and more. On the surface, he's an improbable candidate for an antiques dealer. He wrestled in high school and still retains the pugilistic build; he is gruff, funny, and profane; he favors shorts and sneakers, even in November; and he is remarkably generous toward both competitors and customers who want a break. But as he struggles for a spot in a high-end Boston show, he must step up his game and, perhaps more challenging, fit in with a white-shoe crowd. Through his ascent, we see the flea-osphere for what it truly is-less a lottery than a contact sport with few rules and many pitfalls. This rich and sometimes hilarious subculture rewards peculiar interests and outright obsessions-one dealer specializes in shrunken heads; another wants all the postal memorabilia he can get. So Avery must be a guerrilla historian and use his hard-earned knowledge of America's past to live by and off his wits. Only the smartest survive in one of America's most ruthless meritocracies. Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is many things: an insider's look at a subculture replete with arcane traditions and high drama, an inspiring account of a self-made man making his way in a cutthroat field, a treasure trove of tips for those who seek out old things themselves, and a thoroughly fresh, vibrant view of history as blood sport. Read more

In "Furniture of the Olden Time," Frances Clary Morse presents a captivating exploration of historical furniture design, weaving together meticulous research and rich descriptions that reflect the aesthetic values and domestic life of bygone eras. This comprehensive volume delves into various styles, materials, and craftsmanship techniques, spanning multiple cultures, making it a seminal text in the study of decorative arts. Morse's literary style is both accessible and erudite, drawing readers into a world where each piece of furniture tells a story, embodying the social, economic, and artistic currents of its time. Frances Clary Morse, an accomplished scholar and passionate advocate for the preservation of historic artifacts, was deeply influenced by her background in art history and her experiences in antiques collecting. Her dedication to understanding and documenting the evolution of furniture reflects her larger commitment to cultural heritage. This book emerges from her desire to illuminate the intricate relationships between people and their environments, and the furniture that shapes those spaces, thereby bridging history and aesthetics. "Furniture of the Olden Time" is a must-read for anyone fascinated by history, design, or the arts. Whether a scholar, collector, or casual reader, this book offers invaluable insights into the artistry of furniture across time, making it an essential addition to any library dedicated to understanding our cultural past. Read more

Are you fascinated by antiques and want to start your own collection, but unsure where to begin?And are you searching for a beginner-friendly guide to help you avoid costly mistakes while diving into the world of antique collecting?If you’ve answered YES,This Book Will Take You Through the Journey of Antique Collecting and Show You How to Start, Grow, and Succeed in This Exciting Hobby!Antique collecting can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavor, whether you’re searching for beautiful pieces to adorn your home or seeking valuable items that could one day bring you significant returns. Imagine finding a treasure at a flea market that, years later, sells for a fortune at auction!Imagine if you could… Start building a collection of beautiful, valuable antiquesDevelop a sharp eye for spotting hidden treasuresSell antiques at auctions for substantial returnsPreserve your antique items for generations to comeBut before diving in, you’re probably wondering: How do I begin collecting antiques?What items should I be on the lookout for?Where do I find valuable antiques?How do I determine the value of an antique?How do I differentiate between real antiques and fakes?How do I care for antiques to preserve their value?If these questions resonate with you, this book has the answers! It provides all the essential information to help you begin your journey as an antique collector with confidence.Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll learn: The difference between antiques, vintage items, and collectibles so you know exactly what you’re dealing withHow to set your purpose and niche in antique collectingWhere to find valuable antiques, from flea markets to auctions and moreHow to assess the value of antiques and avoid overpayingThe importance of insurance for your antique collectionTips on maintaining, storing, and preserving your antiques to protect their valueHow to spot fakes and make sure you’re getting the real dealEasy-to-find antiques that you can start collecting todayHow to sell your antiques for maximum profitAnd much more!Even if you’re a complete beginner, this guide will take you step by step through the process of antique collecting and help you avoid the common pitfalls that many newcomers face.Scroll up and click Buy Now With 1-Click or Buy Now to start your antique collecting journey today! Read more