Chinese Antiques Auctioned at Japanese Houses Attract Local-based Collectors

More local-based collectors are getting attracted in purchasing Chinese antiques auctioned at Japanese auction houses.

Japan, since its ancient Asuka Period in the 7th century, is gradually becoming a huge treasure hub for such collections. The country's wide array of antique furniture and paintings has been capturing the attention of outside collectors, who are mostly Chinese.

However, recently, local Japanese auction firms are experiencing the peak of their foray into the Chinese market. Injected with their international auction standards and their well-known local Japanese work ethic, these companies have become vital outposts for Chinese treasures to return to their homeland.

Additionally, these firms have helped relive the Chinese collectors' passion to gather antiques and treasures.

One of the first companies to auction Chinese antiques in Japan is the Chuo Auction Company, which was established in 2010 in Tokyo. The firm has not only seen a surge in the number of Chinese collectors eyeing to grab the spotlight by bringing lost treasures to China, it has also witnessed burgeoning competition from local players.

Ge Wenhai, Chuo Auction's vice general manager, remarked, "It used to be that only our company specialized in this area in Japan, but now there are so many newcomers."

"However, competition has also a positive side. It urges us to dig deeper to attract collector," Ge added.

The auction house has recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with an auction event. Ge shared that the "potential buyers were mostly Chinese, including collectors from Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as some living overseas."

Japan's golden age in antique collecting was highlighted during the 1970s and 1980s when the country experienced an economic boom that allowed Japanese collectors to bring a large amount of antiques from across the globe.