Art objects: figurines, porcelain, bronze and clocks
Old, vintage or a modern copy
The art-objects market has genuine antiques, mid-century porcelain and bronze, and modern castings made to look old, all side by side. The price difference is huge, and the eye does not always see it. So first decide what you need: a piece with history and an expert opinion, or a nice decoration for the home. The second is cheaper and simpler; the first calls for papers and an experienced seller.
How to search with BlaBlaPrice
You write one request: the object, material, maker, size, city. It is checked and you are told what else to add. Antique shops and collectors answer in the chat: photos, condition, price, papers, delivery. Reviews are shown next to the offers, and the best match is shown first. Only the seller you choose gets your contacts. See How it works.
What to put in your request
- Object — sculpture, figurine, vase, clock, icon, candlestick, tableware;
- Material — bronze, porcelain, silver, crystal, wood;
- Origin — maker, factory or school, for example Meissen or Royal Doulton;
- Period — 19th century, 1950s, Art Deco;
- Condition — chips, cracks, restoration, whether it is complete;
- Dimensions — height, width;
- Authenticity — whether you need an expert opinion or a modern copy will do;
- Budget and city for delivery.
Example: “Looking for a porcelain figurine from the 1950s, about 30 cm tall, no chips or restoration. Courier delivery to Tuen Mun. Budget up to HK$1,500.”
How to judge an object
For porcelain, look at the mark on the base, the painting, the glaze, chips along the edges and cracks that show when held against light. For bronze, look at the weight, the patina, the detail of the carving and the foundry marks. For clocks, check the movement and whether it is complete. Ask for photos from all sides, including the underside and a close-up of the mark. Restoration is not a fault if it is honestly stated, but it affects the price. For valuable pieces, ask for an expert certificate.
Delivery and common mistakes
Fragile items are shipped in several layers of packing with the contents fixed in place; check this in advance and discuss insurance. Common mistakes: paying for an “antique” at the price of a souvenir, not asking about chips, and trusting photos taken in flattering light. Another is ignoring weight and size: a heavy bronze sculpture needs strong packing and costs more to ship. Ask whether the seller has a returns policy and whether they will send a video of the piece in action, for example a clock striking. Do not mix up the topics either: for pictures there is paintings, and for old furniture antique furniture.
