Appreciating Fine Antiques » I. M. Chait

Snuff Bottles: What are they and why collect them?

I. M. Chait — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:28:43 +0000

By I.M. Chait - In the very early 18th Century (although some people might insist it was the late 17th Century), snuff, as a recreational habit, was introduced by Europeans to the Court of China. While we all may have our opinions relative to the evils of tobacco, no one can ignore the fact that European snuff boxes, made for the wealthy class, are some of the most beautiful miniature objects created.

Caveat Internet

I. M. Chait — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:43:10 +0000

By Isadore M. Chait - We can all agree that in the 21st Century, things move at a rate exponentially faster than they did in the past. It becomes commonplace for inventions and innovations to be so ingrained and so part of normal operating bases as to be taken for granted.

One of the most radical and progressive inventions of humankind was the printing press. It probably took one or two hundred years (or even longer) for most of the world to become “mater-of-fact” about printed books. Another such monumental invention, in more recent times, was the World Wide Web and Internet. This is an invention that has radically changed most all of our lives, most all of our businesses, and has created the greatest number of opportunities as well as pitfalls for human kind since the invention of fire.

How has the Internet affected the world of art, antiques and jewelry? The real question is how has it not?

The Value Of Chinese Furniture Begins With The Wood

I. M. Chait — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:03:49 +0000

By Izzy Chait -
Recently, some collectors of American and European furniture have made comments and asked questions about Chinese furniture, with a viewpoint based upon a false presumption that furniture in and from China is not as sturdy or as durable as Western furniture. I have to say this is not an accurate statement, and this concept, being false, should get put to bed immediately.

The World Antique Market

I. M. Chait — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:25:56 +0000

I. M. Chait – As the population on planet Earth grows, the world seems to be getting smaller and smaller. A few short decades ago, it would have been unheard of or not believed that antique dealers and collectors from around the world could travel with such ease and regularity to all the various cities [...]

Chinese Market Report

I. M. Chait — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:26:38 +0000

A few short weeks ago, some members of my family and I returned from China. We had not been on a buying trip to the Mainland for about a year, and this trip, of a few weeks, was truly an eye-opener. The good news is, the Chinese economy is booming. Their middle class is growing leaps and bounds, and every day hundreds or thousands of collectors come into the marketplace. The bad news is, we are all soon going to have to learn how to say “yes sir” in Mandarin.

Update On The State Of Asian Art

I. M. Chait — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:49:30 +0000

By I. M. Chait - In December of 2008, I sent out a letter (see below) going over my viewpoints as to economic uncertainties, both in America and internationally. This letter was received favorably by many of you and with positive comments. Four months later and on the occasion of my 63rd birthday (of which 40 [...]