Antique China
Recent Reports of Looting, Theft, Prosecution and Recovery on the World Wide Web
June 2000 U.S. Customs Press Release, U.S. Customs Commissioner Returns Stolen Italian Artifacts. U.S. Customs Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly returned a portion of a cache of over 230 Italian vessels dating from c. 330 B.C. to the Italian Ambassador in Washington, DC. May 2000 Harrington, Spencer P.M., China Buys Back Its Past. Archaeology Online News (May 11, 2000). The Chinese government spent millions of dollars purchasing art objects looted from the Summer Palace over 100 ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
For those who like to purchase artwork and handicrafts, China offers a wide variety. Antique ceramics, scrolls, carvings, and hardwood furniture are available, but prices are high, and objects predating the 19th century cannot be taken out of the country. Export of antiques is subject to close scrutiny by the Cultural Relics Department, which must approve any item before packers are permitted to pack it. Modern copies are widely sold, though the quality varies. Contemporary Chinese painting—both traditional watercolors and oils—is receiving increasing international recognition. Indeed, recent studies by Western scholars argue that the contemporary Chinese art market is substantially undervalued. The handicraft industry has flourished under the economic reforms and offers many regional specialties: Guizhou batik, Suzhou embroidery, carved chops, paper cuts, porcelain figurines, cloisonn‚, cinnabar, carved lacquer, wicker work, basketware, and others. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: White House Briefing on Bush Bilaterals in Shanghai
Q: But it's an antique? Is it old? ... SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I don't know. I can't answer that, because I don't know. My impression was that it is old, but I don't know that for a fact. I mean, it was -- the note I have said that it was acquired through a private association which has preserved the bow and arrow. But I'm not sure that it was antique or not. ... [Read More]
Mongolia
Mongolian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning import and export of items such as firearms, ammunition and antiquities. Import of firearms or ammunition requires prior approval from the Government of Mongolia. Export of antiquities requires a special customs clearance certificate issued by authorized antique shops at the time of purchase. For additional information contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20402, tel: (202) 333-7117. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Macau is an interesting place to spend a day or weekend. As stated earlier, this 400 year-old former Portuguese colony located 40 miles west of Hong Kong is a place of old and gentle Mediterranean charm on the one hand, and a city on the move on the other; bright lights, large construction sites and new high rises are rapidly changing its skyline. It is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in Asia. Travel by high-speed ferry takes just about an hour. The cuisine, a mixture of Portuguese, Indian, English, and Chinese styles, is tasty and interesting. Antique shopping is another good excuse to make the trip to Macau. ... [Read More]
Vietnam
Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques, but the laws on the subject are vague and unevenly enforced. Antique objects are subject to inspection and seizure by customs authorities with no compensation made to owners/travelers. The determination of what is an "antique" can be arbitrary. Purchasers of non-antique items of value should retain receipts and confirmation from shop owners and/or the Ministry of Culture and the Customs Department to prevent seizure upon departure. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
For example, "Joinwell" furniture company in Sliema, besides modern pieces, also makes reproductions of antique furniture. Their prices are slightly higher than those in the U.S., and delivery time is between 3-6 months. Antique furniture in Malta (mostly of British origin) is sold in numerous antique stores or at public auctions. These auctions sometimes include valuable collections of old furnishings, paintings, and silver. Occasionally, you can find interesting antiques at reasonable prices. In general, however, antiques of Maltese origin are rare to find, and highly priced, because Maltese families do not like to part with them. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Malacca, situated about 150 kilometers southeast of Kuala Lumpur, a two-hour drive by highway (or longer if the scenic coastal drive is taken), is one of the more interesting and picturesque places in Malaysia. The city’s architecture reflects its long history as a seaport city-state and later as a colonial stronghold of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, who held it from 1824 until Malaysia’s independence in 1957. Though prices for antiques have climbed in recent years, some members of the Embassy staff enjoy window-shopping in Malacca for Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British antiques. Malacca is a good place to take visitors. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
To export any antique items and/or works of art, written permission from the Ministry of Culture must be obtained. ... [Read More]
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