In a time of bustling global art markets, Christie's announced a total annual revenue of USD6.27 billion in 2012, with a 10% increase in new registered bidding clients, and an average of 39% jump in the number of buyers in the six successful auctions as a result of the newly introduced online auction platform. Meanwhile, many auction companies have been established in the brisk art auction market, China Guardian, one of the top ranking Chinese auction companies that sell Chinese artworks, shares with us its opinion on the prospect and risk of art investment.

According to the spokesperson of China Guardian, Chinese paintings and calligraphy and porcelain are the most popular among investors in the current Chinese artwork market. "Chinese paintings and calligraphy currently take up 60% of China Guardian's transaction volume, while porcelain art pieces take up 10% to 20%. Moreover, new bestsellers such as antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and contemporary ceramics and sculptures have been gaining collectors' attention and passion in recent years. Also garnering attention are art auction houses and items with great cultural value."

But what are the advantages and risks of art investment? Apparently, art investment is a realm of tremendous meaning and value, according to the spokesperson, yet it may not be the ideal kind of investment for those looking at monetary returns as reward. "We advise our clients to be both collectors and investors of art, and majorly as a collector. While investment is the validation of the art piece's value, collectors can derive more joy from the ownership of the art piece and preservation of its value."

Like any other kinds of investment, there are the basic prerequisites to become an apt investor. "The investor should be a financially capable art enthusiast," said the spokesperson. Which shouldn't be too much work as it would be difficult to research, scout and understand art with perseverance, let alone to train an eye for exquisite art pieces, without genuine passion for art in the beginning. By the same token, an absence of enthusiasm for art would hardly yield a return.

It's precisely because of its nature that makes art investment suitable for retirees, who have the luxury of time on hand to grow an interest for art. "All it takes for beginners to art investment is the love of and interest in artworks, as well as the willingness to spend time on appreciating and understanding art. People equipped with these qualities would be more capable of becoming art collectors," said the spokesperson.

When investing in art, be sure to choose reliable and reputable auction companies, as recent years have seen incidents of fraudulent auctions unscrupulous charges occurred from the want to reap the colossal profits from these auctions. China Guardian warns against fraudsters and adds that there should not be pre-auction administration fee or obtaining membership through the purchase of products.


Special Thanks:
China Guardian
www.cguardian.com