“As an honorary research fellow at the University of Glasgow, Scottish Center for China Studies & School of Culture and Creative Arts, Adrien is considered to be the global expert in this highly significant silver category, and its rich history. He is the only person in the world to be actively carrying out in-depth research into Chinese Export Silver and we are delighted to have him as part of the Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions team,” said James Nicholson, deputy chairman of Dreweatts.
“I could not be more delighted at being appointed a consultant at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions. For some time now I’ve identified them as being one of the few auction houses in the world that has displayed a real understanding of Chinese Export Silver, and its importance as a silver category. The time is absolutely right for an auction house to be known as a specialist house in this field,” said Von Ferscht.
Throughout the economic downturn in the West, Chinese Export Silver has remained one of the most globally buoyant antique silver categories. It is one of the largest categories and has the longest manufacturing period, covering almost 150 years. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions will be the first auction house internationally to have the necessary expertise to understand what is a highly complex silver category manufactured in a country that has no assay system, or accepted form of silver mark. Both Von Ferscht and Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions believe that accurate and informed identification of Chinese Export Silver is the only way to optimize hammer values in an auction setting.
Von Ferscht’s weekly articles are published across Europe, the USA and China on various online platforms and are read by over 60,000 people. Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions will be co-sponsoring future editions of his book “Complete Collectors’ Guide to Chinese Export Silver.”
Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ sale of Fine Silver on Wednesday, Feb. 26, will contain a selection of choice Chinese export silver, including a pair of Qianlong Chinese export silver gilt filigree vases and covers, estimated at £3,000–£4,000 [Lot 801] and a striking pair of 29.5cm high Chinese export silver models of Chinese Huabiao ceremonial columns, estimated at £1,500-2,000 [Lot 803].
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