John N. Cohen

Some of the Wealthiest Chinese are Now Investing in 18th Century Jade!

Jadeite and Nephrite (although different both are referred to as jade) have been highly valued for thousands of years, especially by the Chinese. But for so many years it has mostly been the Western world that took over this fascination of collecting an... Read >

Some of the Wealthiest Chinese are now Investing in 18th Century Jade!

Jadeite and Nephrite (both referred to as jade) have been highly valued for thousands of years, especially by the Chinese. But for so many years it has mostly been the Western world that took over this fascination of collecting antique jade carvings. He... Read >

Asian Antiques & The Economic Crisis

Asian Antiques & The Economic Crisis With such an awesome economic crisis worldwide, many of us naturally wonder how this is affecting the antique and art market. This is a question that understandably concerns all collectors who might be considering ... Read >

Inside Painted Chinese Snuff Bottles

There are some really incredible antique Chinese snuff bottles, mostly made of glass, that have been painted, but on the inside of the bottle! When one looks at the size of the hole it does seem to be a very difficult achievement, yet they have succeeded... Read >

Keeping and handling Japanese inro

Antique lacquer was always highly valued for its lasting qualities and strength. A very high gloss could be achieved, proving impervious to alcohol, acids and hot liquids. It would also have appealed to the Zen Buddhism ideals of 'Yin and Yang', as lacq... Read >

Netsuke Cord Holes (himotoshi)

When collecting Japanese netsuke most of the true antique netsuke, as against lots of modern copies, will normally have two connecting cord holes (known as himotoshi), but one will be much larger than the other! The netsuke was a handling piece, that ... Read >

How best to begin buying antiques in auction or from dealers

ABOUT BECOMING AN ANTIQUE COLLECTOR Before buying anything; make a point of studying books and catalogues (even old ones) on your subject, then attend a few auctions, be sure to inspect your choice of antiques on the viewing days before the auction, alwa... Read >

Netsuke & Inro really belong together!

NETSUKE Japanese netsukes are superb little carvings, mostly made out of ivory or wood, as handling pieces, or toggles. So one good way of judging a good netsuke is to handle it – it should feel very comfortable and interesting, in the hand, having no s... Read >

Amazing pictures from flaws or inclusions found in stones!

FROM NATURAL FLAWS TO PICTURES Everyone will I am sure appreciate well hollowed stone antique Chinese snuff bottles, once handled, as the lovely shapes and purity of the stones used just cannot fail to impress. One would imagine that the approach would ... Read >

Finding the best antique bargains of all can be so surprising!

As a collector of antique Japanese netsuke, inro, lacquer boxes, as well as Chinese snuff bottles and Jade carvings (particularly pendants) like all other collectors I have always been looking out for the chance to buy a bargain! Values One has to be... Read >

Collecting only unique Chinese antiques – the what, how and why.

Firstly, we had decided that we would only collect antiques that we considered to be beautiful, secondly, the craftsmanship had to be outstanding and thirdly we preferred to collect really unique treasures! By unique, we mean hand crafted, rather than ma... Read >

The advantages of specialising and only collecting the finest antiques!

As rather specialised Asian antique collectors, over a very long period, we have managed to help form collections of really fine Japanese netsuke, inro, lacquer boxes, Chinese snuff bottles, pendants, jade and hard stone carvings. One advantage of co... Read >

Antique Chinese snuff bottles – Stones that float!

When collecting Chinese antique snuff bottles, one can choose to collect glass, porcelain, bottles made from organic materials (such as amber or coral), or perhaps the inside painted bottles, but there is sure to be a time when one will decide to collect,... Read >

Spare wheels are inconveniently stored in modern cars!

Having been a keen British classic car enthusiast for many years (particularly fond of the Jensen classic cars of the early sixties) I only recently purchased a very advanced luxurious modern car. My new car is packed with what amounts to amazing technol... Read >

Collecting Chinese snuff bottles – magical stone pictures!

Over a good many years we have created, though I say it myself, quite an important Snuff Bottle Collection. My wife, thank goodness, shares my interest in these little bottles, but perhaps I should warn you, collecting anything is a bit like a bug, once c... Read >