Secrets of the tomb – revealing the origins of the wine table (Chinese antique furniture video series)

Chinese-antique-furniture-wine-table-07-710x335 Secrets of the tomb - revealing the origins of the wine table (Chinese antique furniture video series)

This video traces the history of the wine table, a unique form of Chinese antique furniture. Starting from its origins hidden away in the depths of ancient tombs, you will discover how it was used over a 1000 years ago, and see its popularity in later dynasties.

Chinese lattice: The best book on traditional Chinese window lattice patterns

books-about-Chinese-Screens-710x335 Chinese lattice: The best book on traditional Chinese window lattice patterns

For centuries the Chinese used paper covered wooden lattice grilles in their windows. The lattice was often painted in black or dark red lacquer and decorated with gilt flowers and ornament. As the paper was translucent it was the shadow of the lattice design that was the window feature instead of actual views of the outside world.

An army of tomb raiders set siege to China’s ancient treasures

The-looted-interior-of-a-nearly-1800-year-old-tomb-near-the-city-of-Anyang-in-central-Henan-province-710x335 An army of tomb raiders set siege to China’s ancient treasures

It’s perhaps not surprising that grave robbing has a long tradition in China – after all, Chinese civilization stretches back several thousand years. But a 21st century twist is turning this age-old crime into an epidemic. Inspired by get-rich-quick yarns and a series of popular novels, young migrant workers and peasants have teamed up in the thousands through internet chat rooms to loot historic tombs in key provinces.

Video: The roots of Hong Kong’s antiques trade and collections

main-members-of-curio-and-antique-traders-from-north-china-who-moved-to-Hong-kong-after-1949-710x335 Video: The roots of Hong Kong's antiques trade and collections

A nod to the Chinese New Year month and the roots of Hong Kong’s antique trade, this talk takes a look at the strength and resilience of Chinese antique trade and collecting in the city. This talk will cover the perseverance and revitalisation of this trade in contemporary times, the current social climate, the ongoing global pandemic and more.

Hong Kong must shut door on illicit trade in antiquities before it can emerge as global art hub

272f9384-2299-11e8-b079-e65f92ed111a_1280x720_160532-1-710x335 Hong Kong must shut door on illicit trade in antiquities before it can emerge as global art hub

The trade in looted artefacts in Hong Kong began over a century ago, when such items were sold on Hollywood Road. Experts say Hong Kong’s busy port and set of rules protecting buyers of illicit pieces have allowed this trade to continue. “If you want to buy looted antiquities, Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world to do it,” says Steven Gallagher, associate dean of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Law.