Impact of history and provenance on inherited Chinese curios from 1948

Hello everyone,

I have inherited a series of items that were gifted to my parents on the occasion of their marriage in Shanghai in 1948. My father was a senior diplomat and his circle included many well-known people at the top of the political and economic post-war Republic of China world. I have the items, the cards that accompanied the items, my father's hand-written list of who gave what, a newspaper clipping about their wedding and various personal photos of what might be these folks. [I wouldn't recognize them but certainly experts would as they were often in the news of the time.] The gifts include a carved coral boat to heaven, a gold gilt buddha, several Chinese silver dinner sets in their travel boxes and possibly another item or two. I have been told that these items should be presented as a 'collection' as the personal relationships between my father and these men is an important historical moment. I am also told the value at auction would increase exponentially with the added information about provenance.

What do you all think? Is this accurate advice--about presenting things to an auction house with the context added? I'd only give copies of my father's handwritten list and the news article, but the personal cards would go with each item.

Thanks for your perspectives and any thoughts! I can post pictures of the items but hesitate to do so before getting initial feed back. It's a bunch of pictures!

 

I suggest you contact Heritage Auctions, or another one of the high end auction houses and their experts will advise you.

An auction house that already sells high end Chinese items could also be a good idea. Sign up with some auction houses and you can search and see sold prices.

LiveAuctioneers is a good one to start with since you can see sold prices for free

 

Thank you, Joe for these great ideas!

 

Yes, this is good advice. Well documented provenance almost always enhances value, as can the specific association with important individuals.