The Three “Do Not Buy” Rules of Antique Collecting: Wisdom for New Collectors
古玩收藏「三不買」原則：新手必讀
Introduction: The Allure and Pitfalls of Antique Hunting
How to spot fake Chinese antiques？
China’s antique market is booming, with passionate collectors scouring flea markets, auctions, and online platforms for hidden treasures. Yet, behind the excitement lies a harsh reality: over 95% of “rare finds” are modern fakes, and even genuine pieces are often low-value imitations.
This article unpacks three timeless rules—“Do Not Buy” (三不買)—to help beginners navigate this high-risk, high-reward world.
Rule 1: Do Not Buy What You Do Not Understand (不懂行的不要買)
Antique collecting spans ceramics, bronzes, jade, paintings, and more. Each category requires years of study. For example:
- Ceramics: Glazes, kiln marks, and clay composition vary by dynasty. A “Song Dynasty” vase might be a 20th-century replica.
- Calligraphy: Ink aging and paper fibers reveal authenticity.
Case Study: A collector spent decades amassing “Ming porcelain,” only to learn 98% were fakes. Key Lesson: Expertise comes from handling real artifacts in museums, not just reading books.
Pro Tip: Start with one category. Attend auctions, study museum catalogs, and consult experts.
古玩分陶瓷、青銅、玉器等多類，每類需數年鑽研。舉例：
- 瓷器：釉色、胎土隨朝代變化，所謂「宋代汝窯」可能是近代仿品。
- 書畫：墨色老化、紙張纖維需顯微觀察。
案例：某藏家收藏「明代青花」數十年，後經鑑定98%為贗品。關鍵：真品知識來自博物館實物，非僅書本。
Rule 2: Do Not Buy If You Have Doubts (有懷疑的不要買)
Modern forgers use 3D scanning, aged clay, and chemical patinas to fool even seasoned collectors.
Red Flags:
- “Too perfect” details: Hand-painted imperfections are hard to replicate.
- Mismatched aging: Glaze oxidation should align with base wear.
Example: A “Song Dynasty” Cizhou vase had slightly stiff carvings—a sign of machine-assisted forgery. The seller claimed it was “a rare variant,” but true antiques are unmistakable (“大開門”).
Pro Tip: If 10 experts say it’s fake, walk away.
現代贗品採用3D複刻、化學做舊，連專家都可能上當。
警示：
- 線條過於工整：古代手工必有微小瑕疵。
- 做舊不自然：釉光與胎底老化應一致。
案例：一件「宋磁州窯」剔花罐，紋飾稍顯呆板，賣家辯稱「特殊器型」，但真品必符合時代特徵（大開門）。
Rule 3: Do Not Buy Below Market Price (不符合市場價位的不買)
Genuine treasures never sell cheaply. A “Qianlong vase” priced at $1,000 is guaranteed fake—real ones fetch millions.
Market Reality:
- Auction Houses: Sotheby’s/Christie’s vet items rigorously.
- Undervalued “Gems”: Likely bait for scams.
Pro Tip: Use price databases (e.g., Artnet) to compare sales.
撿漏＝陷阱。若「乾隆琺瑯彩」標價千元，必假無疑。
行情參考：
- 拍賣行：佳士得、蘇富比真品價碼透明。
- 可疑低價：多為「殺新手」套路。
Conclusion: Collect with Patience
Antiques are time machines, but the market is a minefield. Follow these rules to avoid costly mistakes.
收藏是與歷史對話，但市場險惡。牢記「三不買」，方能避坑。
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