As we near the end of this buying trip, the fatigue and stress really taking a toll, I think back to 15 years ago when we started. What kept us going for so long? In the beginning, like many at the time, we sold European decorative objects and modern reproductions or replicas of antique objects. We felt we needed to change not because mass produced replicas break quite easily and thus creating more waste, but rather it is not good for that market. In that business, the only way to compete was to offer the same replicated goods for less; however, that will in no way enhance Taiwanese buyer’s appreciation or taste for the real thing. We began to learn about the antique auctions in Europe, studied European architecture, food, culture, and even weather patterns to prepare ourselves for the new journey.
During the transition, we made numerous mistakes; however, good thing the team supported one another, and we learnt from our mistakes. We accumulated hands-on experiences one only gains after being on the front lines of operations, which is the “discerning eye”, the most important skill for an antique dealer, where he or she can sift out all that is out there and present the very finest to our collectors.In the age of internet, we can purchase almost anything from home. We are also experimenting and looking for the best way to serve our customer this way, using messaging apps, social media and videos to share what we see with our collectors. But in terms of sourcing, we still only trust our own eyes, even for dealers we have worked with for over a decade, and thus we still need to appraise the objects in-person.We feel this is the only way to work to ensure we meet our customer’s expectations and trust in us. The other reason is that there is so much joy in finding the objects that we feel worthy and then sharing them with people who appreciate them.
There is always a sense of stress in this leg of the buying trip, as the items are prepared for shipment, since we need to make sure all the objects are properly wrapped and packed in the container. This winter has been a particularly harsh one as I step on the ankle high snow on the ground, feeling the mudding ground underneath, and the wind blowing so strong I am having trouble walking straight. I think to myself is there any way we can do what we do but with more ease? I realized, no, this is the only way to ensure we meet what we set out to do, and we can overcome it with bad weather and all.
For a work of art to be considered great, not only is the stroke of inspiration essential, there is also market forces to be taken into consideration. As someone who works in antique, I have this dream within me to have more people understand and appreciate works less people know, collect, and are not yet valued as they should be. After all, I feel antiques are not just about objects, but a learning and appreciation for the world we live in; all of its beauty and culture, so we can understand it even better.
For something to be considered good and eternal, it must of course stand the test of time. Antiques are important in our lives because it captures memories and stories from a bygone era reminding us, as hard as we push for advances in technology, can the objects of today really stand the test of time? Antiques are rooted in architecture, music, art and history. They are more then objects; they give us a great perspective on our place in time. Antiques are beautiful, unique, great to look at, and meant to be enjoyed. In the process, we also write our stories and histories through them.
Founded in 2003, Annsons is Taiwan’s premier antique brand, with an over 1,500 European dealers networks. Annsons’s specializes in tracking down hard to find items for collectors, museums, and store owners. Annsons’ Tainan flagship store is over 1,000 squared meters in size, giving visitors a feeling they are walking into a museum. Annsons strives to deliver fine object at prices most collectors find hard to believe. They make over 4 buying trips a year, bringing in nearly 15 containers of products, as well as taking care of buying, packing, importing and selling on their own. The many reason why it holds a place in the heart of every serious collector in Taiwan.
