Some people simply can’t get enough of things from the past, as the art of collecting goes beyond just purchasing antiques and other collectibles.
Humans are graced with a sense of appreciation for finer things in life. Such appreciation is also applied in the realm of collecting antiques and other collectible art objects. Very seldom do mastery and craftsmanship go unacknowledged. We know that it takes high skills, precision, patience and passion to be able to create a piece of art that can withstand the test of time. And this accomplishment translates to the high value the object will have when it hits the market.
Investment Consciousness
Collectors, from children to adults, traditionally see what they do as a hobby. Yet, many of these hobbyists explore more into another side to their hobby, and that is it being a type of investment.
Some people prefer collecting items worth more than just simple shiny objects. In fact, when we talk about antiques and collectibles, we should never disregard the object’s practical values. Home decoration objects and antiques may refer to two different types of collectibles, but they may also be of one and the same. Furniture is one of the favorite choices of collectors considered as a means of satisfying their passion and as an investment. Antique tables, chandeliers, wall mirrors, and paintings are some of the most popular home interior pieces which are also a sound investment.
From Street Level to Soaring Tower
Indonesia has always had a market for antique furniture. Those who live in Greater Jakarta area are perhaps familiar with the legendary Jalan Ciputat Raya, South Jakarta. Walking along the street we can see many old shops selling antique furniture. Chairs and tables, bookcases and wardrobes, ornamented statues and vases, and even heavily sculptured double doors worth millions of rupiah are on display waiting for antique enthusiasts.
In addition to Indonesian antiques, many various antique objects from Asian and European countries are also sold in these shops. Collectors with good eye for antiques may discover truly rare piece of antiques from as far as two centuries ago belonging to old kingdoms in Indonesian archipelago. This sort of items will truly be able to fetch a good price should the owner decide to let them go.
And despite its waning popularity, Jalan Surabaya in Central Jakarta still draws collectors, local or foreign, to come and hunt for items that may interest them. Old cameras, old hanging lamps, vinyl records and other collectibles are found in abundance here. Buyers may try their luck on finding things they have been looking elsewhere but could not find.
Those who prefer much cozier place to look for highly-valued home decorations, bearing international labels and highest degree of authenticity, can do no wrong if they step into the luxurious Da Vinci Tower on Jalan Sudirman or into its store in Melawai, both in Jakarta.
The places feature what may be the peak of home decorations and furniture on offer for wealthy individuals. What Da Vinci offers may not be truly antiques, but the collection of classic-style furniture from the best European and American design houses with centuries of history of craftsmanship. Just about all of the collections are delicately and painstakingly handmade. They are truly authentic and timeless.
Cashing in on Your Investment
Turning a profit from furniture collectibles may not be as easy as reselling your electronics goods. There is a specific market where antiques can be valued in high appraisal.
Nevertheless, one should not overlook the benefit of gaining knowledge from a research on collectible antiques, be it online or offline. Check prices and make inquiries about any particular items. Those items with little or no damage will sell faster and at higher prices, so proper care is always necessary. Should the transaction happen, make sure that the transport or handling of your collectibles is in the hands of professional transporters.
Another we need to do is to research on the best market for our collections. A high-end auction house may be the best choice. Balai Lelang Indonesia, being the largest auction house in the country can help. Or, we can also try to contact prominent auction houses in Singapore if we are sure that what we are selling are worth all the trouble we have to face dealing with overseas dealers.
Many auction houses in Indonesia, or even in countries in Southeast Asia, seem to focus on fine art objects, such as paintings and sculptures. However, there are many places we can go to on the Internet to sell our collection. Even the most typical auction site such as ebay.com features pages where serious antique collectors and investors can buy and sell their collections.
It is always enjoyable to meet other people who share similar interest and passion. Meeting these people will help us build connection which in turn will open the doors to bigger business venture. And, who says that reaping profit and building social network cannot go together?
By Gandi Faisal. Published in HighEnd, November 2011.