Showcase of beauty
In volatile, uncertain economic times investors are on the look-out for a safe bet. And the antiques, art and collectables market is the place people in the know are turning to.
This week’s National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire will show a large collection of art works, from the old SA masters such as JH Pierneef and Irma Stern to the modern masters such as William Kentridge and Norman Catherine.
Now into its 16th year, the fair has set the trend in art and collectables.
It covers an array of interests, from antiques, vintage and retro furniture to specialist areas such as Chinese and Japanese pieces.
In an attempt to broaden the range of collectables to include modern wares, the fair organisers have this year invited celebrated interior designer Stephen Falcke to set up an exhibit.
This year, for the first time among the antiques, vintage clothes, jewellery, coins, porcelain and designer handbags, will be a Japanese exhibit which will include swords, armour, pottery and screens.
It will be manned by Japanese specialist collector David Volkwyn, who says that the first showing at the arts and antiques fair is to build an interest in an area of collecting that has a tiny, niched following in SA. “It is still a very unsophisticated market, but there is an interest,” says Volkwyn. His interest in Japanese collectables began with perhaps the most well-known of its genres, Samurai swords.
It put him in touch with other SA collectors and there is now a Japanese Sword Society of SA.
“The Japanese sword is tradable anywhere in the world and most reputable auction houses have Japanese specialists on their staff,” says Volkwyn.
Adding to the international flavour is the 200th anniversary of Royal Doulton, with some rare and valuable pieces on show, fronted by American ceramics dealer Ed Pascoe. Dutch antiques specialist Ricus Dullaert will also showcase European and Chinese pieces.
The National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from June 3 to June 5.