Ironically, at the forefront of Hong Kong's gradual economic recovery are the antique shops on Hollywood Road.  As stated by a furniture dealer in a recent interview, "our business is prospering as never before."  Who would have thought that Chinese antiques would lead the economic recovery?  The continued prosperity of the American and European economies has allowed western consumers to buy luxury items such as Chinese antiques.  In fact, Chinese art has become a rage in cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, London and Paris and is being used even to complement fashionable South-western home interiors in New Mexico and Arizona.

Buyers, however, need to be wary of mischievous or unscrupulous dealers offering modern reproductions as a "genuine" artifacts.  How does a first-time buyer tell a fake from an authentic piece?  Victor Choi, owner of the Dragon Culture, with two galleries on Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, one in New York 226 east 51st Street, and agents throughout United States and Europe, strongly recommends two keys factors in assuring authenticity: the reputation of the dealer and, for more expensive items, scientific testing.

Ceramic wares can be authenticated by Thermoluminescence (TL) testing.  Tests done on samples taken by worldwide representatives of Oxford Authentication Ltd., Oxford, England are accepted by all major auction houses.  While this test certifies authenticity, a professional dealer still assesses each piece according to its patina, style, weight, color, hardness of clay and general appearance.  The reputation of the dealer is important when acquiring Chinese art, and often enables the buyer to avoid paying the extra expense of the test.

The best way to learn about Chinese antiques is to visit museum and good reputable dealers such as Victor's two galleries on Hollywood road (184 G/F and 231 G/F).  Here you will discover a wonderland of ancient Chinese Culture.  Collectors, tourists, museum curators, and dealers find a myriad of Neolithic pots, pottery from different dynasties, Shang bronzes, jades, wood carvings, snuff bottles, stucco and stone Buddha.  One of the most striking treasures is a rare massive 112cm high Han pottery amber-glazed horse on view as you enter his gallery at 184 G/F Hollywood Road. People throughout the world frequent Victor's galleries because of his reputation and the variety of treasures on view.

Indeed, Victor often appears to be more concerned with cultural education than with selling antiques.  As one walks around the galleries there are brochures on each shelve listing the historic dynasties, advice on authentication, how to start a collection, documentation on each piece and information on shipping pieces from Hong Kong.

Victor's galleries at 184 and, across the street on 231, at the end of Hollywood Road cater mostly to dealers and established collectors who are attracted by his vast collection, one  so extensive that visitors need time to study and examine each piece.  His sister, Lily Choi, is in charge of a four-storey townhouse gallery at 226 East 51st Street, NY, New York and a 20,000 square foot warehouse at Queens.  The New York galllery has an array of Chinese furniture as well as artifacts in its collection.

John Dywer, Victor's associate in San Francisco, has more than 30 years experience in Chinese antiques;  Penn Williamson at Texas has a quality collection of pottery;  Kevin Branch in Los Angeles focuses on wood carvings and Patricia Critchlow in St. Louis has a wide range of pottery from different dynasties.  In addition, Sabina Koch in London has a few years experience working with Victor in Hong Kong, while Maria Grazia Baldan in Italy is accomplished jewellery designer using Warring States and Han Bronze Gilt objects.

Victor believes that Chinese Antiques will become more popular amongst westerners.  Even though his clientele numbers approximately 200 dealers and 5000 clients, he is still actively seeking more professional partners overseas to promote the culture of Dragon (China) by offering bargain prices, quality goods, and high customer service.