Written by Peter Reynaers | 10th September 2018
In our Expert Talks, we hand over the metaphorical pen to one of our experts to discuss a subject in their field of expertise. In this edition, archaeology expert Peter Reynaers gives advice on how new and young collectors can start and grow their collections of treasures from the ancient world.
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All beginning and young collectors are keen to have a substantial collection they want to learn from and show to their friends. Luckily, we have a wide variety of items in all kinds of price ranges at Catawiki, so you can quickly grow your collection. Because of the eye of the experts involved, even the small works of art or the things the Ancients used in their daily lives passed the first set of rules on quality and originality.
A fine collection of flint and stone tools from the European Neolithic age (5000 - 2000 BC) a hand axe, grinding stone and five earthenware spindle whorls
In our auctions, you can acquire a great piece for as little as a few tens of euros. This gives new and young collectors the opportunity to learn about real pieces, without having to pay premium prices to own something from the ancient world. This results in learning, touching, appreciating and developing your understanding of the ancient pieces.
Turquoise blue shabti wearing tripartite black wig and black beard, front column with hieroglyphs. Egypt, ca 640 BC
Sometimes, a fragment of a papyrus pops up and gives you the real feel of an Ancient Egyptian sitting near to you and writing his tax bill or grocery list before going to the market. Or What about a real wooden, ancient mummy mask? It can be yours…. and have you dreaming about the little Indiana Jones that is part of your fantasy world, only this time you made it real!
Ancient Egyptian wooden sarcophagus mask, 6th - 4th century B.C.
Every week, there are lots that combine several ancient Roman fibula or bronze rings from which you can learn all about the green patina of ancient bronze and how a bronze was cast in the ancient world.
Ancient Roman iron fire starters, 2nd - 3rd century A.D.
Treasures such as Roman glasses can also be found in our auctions. These glasses were usually made to contain precious oils and perfumes that came straight from the banks of the Nile and that were then exported all over the known world, from the high provinces in what was then called Germania to the banks of the Indus River.
Small, nicely preserved, Ancient Roman glass balsamarium. 4th - 6th century A.D.
Small pottery, used by Roman Legionaries, their weapons (spearheads, arrowheads, small daggers) show us the 'harder' side of life in those days, the time that animals had to be chased to have food and the days that they were fighting for preserving their way of life, be it the Roman or the Celtic side of the story.
Prehistoric, tri-lobed socketed arrowheads. 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Here are my 5 top tips for new and young collectors to help them grow their collections.
1. Browse our auctions
It gives you the opportunity to learn, to buy affordable and touch, to appreciate and to develop your understanding of the ancient pieces and most importantly, your personal taste.
2. Attend high-end art fairs
At a fair, you will see the high-end pieces, and develop your eye for quality. This is important to be able to recognise the beauty in even a little glass when we have one on offer.
3. Go gallery hopping
Learn from everyone in the trade. These people are specialists and began their journey the same way you are starting it: by buying, looking, comparing and reading. So they will offer you important insights into what a good piece is and what it meant to the ancients.
4. Support and visit your local museum
Most local museums keep a classical collection of pieces from the ancient world. Although behind glass, you will still be able to see and learn without touching.
5. Buy the best you can afford
This last tip does not need much explanation; the nicer a piece is, the better it will increase in value over time. But no matter what you end up buying, there are some trite but true words: “trust your gut and find something that speaks to you.”
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Make the most of this exclusive opportunity to own a special object that once was used and loved by an Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Celt or someone else from these times past. Visit our Archaeology auctions and discover what speaks to you. If you are interested in becoming a seller, it’s easy and free to register. With a worldwide audience, Catawiki is the perfect platform to sell your special objects.
Discover more Ancient Greek | Ancient Roman | Ancient Egyptian | Celtic
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