Some considerations when investing in ancient Buddhist, Hindu
and Himalayan art: • In addition to complete sculptures, fragments are a lucrative part of
the market. “Only if the damage detracts from the beauty of a piece does it
detract from its value,” says New York private dealer Doris Weiner.
• Re-carved pieces are a bigger issue. Some sculptures have facial
features that have been sharpened or reshaped, a condition that lowers the value
considerably.
• Beware of modern fakes. “Look for logical weathering,” advises Hugo
Weihe. “If the carving is too crisp, the edges too sharp, be suspicious.”
Fakers, particularly Thai artisans churning out “Khmer” pieces, can be so clever
about aging their work that they can fool even a trained expert.
• Do not buy sculpture while on vacation in Asia. Most countries bar the
exportation of antiquities, and if a dealer says he can send a piece to the
United States, it is probably new.
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