On June 9, 2006 I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to the Opening Party hosted by Brian Kelley, Director of Dynasties of Asia, Inc. at their showroom in Ft. Lauderdale.  Their stock of one-of-a-kind authentic antiques are from Asia, not just China, but Tibet, India, and many other places.  Most of their stock is at least 100 years old and many pieces are older than that.   

After looking around at their supply, Brian and his life-partner, Del Strahm, went on to give all a brief overview of their shop, how they came about trading in Asian Antiquities, and why it is important to be up-to-date on current political affairs concerning different areas of the world.  

First and foremost, he explained that China wants all relics returned to them, especially anything pre-dating 1911 and this is exclusive to the United States.  What does this mean to the countless museums and private collectors that have certified antiques and have made permanent homes for such items?  Oops—sorry.  Even if you have, and some do, have proof of payment 40-60 years old, there’s nothing the government can do to help you out.  Brian suggested that, if you are concerned, to contact your Representative and let them know not to ratify the amendment that is in Secret Committee.  Apparently, the Chinese are blaming the United States for corrupt behavior.  Also, there is a committee going on right now to decide what is going to happen and how soon actions will be taken.  China has an agreement with Peru but has not demanded from them their artifacts. 

Everything in his store is an original, hand-selected, proven, and tested by experts to be authentic.  Of their inventory 99% have stories to go along with it as well as Certificate of Authenticities.  However, Brian did warn that the best forgers nowadays are the Chinese!  He explained further that they can do amazing replicas and not to be duped into spending considerable sums on forgeries.  He said that it is important, depending on how much you are willing to spend, to consult as many experts as possible to insure that what you are getting is truly authentic.  Brian also went on to explain that the Chinese have become masters at copying:  jade, copper, and stone items and being rather well at it to pass them off as originals—even fooling trained experts and curators.   

As I milled around and observed the pieces, I noticed that their inventory not only included:  stone, wood, and clothing but also wall hangings and fabrics by the bolts.  Here are some of my favorite pieces:

N. Win Style Soldier on Horse\ [Tail Repair] Reproduction Beijing, China $3,370 Estimated 1001

Chinese Court Official 500 years old $13,500

Court Advisor Cap and Lacquer Box 300 Years Old Zhejiang Province $3,000

Chinese Child’s Chair Approximately 300Years Old Henan Province $3,250

Mandala of Manjushri Golden Thangka 150 Years Old Lhasa, Tibet $8,900

Balinese Teak Bed New Bali $7,500

Wealthy Lady’s Shoes 200 Years Old Zhejiang Province $1,650

Buddhist Tara Prayer Lection Approximately 200 Years Old Jokhang Monastery Lhasa, Tibet $8,900

Chinese Ancestry Portraits 175 Years Old Zhe Jang Province $8,900 Each

Chinese Epitaph Approximately 500 Years Old Gansu Province $6,800

These are bolts of fabrics that they have on the walls of their showroom.  Unfortunately, they are only sold by the bolt.  These are some swatches of those fabrics. 

Brian would love to extent to every one interested a private viewing of his collection, and to contact him at 954*661-8881 or on the web at www.dynastiesofasia.com/ to set up an appointment—it’s well worth the trip to those seriously interested.  Also, he is available for questions about the legislation being considered and willing to help you in any way possible.  With the new routes being opened up along the formerly closed Chinese-Tibetan-Indian borders over the past couple of months, it is important to keep a close eye on these historic events and see what kind of possibilities are going to unfold.  Did you know that the highest train in the world just opened that travels at 16,500 feet over the Himalayas and that they just opened the border between China and India at Nathu La which hails the highest ATM and Internet Café in the world?  All within the past couple of months these historic events have happened.  The world is a global trading place and with the help of Brian Kelly from Dynasties of Asia, Inc., they can help bring one part of the world to you.