With the reunification of Hong Kong to China on July 1st 1997 many art collections, mainly Chinese ceramics and porcelains, have fled the British colony for fear of future restrictions on the circulation of works of art. The collections which have been displaced to other countries over the past six years total some US $ 2 billion dollars so far. China has a strict policy regarding the export of works of art and may apply it to the former British colony. Under Chinese laws works of art made before 1797 require specific export agreements and illegal exports are severely punished. Some important collections of Ming porcelains, Tang sculptures as well jades, furniture and bronzes have been shipped to neighbouring countries, the U.S, Australia, Canada and Britain. Most collectors in Hong Kong have adopted a cautious attitude regarding the take-over by China which has however pledged to keep its existing economic status for at least 50 years. The art market in Hong Kong has been blooming for the past six years and China has shown no marked intention of changing the system.
Home
