Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, Sri Lankan Treasures…. finally seeing what I write

Not just genealogy–

Qing porcelain made for the Asian Market: Late 19th century very Large Famille Rose Green-Ground 'In and Out' Offering Dish (painted both inside and on the underside of the rim),
Qing porcelain made for the Asian Market: Late 19th century very Large Famille Rose Green-Ground ‘In and Out’ Offering Dish (painted both inside and on the underside of the rim)

courtesy Michael Backman Ltd, London, UK

I also explore collectibles for several  online/offline publications, including Antique Trader and Collectibles Trader. I generally learn each topic (Satsuma, Sevres porcelain, and Steuben glass, say) from scratch, hoping that, by the final editing,  I’ve  created a semblance of clarity and order. Yet I’ve rarely seen the rare and unusual objects  I write about.

Seeing is believing–

So what a treat. while in London,  to pop by Michael Backman Ltd,  a museum-like gallery  devoted to anything from Indonesian gold earrings to Spanish Colonial silver to Nepalese bronze ewers to Burmese palm leaf manuscripts … and  more.

We were   regaled with  explanations of

his expertise and experience

his background (France, Indonesia, Australia)

his fascination with trade and migration routes

his  sourcing ( local  estates and  from Brits  whose ancestors visited  these lands)

his  works on Asian economics  (published in English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Indonesian)

A feast for the eyes and the imagination.

Standing Cup and Cover, c.1860, Hoaching
Standing Cup and Cover, c.1860, Hoaching

courtesy Michael Backman Ltd, London, UK

Visit him at

Michael Backman, Ltd.

No. 1 New Burlington Street
London  W1S 2JD
United Kingdom