High-quality Chinese export ceramics of all forms did well in 1998. Expect them to continue to be hot in 1999. One point is obvious though. High-quality period labeled American furniture is very hot, and that leads us to the next item. Sell 'em fast.
Fads are fads, folks, and they have a hot season, then it's all downhill.
Hot no longer and, if law officials have their way, destined to be put on ice for a long time. Unfortunately, last year we carried a lot of stories illustrating the dark side of the business. In January we reported that a Pennsylvania appraiser and collector had been charged with theft by deception, enhancing objects to simulate more valuable pieces. Look for more of the same in 1999. Hot and rare.