Everything here is fragile, old and irreplaceable. Packing is not an afterthought.
How pieces are packed
Double-boxed with a floating inner carton, acid-free tissue against the glaze, and foam or air-cushion suspension between the boxes. Stands are packed separately from the object they carry. Lids travel apart from their jars, with padding between, so that two pieces of porcelain never touch in transit. The outer box is marked fragile and this way up.
This is the same standard the conservation bodies recommend for museum loans, and it is set out in the care guide if you ever need to send a piece back or move one yourself.
Carriage and insurance
Delivery arrangements depend on the object and destination. Please enquire for a delivery quote. Any carriage charges, available services and estimated timings will be set out before you commit to a purchase.
Every shipment is insured for the full sale value. You will have a tracking number before it leaves. If a piece arrives damaged, photograph the box and the contents before you unpack any further, and contact me as soon as possible; the claim is mine to make, not yours, and we will agree the appropriate remedy in line with your consumer rights.
Collection in person
You are welcome to collect. If you would rather see the piece before it is packed, that is a viewing, and it is the better option for anything large or valuable.
International buyers — read this
Prices are in pounds sterling and do not include import duty or local taxes, which are payable by you on arrival.
International orders may be subject to import duties, taxes or local restrictions. These vary by destination and can change. Please check the current requirements in your country before buying. Customs declarations will state the contents and value accurately.
Antique ceramics over 100 years old are generally classified under a dedicated antiques heading in most customs tariffs, which in many countries attracts a lower rate than new goods; whether that applies to your purchase depends on your country and is something to check before you buy. The import duty, CITES and shipping post goes through the UK side in detail.
CITES and restricted materials
Some carved hardwood stands fall under CITES. Where a piece has a stand that may be affected, it is stated on the listing and the stand can be sold separately or retained. I do not deal in ivory.