in this business profile, we meet Sebastien Laurent, a French who works in the antique industry and decoration of its base in Yogyakarta, Central Java.
Hello, Sebastien. Tell us why antiques? What about old things fascinate you?
At a very young age, I was already fascinated by old things. I admired the old buildings and I always felt that I was born in the wrong century. But I came into this business because of my father, who was also an antiques dealer. I follow him when he bought beautiful old antiques auction. I remember the first time to a small auction in the town of Melun in France, it allowed me to make an offer on a green clay. I was only eight years old!
history of Indonesia is long and complex, but it does not seem to be enough awareness or interest in the subject. Why do you think it is? What got you interested in Indonesia's history in the first place?
Honestly, it is a sensitive subject. History and art are related, of course. If you do not care about your own story, then you do not worry about your arts and traditions. I'm not an expert on Indonesian history or art. My knowledge is all about Europe, but of course, after years and years here, I learned about the amazing Javanese culture and arts. Unfortunately, the foundations of art are rare.
Therefew years, one of the largest Javanese antiquities went on sale here - David Smith and James Tirtoprodjo Collection. Each piece was sold individually. I am very surprised that nobody had the idea to buy the entire collection and donate it to a national museum. The price was not even that of a beautiful apartment in Jakarta to hundreds of well-chosen pieces. You can still read the book of Bruce Carpenter about this collection: Javanese Antique Furniture and Folk Art. Didier Millet, Csi; January 16, 2010. companies or Big Western banks are used to sponsor major events in art or donate a chance to have their names associated with architectural renovation. They could do exactly the same thing here.
You are from France, where the antique markets pop up almost every week in so many cities, which are extremely popular among locals and tourists. Does this concept work well here?
There are some projects in Jakarta and Yogyakarta to establish a genuine antiques fair from 20 to 50 exhibitors from all over Indonesia, but the organization is a matter and the organization is not really a word that fits well with antiques!
Let's talk business. How long have you been buying and selling antiques in Indonesia? Is it a profitable business?
antiques I been selling 25 years and about 10 of those years were in Indonesia. It can be quite profitable to live. I'll tell you something, antiques are the most secret society people.
What about your customers. Who are they?
An eclectic mix of westerns, residents, and other dealers.
what kind of things your customers are generally looking for?
Indonesians ask especially decorative pieces in the sense that it must be a little impressive. They like teak wood, glass and porcelain. Westerners are different, particularly dealers who export to Europe or the United States; they are looking for something unique or unusual.
What is the best place to go antique hunting in Indonesia?
Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Malang, Bandung, Bali. But most serious dealers do not have a store, you must know them. I told you, it is a secret world!
Many people visit Jalan Surabaya in Menteng, Jakarta to go hunting antiques. Can you tell us what you think of this road and can we find in fact genuine antiques here?
depends on what you want, but Jalan Surabaya is certainly not the place to go if you 're looking for serious antiques. It is more of a flea market.
What is the most valuable piece you've ever discovered? Tell us the story.
14 years ago, during an auction in Normandy, France, where I did not want to go - my colleagues practically forced me to join - j 'I found a e century wooden box 13 traveler message, something very special and very collectible. I bought it for a reasonable price and sold for unreasonable! But as my father always said, if you join an antique dinner, they always talk about the fantastic deals they have done because you can mention them in a few hours. The bad business, you need a lifetime to mention!
How can you tell when an antique is original or replica? There tips you can share with us
The learning of art is like learning a language ?; it takes time and experience. Do not count in the years when it comes to the knowledge of antiques, plus decades. We learn from books, auctions, museums, and even if we study for decades, we still do from time to time mistakes. The first tip is to dare, to buy, and the failure to re-buy, re-dare and re-check. Then you start to learn. Learning the beauty of something that you do not like really is the most difficult thing. This is antiques.
What is a rookie mistake to make when you are starting off in the trade in antiquities?
Think you know better than the guy who is an antiques dealer and believe the rarest crazy magical stories Ming Chinese porcelain found in a 14 e boat century ago two weeks in Sumatra, which is on sale at USD200 because the guy needs money!
I would like to see a local version of The Antiques Roadshow in Indonesia, a travel TV show visiting different cities and see what people have gems to share and value. Would not you?
I love this program! I watched the father of my girlfriend in London in the late 1990s was a good antiques collector and always guess the price. I'm sure this could work very well in Indonesia, but precious antiques are extremely rare here and the success of the program relies on the amazing things that often reappear calm. I have the whole collection on DVD. I'm not even kidding!
What are the challenges you face as an antiques dealer in Indonesia?
Find interesting pieces less. But on the rise, I am surrounded by the friendly dealers. There is always a silver lining.