Chinese antiques come into the following six categories: porcelain,calligraphy and paintings,books,jewelry, curios,and furniture.

The first consideration is whether the antiques are allowed to export. According to Chinese laws,only antiques dated after 1797(during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing dynasty) can be traded and taken out of China. Antiquities to be taken out of China must carry a little seal (in sealing wax) certifying that the item has been passed for export and be stamped by the National Administration for the Preservation of Cultural Relics, or secure a license for export. The Administration has officers stationed at various department stores and antique markets to help shoppers verify their purchases.

Since there are many imitations in the market,you should be careful when buying expensive items.

My advice to anyone is to buy Chinese antiques, but know what you are buying before you make any decisions. As the saying goes, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder",so if you like something, you are the one who will have to live with it.