Specialist, Chinese Works of Arts

About Us

Bonhams is a privately owned international auction house. Founded in , we hold more than specialist sales a year in different categories at our flagship sale rooms in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong.

About the department

We are an international auction leader in Chinese art, with sales rooms world-wide, three of them in the United States. Our New York and Los Angeles sales rooms have set multiple world record prices, and are known for our professionalism, wealth of experience and attention to our clients. We are the global leader in Europe and the UK and have a thriving and growing market share in Asia through our Hong Kong sales and APAC team. We are renowned for offering the finest works of art representing the richness and breadth of China's artistic heritage, particularly Imperial porcelain, white and spinach green jades, cloisonné enamel, archaic and later bronzes, Ming and Qing furniture as well as Buddhist art.

About the role

The Specialist will work closely with the department and will actively source property for sale, focusing on Chinese works of art and US and international buyers.

Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an active pipeline of new clients and buyers.
• Expand and sustain contacts with collectors and individuals building on the existing database.
• Actively pursue new business for the department and secure profitable consignments with a focus on exceeding budgeted targets and maximizing profitability.
• Source property for live and online auctions in Los Angeles and New York, with a financial target to be set annually.
• Research and catalogue works of art for sale, including provenance and footnotes where applicable.
• Travel domestically and internationally following all applicable advisories and guidelines to source property and expand client base.
• Build museum relationships for deaccession, cooperation and future purchases.
• Review property as it comes in for auction, examine and prepare condition reports.
• Respond to email enquiries regarding valuations for sale or insurance purposes.
• Provide general assistance to help facilitate the smooth operation of the department.
• Assist department where needed with catalogue design, layout, and proofing.
• Assist in marketing efforts by providing content to Marketing on lots both sold and upcoming; liaise with Press on deadlines, keeping department notified of any deadlines, and marketing opportunities.
• Ensure a consistently positive and seamless client experience and satisfaction of all contractual obligations.
• Enthusiastically promote department sales during previews, special events, lectures, etc.
• Be available and work during previews to troubleshoot and advise clients.
• Provide phone bidding and clerking assistance during sales.
• From time-to-time additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned by the Department Head and US Head.

Qualifications

What We Offer

In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Bonhams offers a competitive benefits package to encourage work / life balance, including :

Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

Bonhams participates in E-Verify.