It is unusual to meet a Chinese-born individual who has taken Japanese nationality. Ando Shokei was among the first Chinese students to go to Japan. He studied economics but always had a keen interest in Chinese fine art through his family business.
His own collection started with ancient bronzes and ceramics, then it grew to include paintings and calligraphy as well. Five years ago he decided to go into the auction business in Japan under the name of Tokyo Chuo.
The best Japanese collectors have bought over decades, even centuries in some cases, and the big Western auction houses assiduously court them. Ando, however, has an advantage...
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