Asian Art Cataloguer

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Asian Art Cataloguer to join our client’s Asian Art Department. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with a strong interest in Asian art and a desire to develop their career in the auction industry. The successful candidate will assist in cataloguing a wide variety of artworks. You will work closely with colleagues to ensure that our upcoming auctions feature comprehensive and accurate descriptions of each lot.

Responsibilities:

• Cataloguing: Assist in the cataloguing of Asian art objects for auction, including researching, writing detailed descriptions, and ensuring all relevant information is included in the auction catalogue.
• Research: Conduct in-depth research on artworks, artists, and historical contexts of the pieces. This may involve liaising with external experts, consulting academic resources, and using digital archives to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is provided.
• Condition Reports: Assist with creating condition reports for lots, noting any damage, restoration, or other relevant details for potential buyers.
• Photography and Display: Work with the photography team to ensure that high-quality images are taken of each lot. Collaborate on setting up pieces for viewing exhibitions and auction previews.
• Client Interaction: Assist with responding to client inquiries about specific lots, offering basic expertise on Asian art pieces and handling requests for additional details or condition reports.
• Exhibitions: Help coordinate and assist with exhibitions and viewing events, ensuring that items are properly prepared and displayed for public viewing.
• Auction Preparation: Contribute to the preparation of auction materials, including the creation of lot descriptions and assisting with the physical setup for the auction.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues to support the smooth execution of auctions.
• Administrative Tasks: Assist with general administrative duties as needed, including managing cataloguing systems and maintaining accurate records for auction lots.

Requirements:

• Passionate about Asian art and eager to learn and grow in the field.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proactive and enthusiastic, with a positive attitude toward team collaboration.
• A professional and personable demeanor when interacting with clients, colleagues, and external experts.
• Educational Background: A degree or equivalent qualification in Asian Art, Art History, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with a strong academic background in Asian art or cultural studies will also be considered.
• Experience: Ideally, some experience in the art market, auction house environment, or a related field. Previous internships or roles related to art cataloguing, Asian art collections, or museum work are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Asian Art: A solid understanding of key periods and styles of Asian art, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Southeast Asian art. Knowledge of historical periods, craftsmanship, and artistic movements is essential.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail is critical when writing catalogue descriptions, researching works, and inspecting the condition of pieces.
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough and independent research using online databases, auction records, and academic resources.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear, accurate, and engaging catalogue descriptions for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and support colleagues across departments, especially in a fast-paced auction setting.
• Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general knowledge of auction software systems; experience with cataloguing or image management software is a plus.