Ali & Hichaam Aboutaam

Historically, antiquities have only been a very small part of the art market.  However, they are beginning to attract more attention from collectors and investors.  The black market for antiques has been restricted, causing tighter controls on access to antiques. And this, of course, raises the value of each antique and the interest in this field.

These tighter rules and lower supplies have made people more excited about antiques.  Recently, a bronze head of Ptolemy of Mauretania from around 520 A.D. was sold at Sotheby’s.  Estimated to be worth up to $500,000, it sold for $960,000!

This excitement is certainly good news for antiquities galleries such as Phoenix Ancient Art, owned by Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam.  They understand that antiquities don’t grab headlines the way that other art does – but that antiques are a great opportunity and a great investment.

Today, the purchase of antiques has a new face.  As described on CNNMoney.com, antique purchasing has become more mainstream.  This is particularly true in America.  While antiques have always been of interest to the highly wealthy, the antique world in America is finding more regular Americans coming out to auctions.

Last year at Sotheby’s the auction house was packed – and it wasn’t just full of intellectual dealers and wealthy patrons.  There were many others there as well.  The objects that were being auctioned, as well, were treated differently than they have been in the past.  They were spread out throughout the room and were looked at, leaned on and admired.

Ali and Hicham Aboutaam, well-known antique dealers, are excited about these changes.  As Hicham Aboutaam said,  “There are more and more Americans – all sorts of different classes and types of Americans – traveling throughout the world, going to museums, visiting old Europe, bringing these interests home with them, and wanting to learn more. They go see these things and think, ‘Wow, it can be this beautiful?’ It’s grassroots. It’s exciting.”

If you’re looking for an outstanding show piece, or a terrific investment, Hellenistic antiques are a great choice.  Phoenix Ancient Art offers a large selection of breathtaking Hellenistic antiques.  What exactly is the Hellenistic period?  This is the period of time when Greek art was produced under the rule of Alexander the Greet and his successors. It spanned from the 3rd to the 1st centuries B.C.

During this time period, the Greek empire was all ruled by Alexander the Great, and was a time of great prosperity and opportunity. The antiques from this period include sculptures in marble and bronze, beautiful paintings, and breathtaking mosaics.

Last week saw the exciting Brussels Antiques and Fine Arts Fair finish up in Brussels.  Phoenix Ancient Art owners Ali Aboutaam and Hicham Aboutaam were part of the 130 vendors who were invited to be part of this 55th year of the fair.  Since 1955, Belgium has hosted this fair, said to be the only one of its kind in the world.  They estimated that 36,000 visitors from Belgium and around the world would come to see the vast selection of available antiques.

Antique choices included everything from silver, antique jewelery, furniture and works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, ceramics, drawings, engravings and more. The fair took place at the Tour & Taxis site in the heart of Brussels, creating a location that is easy to get to and that can house all of the items.  A guided tour was available every day at 3 pm.