NEW: Asian Antiques Course

We've teamed up with Toma Clark Haines, CEO of the world’s most acclaimed Antiques Touring company, The Antiques Diva & Co and Angela Somwaiya, owner of Paul’s Antiques, Thailand who is one of Asia’s most knowledgeable antiques dealers and is the head Antiques Diva Guide for Southeast Asia.

The popularity of using Buddha statues in interior design is increasing to such an extent that the team has dedicated the whole of lesson two to Buddha statues and their varied mudras (hand positions). Angela discusses various Buddha postures (and which ones are rare), how to display Buddha statues in their new homes to show respect for their heritage and spirituality (e.g., when brought back for interior design purposes). Critically Angela also shares correct legal and culturally acceptable practices for exporting Buddha statues from Southeast Asia to Europe or the US. Finally, Angela goes on to reveal the best kept secrets on how to identify which region certain Buddha statues are from, and key characteristics which denote different style periods.

The Antiques Diva™ team gives you insights into other Southeast Asian statues including the pantheon of Nats, various Disciples, Attendants and Angels, as well as their meanings, positions, history and values. This lesson also touches on Mythical beasts, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, statuettes and folk characters.

In the final and fourth lecture, Toma Clark Haines and Angela Somwaiya cover the all important value of Southeast Asian antiques and how to price them.

Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co explained, “Our mission is to make European and Asian antiques accessible. Working with a team of 24 locally-based guides The Antiques Diva™ & Co takes clients on one on one customized antique buying tours in 14 countries in Europe and Asia. We translate, negotiate and ship antiques helping clients navigate the international waters when it comes to global sourcing. We are the leading resource for helping newcomers to Asia source antique abroad. In this course we examine what to buy and why in South East Asia.”

Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva®

Paul’s Antiques Owner, Antiques Diva Guide and Asian Antiques Expert Angela Somwaiya said: “I'm thrilled to be sharing my knowledge and expertise gathered over 24 years of living in Asia with others in this dynamic format." It has always been my desire to increase cross-cultural understanding through the sharing of knowledge, and I believe that the future lies in the combination of cutting edge technology and the understanding and application of ancient wisdom. MyAntiqueSchool makes this combination possible and I'm so excited to be a part of it.” Toma Clark Haines continues, “Our job is to be a cultural liaisons– to be diplomats of the antiques trade – giving our clients and students unprecedented access into the local antiques scene in each of our 14 tour countries in Europe and Asia.”

Angela Somwaiya, owner of Paul's Antiques, Bangkok