By Mary Smith
Jiazhen Zhang is not just a mere art consultant; he’s a storyteller, a bridge between cultures, and a passionate advocate for the rich history embedded within Chinese antiques. His journey, deeply cemented in the cultural heritage of Shandong province, has led him to become a respected figure in the international art world, advising collectors and institutions alike.
Zhang’s expertise lies in uncovering the narratives behind objects, enhancing collection narratives, and supporting exhibitions, all while providing invaluable insights into the intricate world of Chinese art and its market dynamics.
“I’m from Shandong, a province rich in cultural heritage and the birthplace of the Longshan Culture, which dates back to over 4,000 years from the late Neolithic period,” Zhang explains.
“It’s renowned for its highly refined black pottery, which is often considered the most exceptional of prehistoric Chinese ceramics.” This early exposure to the artistry and history of his homeland ignited a passion that would shape his future career. “Growing up, my grandfather often took me to local museums,” he recalls. “I remember being fascinated by the pottery—its delicate forms, the craftsmanship, and also including the sense of history it carried. That early exposure sparked my passion for Chinese art and antiques. It also taught me to look beyond the surface and appreciate the cultural stories behind each object, which is a mindset that I carry into my work as an art consultant.”
His academic foundation further broadened his expertise. Zhang graduated with a Masters of Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York City, focusing on art law, the art market and valuation, collection management, and luxury market economics. He even deepened into the study of Himalayan murals for historic evaluation, showcasing his breadth of knowledge. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor in Business Administration and Management from the University of Buffalo, giving him a firm understanding of the business principles that underpin the art world.
For over 15 years, Zhang has been the owner of Zhang’s Antiques LLC in New York City, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft. His journey started out much earlier, however, by working in his father’s antique store, “Studio of Steadfast Stone and Auspicious Bronze,” based in Jinan, Shandong, for more than 35 years.
He explains, “I started helping with my family’s gallery when I was just a child.” His father, a specialist in appraisal and acquisitions, instilled in him a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding and fondness of Chinese antiques. “He taught me how to observe and evaluate pieces from a young age.” This invaluable experience allowed him to participate in research, organization, and client interaction which in turn further honing his skills. He also traveled extensively abroad with his father to auctions in Europe, the U.S., Japan, and Hong Kong, gaining a global perspective on both traditional Chinese antiques and the complexities of the international art market.
Building upon this basis, Zhang founded his own company, Zhang’s Antiques, and extended its reach through online auction platforms like Live Auctioneers, connecting with collectors globally.
Zhang’s curatorial style is distinctive as well as characterized by a focus on storytelling. “I like to focus on storytelling—bringing out the cultural and historical context behind each piece so the audience can resonate with it on a deeper level,” he says. When exhibiting Chinese antiques, he strongly projects symbolism, craftsmanship, and the evolution of form across dynasties. His visual aesthetic leans towards clean, balanced layouts that echo traditional Chinese aesthetics, while also incorporating contrasting elements to promote curiosity and create dialogue between ancient works and contemporary spaces. “My goal is always to make the past feel reborn and relevant to today’s viewer.”
His experiences attending major auctions internationally have always been instrumental in strengthening his expertise. In China, auctions in Suzhou and Nanjing provided insights into regional tastes for scholar’s objects, Ming furniture, and literati paintings. Hong Kong was a turning point, providing him with valuable hands-on experience with imperial ceramics and an introduction to modern and contemporary art. “At Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2013, I had my first hands-on experience with imperial ceramics—pieces I had only seen written in books before. This was also where I was first introduced to modern and contemporary art…The competitive international atmosphere and high-caliber consignments gave me a deeper understanding of how the global demand drives value, and the importance of recognizing both artistic quality and market timing.”
European auctions have exposed him to a more traditional approach, emphasizing provenance, scholarship, and long-term investment. “These visits have shown me how the European art world is deeply connected with tradition, as with many businesses being family-run for generations. There is a sharp focus on provenance, scholarship, and long-term relationships, which have furthered my understanding on how trust and history play a crucial role in the market.” Moving to the United States provided access to a dynamic and diverse market, where he connected with experienced dealers and extensively refined his expertise. “Now based in New York, the core of the global art trade, I’ve had the exciting opportunity to connect with seasoned dealers and observe one of the world’s most advanced and diverse markets. Here, I’ve gained access to major auctions and research resources, which has helped me process my expertise and continue growing as an art consultant.”
Beyond his independent work, Zhang provides his expertise to the Helly Nahmad Gallery, one of the most illustrious art dealers in New York City, assisting with database management and facilitating artwork loans to renowned museums. His previous roles at institutions like Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers, the China Institute, Tom Sachs Studio, and various art galleries further refine his well-rounded experience and dedication to the art world.
Zhang’s resonation to his roots remains solid and maintains an involvement with the Jinan Collectors Association which is a grassroots organization of more than 500 members. Although he cannot attend at regular intervals, he shares his inputs from the U.S. with the association, fostering a continued exchange of knowledge.
While aiding collectors onto acquiring Chinese antiques, Zhang prioritizes his understanding of their individual goals and preferences. “I always start by making an understanding of their personal goals,” he explains. “Some are looking to build a structured collection with academic value, while others are more focused on investment or just simply collecting things they personally have a connection with.” He helps by guiding them based on their taste, long-term vision, and market availability, while carefully verifying authenticity and condition. “Over the years, I’ve developed a keen eye for identifying signs of forgery or restoration, which is very essential in today’s market as fakes are becoming more and more common nowadays.” He also channels through social media to share his discoveries and insights, creating an extensive platform for engagement and education.
For high-net-worth American collectors, Chinese antiques offer a unique blend of beauty, craftsmanship, and a rich cultural historical tapestry. “Chinese antiques may seem niche, but among the high-net-worth collectors in the U.S., they’ve always had a strong presence. Many are attracted to their unique beauty, craftsmanship, and deep cultural history—very diverse compared to Western art,” Zhang observes. These collectors often seek to combine their appreciation for art with cultural value and long-term investment potential.
Jiazhen Zhang’s journey exemplifies the power of cultural heritage and the importance of bridging traditions in the art world. His passion, expertise, and commitment to storytelling make him a valuable asset to collectors, institutions, and anyone seeking to understand the captivating world of Chinese antiques.
