Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

2 8 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I S IMPLY ART B eautiful art enhances our homes and enriches our lives. But true antiquities, the priceless treasures of the past, do more than offering aesthetic beauty: they connect us with history. They link us in a very human way with the people, cultures and values of many centuries ago. To be surrounded by artistic antiquities does more than please the senses: it elevates the soul. Michael Teller knew this when he started TK Asian Antiquities 38 years ago. His passion for antiques has taken him all over the world to study the rich treasure troves of emperors and kings, the priceless works of art left to us from past civilisations. No casual collector, Mr Teller – along with his expert team at TK Asian – uses cutting-edge techniques to authenticate practically every piece. In fact, TK Asian’s methods of artefact study and testing have been cited by scientists at Oxford University and other leading academic institutions. The highly qualified and experienced team of restorers and conservators at TK Asian is able to determine the true condition of the artefacts that pass through their capable hands, whether bronze, precious metals, textiles, lacquer, wood or pottery. This means that their customers can feel confident in knowing the priceless treasure they are acquiring has received the most rigorous and accurate authentication possible. As a result of this special care and attention, and the utmost integrity of its process, TK Asian developed an extremely elite clientele, including major museums and descendants of emperors. Now, TK Asian is presenting its collection globally for the first time. Ancient Asian antiquities once owned by rulers and serious collectors of the past today can be acquired by anyone with a passion for beautiful treasures that are as unique and individual as the collectors themselves. Meet theman behind TKAsian Antiquities: An interview with Mr Michael C. Teller IV Ms Jordana Lynch, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Simply Abu Dhabi, sat down with Mr Teller to learn more about TK Asian and the fascinating world of antiquities. Ms Lynch: Thank you for meeting with us. Let’s start by talking about what drew you into the world of collecting and restoring priceless antiquities. Mr Teller: In my early years it might be appropriate to say I had a fascination, rather than a passion, for antiquities. For me, the technical expertise required to create complex and extraordinary artefacts with the tools and techniques available in ancient times was truly intriguing, and the mysteries of the designs and the iconography were truly compelling. However, after then having seen and studied a large enough variety of the creations from antiquity, I certainly would say that an all-encompassing passion developed. It seemed then, and still seems, that there is never enough time to discover the answers to what should be straightforward, much less to solve the greater mysteries I encounter. What surprised you most as you set out on this path of discovery? One learns that most everyday forms and even whole styles of art that are recognised as contemporary most often appear to be derivative. Discovering this ancient creativity added to the concept of history being the light by which we can see the future, and it made it easy to see why the pursuit of this field could be fulfilling in almost all aspects of the human psyche and intellect. Before founding TK Asian Antiquities, the acquisition of the artefacts was a simple hobby. The acquisition of the knowledge, however, was a more intense pursuit. How was your personal quest for knowledge expanded by the creation of TK Asian? TK Asian Antiquities was founded in the early 1970s, and fortunately it has continued to grow since that time in virtually all aspects of the antiquities profession. Analytical work on the atomic level and other aspects of scientific inquiry relating to authentication, conservation and restoration – combined with historical research – have been our constant focus. Those goals to acquire scientific knowledge, added to our persistent attempts to discover the best and/or the most unique treasures of the ancient world, sum up our mission. Why the focus on Asian art in particular? I lived abroad during much of my formative life; aside from various countries in Europe, I spent time in Japan, South America, Meet the man behind TK Asian Antiquities: An interview with Mr Michael C. Teller IV Priceless treasures from the past: A look inside the fascinating world of TK Asian Antiquities