What About Me?

I've collected stuff since I was a child. I started off with fossils and seashells, moved on to antiques and, after moving to Asia, moved on to collecting Chinese furniture and Southeast Asian Antiques. Whenever I had spare time, I bought and traded antiques. I collected from peoples' homes, markets, and reputable antique shops. As time went by, I found myself with a lot of things gathered not only as a result of my own interest, but from inherited items and estates.

So, I now find myself with a lot of things and, I have decided to set up a small shop to sell some of it off. And here it is. Why did I choose "Red Trilobite" as the name of my site? The first things I collected as a kid were fossil trilobites. But there are no fossils here. I just use the name.

I am an engineer by training and an engineer designer by trade. I live between the US and Asia and travel quite often for my business. I speak decent Mandarin Chinese and a bit of Thai. I have been to homes and markets throughout the Asia region.

I prefer to collect things that have not been extensively repaired, repainted, or over-polished. Polish, coating, and extensive repairs make it very difficult to authenticate something. So, except when indicated, most (but not all) of my collection is without major repair unless the structure of the item was in jeopardy.

I realize that some people prefer to buy a rejuvenated item, polished and reassembled to perfection. But many collectors, especially those who collect Asian crafts and antiques, prefer the patina, tea stains, cracks, and imperfections that contribute to the history of an object. I am one of those collectors. So, if something seems a bit worn, that is how I found it when bought it from the original owner or seller. I will point the imperfections out.

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