Flea markets, vintage shops, thrift stores and estate sales in Wisconsin dont have yixingChadrinkincat wrote: ↑Wed Dec 19, 2018 12:58 pmYou should get back into vintage yixing. You can still find great deals on pots but that usually requires knowing more than the person selling it. Flea market, vintage shops, thrift, eBay and estate sales are good for this type of buying.Brent D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 18, 2018 9:53 amI have completely stepped away from buying vintage yixing. The prices have gotten out of control here in the USA. Very few are willing to spend over $1000 USD on a tea pot. I once bought a late 60s hongni for $275. I feel thats reasonable. I dont think I could find that today. I used to spend hours and hours researching and looking for pots. Got ripped off a few times. Tired of pulling my hair out.
The best way to significantly lower your risk of getting ripped off is to study the F1 designs your interested in and only buying things you know. I have tons of pots bookmarked on FB so that when I spot something of interest I can easily compare it to legit examples. I take a pass on anything I’m not reasonably certain is real. It’s not a 100% fool proof strategy but it’s still much better than relying on the knowledge and honesty of whoever your buying from.
If something ever falls in my lap, I would certainly be open to it, but it wont, and im done hunting for it.
Ive done my research. I feel pretty confident in my eye and more importantly, the authentication sources I have, but Im not paying the crazy prices reputable dealers are asking.
I have never found a zhuni pot for sale. Ever. For any price. I looked long and hard for a pre 77' hongni thats 90ml or larger. Most sellers first laugh at me and then tell me $1400. Ive found that green label Zini is decent enough, and available, but I have some and dont really need more. Its when you want to take it to the next level that you should just opt out, be rich, or plan to get on a plane.
The rabbit hole is deep. I pulled myself out of it. I wont go back in. Ill just focus on the leaf.