Two years after he started selling Chinese antiques from his living room in 1967, Isadore Chait opened his first gallery of Asian Art. Today, I.M. Chait Gallery/Auctioneers has expanded into their 20,000 square foot facility and auction room, conducting 20+ auctions a year and is consistently referred to as the premier boutique auction house of Beverly Hills.
His auctions of 500+ lots each have a remarkable sell-through rate average of 80-90%, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,000,000. While specializing in Asian Art and antiques I.M. Chait has expanded into jewelry, watches, fine art and even one of a kind fossils! Chait believes in demonstrating through the auctions that collectors do not need to pay extravagant prices for genuine art. As a result of his stellar widespread reputation, his expert advice is frequently sought by the most sophisticated art lovers, decorators, novice collectors and fellow experts alike.
According to Architectural Digest "Isadore Chait, specialist in Oriental sculpture and expert in gemology, has developed a worldwide reputation among museums and collectors, and is frequently consulted by both groups for authentication, market value and appraisals." He is a recommended appraiser for many museums, universities and government agencies, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, Pacific Asia Museum, Norton Simon Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, University of California at Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Claremont University Center and the Consulate General of The Peoples Republic of China.
He has served on panels of the Appraisers Association of America, as President of their Southern California regional office, and sits on the board of the Los Angeles Gem Council as well as numerous other professional associations. A member of many of the international appraisers' associations, Mr. Chait has been called on to write the tests qualifying other appraisers in his field.
Mr. Chait's expert advice on subjects ranging from Chinese porcelain, price fluctuations and appraisals is frequently published in many trade publications including a regularly featured column for The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles. Chait and his unique offerings sold at auction have appeared on most major cable and network news outlets including CNN, MSNC, CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox. Mr. Chait has also been featured in many prominent newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times and Forbes.
Mr. Chait is also an accomplished Jazz singer and plays regular gigs with his quartet in his spare time and is completing his manuscript for a comprehensive guide to collecting Asian Art to be released next year.
I.M. Chait Chait and his unique offerings sold at auction have appeared on most major cable and network news outlets including CNN, MSNC, CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox. Mr. Chait has also been featured in many prominent newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Architectural Digest, Forbes and many more.
Advice From Jade Expert Isadore M. Chait
Epoch Times
March 7, 2013
Asian Scroll Paintings
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
March 1, 2013
Collecting Asian Art
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
September 1, 2012
Are Appraisals for Everyone?
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
January 1, 2011
The World Antique Market
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
February 1, 2011
Asian Art: The Current Scene
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
March 1, 2011
Snuff Bottles: What Are They and Why Collect Them?
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
April 1, 2011
Getting Started in Asian Art
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
May 1, 2011
Chinese Porcelain
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
June 1, 2007
Chinese Furniture
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
July 1, 2011
Good News for Collectors
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
August 1, 2011
Update on the State of Asian Art
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
September 1, 2011
Interview by James Normile, Antiques Notebook
Architectural Digest
Getting Started in Asian Art
Antiques West
Chinese Porcelain
Chait, West Coast Peddler
Overview of Asian Art Market and price listings
The Official Price Guide to Antiques and Collectibles, Random House