The Journal
Collection guides, authentication tips, and insights into Asian arts, African and Oceanic arts, street art, watches and jewellery, and modern and contemporary art.
Market News
Buy at Auction with Zero Fees: The MDP Auction Sign-Up Offer
Enjoy a 0% buyer's premium and free shipping for life when you sign up before December 31, 2026. Here's how it works and what changes for later members.
Collector's Guides
Buying at Auction: How to Calculate a Lot's Final Price
Hammer price, buyer's premium, online fees, shipping: learn the method for setting a maximum bid that accounts for all costs.
Collector's Guides
Understanding Buyer's Premium: Drouot vs. MDP Auction
The hammer price isn't the final cost. Learn how buyer's premiums and online bidding fees at venues like Drouot compare to MDP Auction's transparent model.
Modern & Contemporary Art
How to Sell a Painting at Auction: The Complete Guide
From appraisal and authentication to setting a reserve price and consigning for sale: a look at the key steps to successfully sell a painting at auction.
Collector's Guides
An Alternative to Drouot: A Modern Approach to Selling at Auction
Considering selling your collection outside of Drouot? Discover an online auction platform with 0% seller's commission and free lifetime shipping for members who join by December 31, 2026. Get paid within 48 hours of buyer payment.
Collector's Guides
Free Online Appraisals: How It Works
Submit photos, describe your item, and receive a preliminary auction estimate. This is our guide to preparing a submission for a free, no-obligation online appraisal.
Watches & Jewelry
How to Sell Your Watch at Auction: A Collector's Guide
Box, papers, service history, condition: learn what matters when selling a collector's watch at auction to achieve a strong price.
Collector's Guides
Understanding Seller Fees: How to Compare Auction Houses
Seller's commission, buyer's premium, and ancillary fees: our guide helps you read a consignment proposal and compare auction houses accurately.
Watches & Jewelry
Understanding the Value of a Collector's Watch
A watch's value is built on more than its brand. Rarity, original condition, papers, and service history are all key factors collectors must assess.
African & Oceanic Art
Authenticity and Provenance: What Really Matters in African and Oceanic Art
The value of a traditional African or Oceanic art object is determined as much by its documented history as by its craftsmanship.
Street Art
What Determines the Value of a Limited Edition Street Art Print?
Edition number, signature, condition—learn how to 'read' a street art print before placing a bid on works by today's most sought-after artists.
Modern & Contemporary Art
Modern and Contemporary Art: What's the Real Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, yet they refer to distinct periods and market dynamics that every collector should understand.
Asian Art
A Collector's Guide to Chinese Dynasties and Their Porcelain
From Han to Qing, this overview covers the major periods that define the market for antique Chinese porcelain and help collectors identify key styles.
Market News
How Online Auctions Are Changing the Game for Collectors
From remote bidding and transparent histories to more time for consideration, discover the key differences between online and traditional live auctions.
Collector's Guides
How the Appraisal Process Works Before an Auction
From the initial contact to the final sale: a step-by-step guide to the appraisal process and how sellers can prepare their items for valuation.
Asian Art
Authenticating Antique Chinese Ceramics with Thermoluminescence
Learn how thermoluminescence testing works and why it has become the gold standard for dating antique ceramics and verifying their authenticity.