Antique

An antique (from Latin antiquus 'old, ancient') is an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance, and often defined as at least 100 years old (or some other limit), although the term is often used loosely to describe any object that is old.

[1] An antique is usually an item that is collected or desirable because of its age, beauty, rarity, condition, utility, personal emotional connection, and/or other unique features.

[2] Antiques are usually objects of the decorative arts that show some degree of craftsmanship, collectability, or an attention to design, such as a desk or an early automobile.

The common definition of antique is a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has an enhanced value because of its considerable age, but it varies depending on the item, its source, the year of its creation, etc.

[4]) In the United States, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (para.1811) exempted "...works of art (except rugs and carpets made after the year 1700), collections in illustration of the progress of the arts, works in bronze, marble, terra cotta, parian, pottery, or porcelain, artistic antiquities and objects of ornamental character or educational value which shall have been produced prior to the year 1830" (emphasis added).

These definitions were intended[citation needed] to allow people of that time to distinguish between genuine antique pieces, vintage items, and collectible objects.

As of the Cultural Revolution and China's opening trade to other countries, the government has tried to protect the definition of a Chinese antique.

Would-be antique collectors who are unaware of the differences may find themselves paying a high amount of money for something that would have little value if re-sold.