Hindman Auctions, one of the nation’s leading fine art auction houses, is looking to add a full-time Associate Specialist, Asian Art in our Chicago office. In this role, the Associate Specialist will support Hindman’s business in the Asian Art department by conducting research, maintain classification and labeling of all property according to the Asian Art standards. The Associate Specialist assists the Director in building client relationships with private collectors, scholars, curators, institutions and other industry contacts, with the goal of securing consignments for auction to meet and exceed annual sales goals. This includes processing the consigned works of art for sale, listing works of art for valuation, research and catalogue writing and proofing, coordination of photography, as well as passionately supporting the Hindman brand in daily interactions with clients and team members.
Key responsibilities:
- Act as a key point of contact for client inquiries regarding appraisal services, consignments, and auction services, explaining the auction process for the Asian Art department in both English and Mandarin
- Research and catalogue property for auction; assign auction estimates; evaluate property for IRS (estate tax, gift tax, donation, etc.) and insurance appraisals
- Work with other Hindman departments to reach new consignors and ensure seamless client service
- Work with other Hindman Specialists to promote auctions by helping clients at auction previews; conferring with clients about properties; developing, tracking and communicating client interest in lots; and executing bids at auction
- Given the global nature of our business, may work outside of normal business hours (e.g., Mainland China time) or across departments (e.g., with Accounting or Operations) to assist clients with particular needs
Acquiring Property
Meet with potential clients to handle requests for valuations and giving estimates on items for sale
Property in-House
- Decide what auction is appropriate for a given property and inform appropriate team members accordingly
- Catalogue property, noting descriptions, measurements, and essays for highlight property
- Extensive provenance and authenticity research for bibliography and exhibition history using libraries, online databases, and outside experts
- Coordinate restoration, cleaning, and other related work to prepare lots for sale
Catalogue Production and Exhibition
- Maintain departmental cataloging standards and proof all cataloguing with department Director
- Translate (English-Traditional Chinese) catalogue descriptions and essays;
- prepare catalogue for third-party online platforms in US and mainland China in both English and Traditional Chinese
- Put auction in lot order and oversee photograph process
- Coordinate exhibition layout priorities with property department
Before the Auction
- Follow up with clients to determine areas of potential interest
- Execute condition reports and communicate with clients
- Assist clients in galleries during preview weekend and sale week
- Review bids to determine what lots have the most interest and what lots need promotional help
- Prepare simplified and traditional Chinse marketing materials for third-party platforms and influencers in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
During the Auction
- Participate in telephone bidding in Mandarin and English
- Clerk third-party online platforms
- Track promises for each consignment and ensure their fulfilment
After the Auction
- Oversee re-slating of property
- Ensure the estimates for re-offered property and cancelled sales are adjusted and communicate adjustment with appropriate team member
- Assist with invoicing, payments, and shipping arrangements for buyers
Meetings & Collaboration
- Attend department meetings with Expertise head and Specialists
- Participate in post-sale reviews to plan how to handle un-solds, close out consignments, and communicate with consignors
- Review invoices post-sale and add buyers to interest categories and comp lists
- Other duties as assigned
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art, Art History, or Arts Management required
Training required:
3 months training in the following areas required:
- Training of auction house internal systems.
- Training of managing third-party online auction platforms.
- Training of appraisal: Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
Experience required:
5 years direct, hands-on experience with Asian art in the auction or gallery setting required
Special Skills, Foreign Language required:
- Fluency in Chinese language (reading and writing simplified and Traditional Chinese characters); knowledge of Cantonese Chinese and Japanese.
- Possess Chinese paintings knowledge and strong background in Chinese history and literature
Travel:
Total 10 – 15 days travel per year. 1. Attending appraisal days in greater Chicago area and reginal offices 2. Attend New York Asian week 3. Visit collectors in various locations
