Chương 674: Chapter 674: Let’s Adjust the Schedule
Murdoch and Peterson exchanged glances.
"Charlie, does the Hussein collection truly exist? How did it end up in your hands…?"
I smiled broader at Murdoch's question.
"If it belongs to Hussein, there's a high chance it's genuine. However, it's also a piece of art that's difficult to trace back to its origins."
While Murdoch was visibly excited, the expert, Peterson, remained more composed.
I nodded at Peterson's words.
"I understand. Hussein likely didn't acquire those artworks through legitimate means."
The legitimate art auction market is substantial, but the volume of art traded in the shadows is also significant.
The art world suffers thefts of artworks and jewels every year.
"The good news is that neither of those two pieces are reported stolen. One is a jewel known to exist, though its owner is unknown, and the other is believed to be a Picasso painting that has yet to be revealed to the world."
Every time stolen artworks are recovered, disputes arise between the original owners and the current holders.
The current owners claim to have purchased the stolen piece at a legitimate price, while the original owners insist it's theirs. Such disputes can diminish the artwork's value and sometimes attract public attention.
The frequent art thefts ultimately boil down to 'money.'
Art and jewels, despite their volume, fetch high prices and become prime targets for thieves.
"Even if something is stolen, a clever narrative at the auction can turn it into a legitimate item, right?"
Most stolen artwork ends up in London and New York.
The two major auction cities, whether in the light or the shadows, remain at the center of the art market.
Daytime often sees legal auctions while nighttime is reserved for black market auctions, which is a common occurrence.
Even the auction houses, which should be strict, subtly turn a blind eye to stolen pieces. The reason is simple: they can collect substantial commissions.
Peter, an industry insider, readily admitted to that.
"That's true. Still, it's a fact that newly created pieces without clear owners are often preferred over stolen artworks."
"Would you like to check this out?"
Manager Ma produced a small jewelry box and handed it to me.
I placed the box on the table with a smile.
"Go ahead and open it."
After putting on gloves again, Peterson opened the box carefully.
Inside lay a Fabergé egg brought as a gift for Russia.
"W-what is this!"
Peterson immediately recognized the Fabergé egg.
"The Fabergé egg! Is that right?"
Murdoch seemed to have recognized it too, asking Peterson. However, it appeared Peterson was too engaged to hear him.
"This is the Alexander III commemorative egg made in 1909. It matches the photos I've seen. How did it end up in Hussein's hands…?"
Peterson inspected the Fabergé egg closely for a long time.
"Are you thinking of selling it?"
Finally, pulling his gaze from the egg, he looked at me, his eyes burning with desire.
I shook my head with a smile.
"It already has an intended owner."
"If you auctioned it, it would fetch a considerable price. Just the rarity of only 50 to 52 made would achieve…"
Peterson gazed at the Fabergé egg with a look of regret.
"Among them, 44's owners have been confirmed, and they would never put the eggs on the market."
Limited editions naturally stir desire to purchase.
It was part of the essential basics of marketing. Adjusting quantities stimulates collectors' desire, driving up prices.
The Fabergé eggs, made over a century ago and limited to just 52 in the world, fueled that desire exceptionally well.
"Just the fact of a new Fabergé egg surfacing is sure to shake the art market. It could fetch a record price at Sotheby's auction history."
His voice held a longing tone. But I shook my head again.
"I understand. However, this item's destination is already decided."
"Who exactly is the owner of this egg?"
"The Tsar of Russia. I plan to gift it to him."
"A gift? You mean to say you're giving this art piece as merely a gift?"
At the mention of gifting the Fabergé egg, both Peterson and Murdoch's eyes widened.
I continued with a smile.
"It's not about the money. This is a legacy of the Russian Empire. Yet, most Fabergé eggs are held by collectors from the UK and US, not Russia."
A gift is best when it's something the recipient desires.
There's no better gift than presenting a relic from the Russian Empire to the Tsar of Russia.
Especially if he dreams of ruling like the emperors of Imperial Russia.
"If I gifted this Fabergé egg, which was only a photograph with no confirmed owner, I could gain something money can't buy. Money simply isn't that important to me."
"Still…"
Peterson's disappointment was evident on his face.
"The Hussein Collection isn't just this. This isn't enough to call it a collection."
Hearing there were more artworks made Peterson's eyes light up.
"Are there more? Where are they? Show me!"
"This is all I have brought. I have about 20 pieces in the UK. They are likely being moved to a mansion on the outskirts of London."
"Could you possibly let a few pieces go for auction? It could be the greatest auction ever."
An auctioneer's career hinges on what art they present for auction.
For a successful auctioneer, leading high-profile art auctions that capture public attention is essential.
It felt odd that Peterson wasn't being greedy.
"Most of those pieces can't be traced back to their origins. Wouldn't that be a problem if they were put up for auction?"
"For artwork and art pieces, most collectors value the stories behind them rather than the artwork's artistic quality. That excites their desires."
Peterson gestured toward the Picasso painting.
"This painting is presumed to be one of those Picasso created during his youth. The story would go something like this: the struggling young Picasso sold paintings he created on the street, and this is one of them. Something like that."
He pointed to the necklace and the Fabergé egg, continuing his explanation.
"This necklace and the Fabergé egg are pieces with incredible narratives. The necklace was made by Nicholas II to celebrate his daughter's birthday. There are no better stories to excite collectors than this. And of course, the Fabergé egg has a well-known story, being a relic of the last Tsar of the Romanov dynasty in the magnificent Russian Empire."
Peterson's words tapped into a truth that permeated the art world.
The auction market for artwork and art pieces is a place to buy and sell stories.
Scarcity is compelling, but pieces with stories become even more valuable over time.
Though it may be a Picasso, its price is determined by the story behind it in the art market.
"If you trust me with the auction, I'll clean everything up and sell it nicely."
"Hmm… I'll first confirm all the collections I brought to London before deciding what to auction. However, I won't let these two go."
"…It's disappointing, but I'm looking forward to the other pieces. When shall I visit? I'll prepare proper equipment and come with experts."
I could deal with the equipment part, but experts? I narrowed my eyes.
"Will the secrets be kept?"
"No one besides me knows about the Hussein Collection. Even if their mouths are ripped open, they won't leak anything. I doubt there will be a significant problem. Even if they suspect it may be stolen, it's fine. They're experts after all."
"Understood. Let's adjust the schedule then."
"Thank you. Here…"
Peterson pulled out his business card holder and handed me his card.
I briefly glanced at the card before passing it to Manager Ma, who then handed his own card to Peterson.
"This is Manager Ma's contact information. He's always with me, so if you need to reach me, contact him."
After receiving the card, Peterson got to his feet.
"Thanks to you, I had a great experience. But I have another appointment, so I'll take my leave now."
"Please keep the secrets safe."
"Yes. Keeping secrets is an unwritten rule in this industry. You don't have to worry."
Once Peterson left, Murdoch and I were once again alone.
"Charlie, how on earth did you get your hands on the Hussein Collection?"
As soon as Peterson vanished, Murdoch shot his question at me.
"It just happened to fall into my hands."
"Share a few pieces with me too."
"Haha. I haven't even organized the list yet. Once I'm done, I'll pick out pieces that suit the Chairman and contact you."
"You must! Absolutely!"
I chuckled at Murdoch Chairman's insistence.
He's impossible to resist.
"What happened to the request I made last time? Can I know how far along the work is?"
I engaged in a pretty lengthy conversation with Murdoch.
* * *
As promised, Peterson arrived at my London estate, accompanied by a team of specialists.
They stayed for two days, appraising all the artworks I had brought.
A week later, they confirmed that everything was genuine.
Among them, I decided to auction one Picasso painting with confirmed existence but an unknown origin, along with a Monet piece.
"Recently, a Picasso piece titled 'Boy with a Pipe' from 1905 was auctioned for over $100 million in our auction."
The piece I decided to present was a dove carrying green peas, one that Picasso particularly favored.
Peterson recognized the piece instantly and became vastly excited.
"It might break that record. This piece was painted in 1911 and hasn't seen the light of day since a 1939 exhibit in Paris."
The Monet piece was one of the water lilies.
"It too could fetch a good price at auction, but I'd expect it to sell for a slightly lower amount compared to the Picasso."
In any case, the final bid price wasn't the priority.
I simply needed to strengthen my connection with Peterson. I would have future uses for that. I readily agreed to auction both pieces.
"I trust you, Peterson. Show your capabilities. Whether we continue this transaction or part ways, it all depends on your skills."
Before I knew it, the auction day arrived.
Having sent invitations to all VVIPs, Peterson was confident about the turnout.
Sotheby's prided itself on being the second-largest auction house in the world, yet it still lagged behind Christie's.
Could this auction finally put an end to that rivalry?
Attempting to secure me with the Hussein Collection, he put his all into this auction.
I arrived at the Sotheby's auction house in London.
"The moment one bomb goes off here, the world will shake."
Entering the auction house with Manager Ma, the place was already bustling with people despite the auction not having started yet.
Each person already conversing with one another was a familiar face known through the news. The world's art collectors had gathered in one spot.
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