101 East

China: Faking It

The insatiable appetite for antiques by China’s growing nouveau riche is feeding a counterfeit industry.

China is one of the world’s largest auction markets, generating billions of dollars each year. And its ultra-wealthy are cashing in on the world of quick returns.

But not everyone is a winner.

An insatiable appetite for ancient ceramics is feeding a dark underbelly. More than ever before, counterfeits are flooding the market, fooling even the experts.

From the rolling hills of China’s archaeological sites, to the kilns of master forgers and the private museums of the country’s super rich, 101 East explores the world of Chinese antiques and asks, will human greed destroy an ancient heritage?

Join the conversation @AJ101East