He can't fathom why people buy antiques like this one, then modernize them beyond recognition.

You can buy antiques and collectables online from eBay, which some reports say has 10 million users a day.

In future, he was going to buy antiques.

They buy antiques, but they want them to look new.

What appeals to them, when they're buying antiques, is mid-20th-century modern.

Anyone in China, resident or visitor, can buy antiques and artworks there.

Yet one recent customer, she says, after complaining of losing $12 million in the stock market, bought enough antiques "to fill two cars."

"I had no idea that either of you were interested in buying antiques."

"I see people buying French antiques because they are tired of the English country house look," she said.

You have some dealers who would buy stolen antiques without any questions, but not for works like these where the word is out.