Specialist / Junior Specialist, Chinese Paintings

THE ROLE:

The Junior Specialist / Specialist in this department will be responsible for cataloguing, researching and co-ordinating the sales, alongside working closely with the Head of Department to developing new clients and maintaining existing relationships.

RESPONSBILITIES

• Help produce sales catalogues, include helping to catalogue and research items for the auctions, corresponding with external experts, writing essays, etc.
• Assist with aspects of catalogue production including: 
  • Helping to ensure that all photography for catalogues are completed in a timely manner
  • Helping with past-ups and layouts
  • Liaising with Catalogue Production and other support departments
  • Proof-reading catalogue texts
• Deal with day-to-day client enquiries at the counter, by email and on the telephone
• Assist in writing condition reports and responding to photo forms, estimate enquiries and general correspondence
• Assist in providing a comprehensive level of service to Sotheby’s clients e.g. providing exemplary levels of service both verbally and in written communication, responding swiftly and accurately to estimate enquiries, photoforms and general correspondence etc
• Assist with valuation and proposals writing
• Facilitate developing new clients and undertake business getting
• Develop specialist understanding of a variety of Chinese Paintings
• Participate in ad-hoc duties as requested, not limited to additional main and mid-season auction based duties which may include, but are not limited to, telephone bidding for multiple departments
• Operate at all times in line with corporate governance and compliance policies, practices and procedures

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Degree educated or equivalent, preferably in Chinese Art History, Chinese Literature, or Chinese History , or equivalent.
• Complete fluency in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, written and spoken essential
• Ideally possess relevant experience, and with some knowledge in Chinese Paintings 
• Some understanding of Sotheby’s and its culture and services, and of the auction process in general would be highly beneficial
• Possess first class demonstrable research skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and a commitment to an exemplary level of client service
• Able to demonstrate the capacity to take responsibility in order to ensure that deadlines are met
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach and enthusiasm to learn
• A team player with a co-operative attitude and a willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks
• Able to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to a wide range of tasks
• Good command in Photoshop, and knowledge in social media is an advantage
• Candidates with less experience will be considered for the Junior Specialist / Cataloguer role