A recent interview with Bob Bortner by the Voyage Phoenix magazine entitled Exploring Life & Business with Robert Bortner of Bear & Raven Appraisal and Estate Services.
The prospect of sorting through decades of accumulated belongings to transition into a smaller home—or leaving this overwhelming task to your adult children—can feel daunting. Yet incorporating downsizing into your estate planning strategy offers both practical benefits and peace of mind for families navigating life’s transitions.
Bear and Raven Antiques houses a meticulously curated collection of rare antiques and collectibles. From stunning antique jewels that evoke tales of the past to vintage toys that spark the imagination, our inventory is a treasure trove for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Each piece honors the artistry and heritage of a bygone era, waiting
Imagine finding an object unlike anything you’ve seen before, something that’s not ordinary or mass-produced. But something with intricate details whispering tales of a bygone era. Something that sparks your curiosity. At Bear and Raven Antiques, we specialize in curating such unique antiques. We provide you the opportunity to buy rare and fine antiques online, bringing
Chinese porcelain is a fascinating and complex subject with a history of over two thousand years. It is admired for its beauty, craftsmanship, and symbolism and reflects China’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. But not all Chinese porcelain is created equal. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with fakes and forgeries made to deceive unsuspecting
Here is a copy of an article written about us in the January 2020 SouthSide Living Magazine. I believe the magazine has since closed down but the article is still as relevant today it was then. Bear & Raven Antiques offers a wide variety of high-quality vintage and antique Chinese, Japanese and Victorian pottery, porcelain
Many adults over age 65 make the decision to move to a smaller space due to retirement, ease of management, or the loss of a spouse or partner. “Their kids may play a role in the downsizing, but what we’re finding is that the kids are usually too busy to be the main driver,” explains
Is it meaningful? At the core, all the possessions filling your home are just things – they may spur memories of a person, place, or event, but they’re not actual memories. But before you become a minimalist who subsists on next to nothing, think about what you’d want to save from a fire. When paring
The Kangxi artemisia mark is a type of reign mark used on Chinese porcelain during the Kangxi period (1662-1722). It is a single artemisia leaf, painted in underglaze blue, enclosed within a double ring. The artemisia leaf is a symbol of longevity and good health, and its use on porcelain is thought to have been
Over the past few decades, some Chinese ceramics have reached astronomical prices. For example, in 2021, a Chinese Imperial Revolving Vase sold for US$41.6m at Beijing Auction 1. And while you probably can’t really expect to find a $41+ million vase at a local estate sale, how can you tell if a Chinese vase you inherited
