Asian Works of art
Chinese Language
& Culture EXPERTISE
Early immersion and academics in Chinese art and history
Richelle began studying Chinese language and culture at the age of fourteen, developing an early and sustained interest in Asian art and history.
This foundation shaped her academic and professional path and continues to inform her work today.
While completing degrees in Art History and Chinese Language at Trinity University, she spent time abroad living in Shanghai, China, where she studied at Fudan University and further immersed herself in Chinese language and cultural studies.
Poem
After Dong Qichang (Chinese, 1555–1636)
17th century or later, China
Folding fan mounted as an album leaf
ink on gold paper
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1913
Professional Experience in Shanghai
While in Shanghai, Richelle worked at a contemporary art gallery.
Her work included:
Translating gallery materials
Revising a published exhibition catalog
This provided her with firsthand experience in contemporary Chinese art and the global art market.
This experience strengthened both her language fluency and her understanding of the art market in China.
Gallery work and translation
Auction House
& Cataloguing
Hands-on object handling, research, and market valuation
Richelle began her formal career in Asian Works of Art as an assistant cataloger at The Potomack Company auction house in Alexandria, VA.
In this role, she handled, cataloged, and researched significant collections, including:
Chinese and Southeast Asian Works of Art
Japanese Satsuma porcelain
Japanese pottery
Japanese prints
This hands-on experience provided direct exposure to a wide range of objects across periods, materials, and cultures.
Following a relocation to Texas, Richelle worked under renowned Asian Works of Art expert, Lark Mason, handling Asian Works of Art across all cultures, while overseeing auction house consignments and formal appraisals.
Yokeback armchair
Late Ming (1368–1644)–early Qing (1644–1911) dynasty
17th century, China
Wood (huanghuali, Dalbergia odorifera)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Purchase, The Dillon Fund Gift, 1997
Notable Sale & Object Handling
Significant results through accurate identification and market placement
Richelle has handled Asian Works of Art at all price points. Among the works she catalogued and sold was a Pair of Chinese Huanghuali Continuous Yokeback Arm Chairs, which achieved a sale price of $190,000.
While working with Lark Mason, Richelle handled Asian Works of Art upwards of $150,000.
Richelle has worked with major institutions across the country on projects including appraisals for insurance and donation purposes.
She also helped to coordinate an educational programming and webinar series in conjunction with Asia Week New York.
These engagements reflect ongoing involvement with both the scholarly and market sides of Asian art.
Museum & Institutional Collaboration
Mentorship & Advanced Specialization
Richelle worked for six years under the renowned expert Lark Mason, where she oversaw auction consignments and contributed to appraisals of Asian works of art.
During this time, she further refined her expertise across:
Chinese ceramics
Chinese furniture
Scholars’ objects
Jades
Chinese textiles
Other fine and decorative arts
Six years under a leading expert in Asian art
Bowl
Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
first half of the 12th century, China
Stoneware with blue glaze (Jun ware)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Rogers Fund, 1920
Process
DISCUSSION
We start with a discussion about your goals and what services might align best with your needs.
ARGEEMENT
After reviewing your needs, Richelle will present a quote and formalize the project with a contract.
INSPECTION
An inspection will be scheduled to review the property or collection and formally begin the appraisal or advisory process.
CONCLUSION
Richelle will conclude the assignment and make sure all questions are answered, all items have been discussed, and any final report is delivered.