Specialist - Chinese Works of Art

About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.

With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.

Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.

For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com.

Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious. 

About the team

Our employees are passionate about their work, and we pride ourselves on a bespoke approach that aims to make every client feel important. You will be joining a busy, active department which works closely together as a team, engaging with clients on a day-to-day basis and providing specialist and administrative services in an efficient and personal manner. You will also on occasion be engaging with our global team of Asian Art specialists regarding valuations, consignments and sales.

We define teamwork as -

• Taking accountability for outcomes
• Identifying ways to be of assistance to others
• Embodying collaboration and communicating clearly
• Aligning actions to maximise the quality-of-service delivery
• Providing data, metrics, and resources to facilitate transparency
• Sharing opportunities for improvement

About you

We’re looking for someone with previous experience within a specialist role.  You will be a competent cataloguer, researcher, valuer and business getter and have an understanding of in-house auction practice and procedures. You will be proactive and driven to source business and be a supportive and collegiate team member. You will continually work to develop your specialist knowledge and skills and be passionate about the specialist field.

About the role

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

You will -

• Business getting for the department to fulfil the budgets set for the department sales
• Work with the Head of Department on strategies to encourage new business opportunities for the department
• Valuing and advising Bonhams clients on the sale of their objects in person, via email and on the telephone.
• Cataloguing and researching and partaking proactively in all catalogue and sale processes.
• Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department including keeping up-to-date record of clients’ contractual details on A3
• Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers
• Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company
• Liaise with the Head of Department on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department, to including managing a ‘wants list’, creation and distribution of post-sale marketing letter, eblasts, email updates, press releases, and ensuring the department website is kept up to date.
• With the departmental administrator ensuring that the requirements of the clients’ contract with Bonhams are met, from consignment to final payment
• To satisfactorily complete, as and when required, the valuation of customer’s property both in the office and at other venues within the HK and Asia
• Support the team to produce the catalogues to ensure timely publication.
• Assist on exhibition events, either in the HK or worldwide as and when required
• Maintain an awareness of our competitor’s strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market
• Mentoring the Junior Specialist and/or Cataloguer, in accordance with the Head of Department guidelines
• To promote the department through lectures and other promotional events
• Any other tasks as required by the HoD or Global Head. Liaise with Bonhams network in Asia as well as the Global Chinese WOA team.
• Promote other Chinese Global WOA art sales, and support Asia clients as necessary with these sales.

Key Skills and Experience

Mindset

• Growth – you leverage strengths and seek to identify areas for development
• Proactive – you identify, prepare and plan for eventualities
• Agile – you adapt to change and are comfortable with ambiguity
• Empathetic – you understand the differing feelings and perspective of others
• Pragmatic – you approach problems in a practical way

Skills

• Knowledge and genuine interest for Chinese Work of Arts
• Good market and trend awareness
• Fluency of both English and Mandarin
• Degree holder or equivalent
• A good level of specialist expertise achieved through a previous role
• Proven business acumen and valuation skills
• A network of contacts (or) willingness to build up such a portfolio
• Functional working knowledge of the whole auction process and related procedures (e.g. shipping regulations, payment)
• Flexible and receptive to change
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral
• Able to work as part of team, and independently
• Able to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail

Values

• Approachability – you are open, respectful and encourage approach
• Supportiveness – you are proactive with offering support and requesting it from others
• Service Excellence – you take satisfaction in providing and promoting the best service possible
• Authenticity – you promote your credibility through personal integrity and honesty
• Inclusivity – you are active in self-reflection, and promote a culture of inclusion and fairness

What We Offer

Some of our benefits and perks include:

• 20 days annual leave
• Private Health Care

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 10th November 2026 at midnight.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.