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Discovering America’s Treasures

With Lark E. Mason Jr., former President of the Appraisers Association of America

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Rosecliff 548 Bellevue Ave
Newport, RI 02840
July 17, 2025 6:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Live at Rosecliff.
  • 6-7 pm: Lecture
  • 7-8 pm: Reception
  • $35 In-Person (members)
  • $45 In-Person (non-members)

After Giambologna, Two Patinated Bronze Allegorical Figures of Astronomy and Architecture

How do treasures make their way from the walls, attics and closets of homes to museums and auction houses? Lark E. Mason Jr. will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how incredible works of art and craftsmanship are rediscovered and authenticated. Drawing on his experience as an appraiser with Sotheby’s, New York and his involvement with PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” Mr. Mason will share the stories of discovery that delight and inform us about art, history and the human tendency to collect.

Top image: Chinese-Subject Court Screen, Korean, 18th century (detail)

Lark E. Mason Jr. bio photo

Lark E. Mason Jr.

Lark E. Mason Jr., President of the Appraiser’s Association of America, 2019-2021, was for nearly 25 years a senior officer, generalist and expert in Chinese works of art with Sotheby’s, New York, and Chairman of Asia Week New York 2016-2017. He is an expert in Chinese art and antiquities, he has appeared on PBS’s "Antiques Roadshow" since its inception in 1996. He is the author of Asian Art, published in 2003, and translator of Wang Shixiang’s Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture. Mason serves as a Trustee of The Preservation Society of Newport County, representing historic Newport’s collections and historic mansions. He is the founder of iGavel Auctions, an online auction platform; Lark Mason Associates, a full-service auction house; and Lark Mason Art Advisory, art advisory and appraisals.

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