Buyers raise stakes in global antiques market

As the Chinese art market grows in popularity, countless fakes have appeared. While some forgeries can be spotted immediately, other items must go through tests.

Replicas are legal, but trying to pass off a piece as an antique is fraudulent.

Hunt said she has seen collectors bringing in objects they think are genuine.

"There are so many fakes in the market. Some pieces absolutely require research," she said. "Items from the Qianlong period are the most-often faked because those from that time make such high sums."

But experienced specialists said they can spot a fake just by touching and handling an object. As many are copied from images, forgers do not often get the base of a ceramic item correct.

Howard-Sneyd said the auction houses have to stay one step ahead at all times and global team conference calls are held from time to time to share information "in order to keep Sotheby's sales as clean as possible".

Online sales are also a popular feature for Christie's, with such sales in the first half of this year attracting 40 percent of new buyers.

Christie's Asian Art online sales have proved successful for lots selling for less than 10,000 pounds ($13,160).

"There's real interest from clients who have perhaps not come to Christie's before," Hunt said. "The online platform really provides access for people who might think an auction is slightly inaccessible."