China Daily puts a few facts behind the growth in the Chinese traditional art market in the 21st Century:

Setting aside the high-end art market, there has been a remarkable surge in the public’s interest in traditional art, ranging from porcelain, jewelry, to bronze wares and ancient wooden furnishings.

In response, auction houses such as China Guardian Auctions are arranging quarterly sales that are a platform for intermediate and lower-end art works and collectibles. Antique markets are booming too.

Game shows airing on China Central Television and provincial TV stations, featuring established collectors and celebrities building collections of traditional art have further encouraged interest in traditional art works. Ordinary people have got in on the action by showing off their family treasures, be it a small bronze statue, a jade pendant, or a piece of time-weathered wooden furniture.

The rise of the Chinese art market started with the enactment of a revised Law on Cultural Heritage Protection in October 2002, which allows individuals or entities other than government units and public museums to own and trade traditional art works that are acquired legally. Before that, it was forbidden for individuals to own a piece of ancient art. This interest in collecting art has been fanned by rising incomes.

Backing Tradition in the Art Market (China Daily)