It began with one bid

Our love for antiques began in Leiden, on a rainy afternoon in a small auction house. We spontaneously placed a bid, and that turned out to be the beginning of something much bigger.

For over fifteen years now, we have been collecting and trading art and antiques with character. First via ectiques.com, and now via Vergulde Kat: our digital shop window, where we share our finds with fellow enthusiasts.

What finds its way to us

Our collection is broad, but never random. Objects from Africa and Oceania, Chinese export porcelain, Asian and European art, and the accompanying books and catalogues. What they have in common is that they are genuine: they show signs of wear, and each has a history and a story.

We buy from auction houses we trust, such as De Zwaan in Amsterdam, Venduehuis in The Hague and Rob Michiels in Bruges. Sometimes from a dealer we know well, and occasionally directly from a private collector. We research every piece for its style, its provenance and comparable examples in collections and literature.

The search doesn't stop once we've bought a piece. We once delved into… to prove that a porcelain plate had been wrongly identified as 'Nanking Cargo'.

A gallery at home

Our objects aren't kept in storage; they live with us at home. We see them every day and get to know them better, before they move on to a new home.

Would you like to see a piece in real life, hold it and look at it from every angle? Then come and visit us in Oosterwolde: by appointment, with coffee, and with plenty of time for your questions.

Do you live further away? Then we will come to you, with our Private viewing service. We will bring the pieces you want to see, so you can view them at your leisure in your own interior.

For collectors, by collectors

Vergulde Kat is not a homeware shop. We run this gallery for collectors, connoisseurs and everyone who loves objects with a past.

Our prices are based on provenance, rarity and market value, and fall under the margin scheme, so there is no VAT on top. We ship worldwide, free within the Netherlands, and make sure everything reaches you safely.