What caught Xiao Ran's attention was a bronze tripod with three legs and ears placed on the museum shelf.
This bronze tripod is very small, only slightly larger than the palm of an adult man's hand, but it is exquisitely made, and you can tell from its extraordinary origins at first glance.
This small bronze cauldron is covered with green patina, covering most of the inside and outside of the cauldron, and there are some traces similar to blood in some parts.
It was obvious that this was a treasure that had just been unearthed, and there was a faint earthy smell.
On the few exposed tripods, you can see many exquisite Taotie patterns and Huizi patterns, which should be all over the body.
There are two tiger heads on both sides of the small tripod, each holding a small ring.
The two tripod ears are round and natural, and there seems to be a bit of leisure in the solemnity.
The only pity is that there is no inscription where the small tripod is exposed.
It is temporarily unknown whether there are inscriptions on those places covered by green patina.
If there are inscriptions that can prove the age and provenance of this small tripod, it will definitely greatly increase the value of this small tripod.
If the inscriptions can be linked to some famous historical events, this small bronze tripod might be classified as a national treasure!
There was of course a reason why Xiao Ran was sure that this small tripod was a trap set by Yamamoto Katsuyoshi and other scumbags for him.
the reason is simple!
Among the antique cultural relics that were unearthed in Shaanxi and then smuggled to Japan, there happened to be a small bronze tripod of about the same size and shape.
Moreover, the age of the two small bronze tripods is also very close, one is from the early Warring States period and the other is from the middle period of the Warring States period!
The difference is that the small bronze tripod was unearthed more than half a year ago, from the early Warring States period.
The small bronze tripod in front of me was unearthed six or seven years ago, from the middle period of the Warring States Period, and has a slightly lighter earthy smell.
The antique cultural relics smuggled to Japan, including the small bronze tripod from the early Warring States Period, were smuggled abroad as soon as they were unearthed, and finally smuggled to Japan.
At that time, Xiao Ran was searching for treasures everywhere in the United States. It was impossible for him to see those smuggled antiques, let alone get his hands on the real ones.
Because of this, these scumbags from the Yamaguchi-gumi found such a highly similar small bronze tripod to test his intentions!
If he came here for the batch of smuggled antiques, he should have heard of the small bronze tripod from the early Warring States Period.
When he sees the little tripod in front of him, he is likely to get to the bottom of it, revealing flaws and revealing his true intention of coming to Japan this time.
When Xiao Ran looked at the small bronze cauldron, Yamamoto Shengyi, Morita and others all widened their eyes and stared at his every move!
Unfortunately, Xiao Ran was wearing a mask, so they couldn't see much change in his expression.
Due to the position he was standing in, his eyes were perfectly covered.
After pretending to appreciate it seriously for a moment, Xiao Ran took out a pair of white gloves and put them on his hands.
Then, he reached out and picked up the small bronze cauldron, turning it over and over and observing it carefully.
Following his action, Yamamoto Katsuyoshi, Morita and others suddenly became more nervous.
At this moment, Xiao Ran suddenly said:
"Boss Yamamoto, could you please introduce the situation of this small bronze tripod?"
“This treasure looks interesting, maybe it’s a surprising discovery.”
Following his words, Qian Guzhenmei and others all looked over and looked at the small bronze tripod.
Yamamoto Katsuyoshi paused for a moment, then nodded in response.
"Okay, Mr. Sean, I'm very happy to help you."
With that said, he walked over here.
Qian Guzhenmei and others looked at each other and walked towards this side one after another.
When Yamamoto Katsuyoshi came closer, Xiao Ran immediately smiled and said:
"Tell me about this small bronze tripod, Boss Yamamoto. I'm more interested and want to know more about it!"
Yamamoto Katsuyoshi nodded and then began to introduce the situation.
"Mr. Sean, I just collected this bronze tripod a few days ago. I haven't had time to study it carefully or ask experts to appraise it."
"The person who sold me the small bronze tripod was a young man in his twenties at the Oedo Antique Fair last weekend."
"The young man didn't say much at the time. Perhaps he didn't understand the situation. He left the antique market after the transaction was completed."
"After I got this small bronze tripod, I studied it carefully, but I didn't have time to consult experts and scholars!"
"According to my observation, this small bronze tripod should come from ancient China and was just unearthed."
“But I don’t know exactly which dynasty in China it comes from, its value, etc.!”
"Mr. Sean, you are the top antique art appraisal expert in the industry. You can definitely recognize the origin of this small bronze tripod."
"If possible, I hope you can share your opinion. I would like to know more."
When saying these words, Yamamoto Katsuyoshi kept staring at Xiao Ran's eyes, wanting to see what kind of reaction he would give.
Morita and others who were staying in the Japanese-style building not far away were also watching his every move.
Before Xiao Ran could respond, Qian Gu Zhenmei suddenly stepped forward and looked at the small bronze tripod with interest.
The next moment, the guy said excitedly:
"Yes, this is indeed a recently unearthed antique cultural relic. It does not look like a fake, but a real Chinese bronze."
"If this is the case, when and where was it unearthed? How did it enter Japan? Did it enter through legal channels?"
"Mr. Yamamoto, can you explain these issues?"
As he spoke, he looked at Yamamoto Katsuyoshi, his expression suddenly becoming serious.
But this was just superficial, a show for Xiao Ran.
Yamamoto Katsuyoshi was stunned for a moment, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.
Obviously, Zenitani Mami's intervention was somewhat beyond his expectation.
However, he calmed down in an instant and gave a seemingly reasonable explanation.
"Director Qiangu, I really can't answer all the questions you raised."
"You must know the trading rules of Oedo Antique Market better than me. I can't ask the seller for details."
"That young seller may not be able to answer these questions."
"If you really want to know the answers to these questions, you can only answer them when I find the seller."
Hearing this, Xiao Ran couldn't help but a smile quickly flashed in his eyes.
He could see that these scumbags of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi were ready to give up on this small bronze tripod from the mid-Warring States Period in order to test him.
I have to say, these scum are really willing to give up!
As for the young seller Yamamoto Katsuyoshi mentioned, naturally he does not exist.
If the police intervene in the investigation and are pressed hard, they can always introduce a subordinate to impersonate you.
As a result, the police will naturally find nothing.
Of course, there is such a possibility.
There is no question about the origin of this small bronze tripod.
When necessary, the so-called young seller will appear with relevant supporting documents.
But this possibility is very small, close to none!
Hearing Yamamoto Katsuyoshi's explanation, Zenitani Mami couldn't help but be stunned.
As Yamamoto said, he naturally knows the trading rules of the Oedo Antique Market very well.
Just like Panjiayuan in Beijing, many transactions cannot be traced afterwards.
The next moment, Qiangu Mami nodded helplessly.
"Okay, let's not dwell on these issues now. Let's take a look at the small bronze tripod itself first!"
As he said that, he looked at Xiao Ran.
"Mr. Sean, tell me what you think. What do you think of this small bronze tripod?"
Xiao Ran did not respond immediately, but checked the small bronze tripod again.
After pretending to look at it seriously for a moment, he smiled and said:
"According to my observation, this small bronze tripod should have been unearthed more than five years ago, but less than ten years ago."
"This can be seen from the oxidation and patina of the green patina on the body, as well as the color change of the blood."
"As for the age of this small bronze tripod, it should be around the middle period of the Warring States Period in ancient China. This can be determined from the decorative characteristics."
"The decorations on bronzes in the middle Warring States period have unique characteristics of that era. This is difficult to fake and not difficult to identify."
"Judging from the green patina all over the body, this small bronze tripod should have been unearthed in southern China, probably in the Yangtze River Basin..."
Next, Xiao Ran took this small bronze tripod and briefly introduced his discovery.
Listening to his introduction, all the Japanese people present were dumbfounded, and all of them were shocked.
Especially Yamamoto Katsuyoshi, who became a monk and entered the antique business halfway, never heard of such professional analysis and explanation.
Although he was shocked, this guy also understood.
The idea of using this bronze tripod to test Xiao Ran's true intention has failed.
At this moment, Xiao Ran had finished introducing his views.
Then, his words suddenly changed.
"Boss Yamamoto, may I ask, what is the price for this small bronze tripod?"
"If the price is right, I will consider buying this treasure and collect it myself."
"ah!"
However, Yamamoto Katsuyoshi exclaimed and froze on the spot.
He never expected that this would be the result.
An antique cultural relic that I used for fishing, instead of catching no fish, might be bought by the other party.
This small bronze tripod cannot be sold now, which may cause trouble.
Thinking of this, Yamamoto Katsuyoshi said with difficulty:
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Sean, the appraisal of this small bronze tripod has not been completed yet, and I haven't had time to price it."
"So I can't give a quotation for the time being, so I can't trade. However, I will complete the appraisal work as soon as possible and formulate a quotation."
"I will contact you as soon as the quotation is finalized and we will discuss the deal again. Please understand."
Xiao Ran paused, took a deep look at Yamamoto Shengyi, then smiled and nodded.
"If that's the case, then I'll wait a little longer!"
"Before I leave Japan, I hope we can reach this art deal."
"Hai, thank you for your understanding."
Yamamoto Katsuyoshi bowed and responded.
Next, Xiao Ran looked at the small bronze tripod again, and then put it back on the museum shelf.
Seeing this scene, Morita and others who were staying in the Japanese-style building not far away couldn't help but be stunned.
After a while, Morita said:
"Isn't this bastard Sean here just for that batch of smuggled antiques? Are we overthinking it?"
"When he checked the bronze tripod, he didn't show any abnormality, and he didn't ask a word about the smuggling of antique cultural relics."
"Judging from the current situation, we may really be overthinking it."
Another gangster continued.
At the same time, Turner, who was staring at the surveillance screen, said disdainfully:
"These idiots from the Yamaguchi-gumi are completely finished. That guy Sean will never let them go."
"They tried to use this small bronze cauldron to test Sean, but unexpectedly, they completely exposed themselves!"
"Sean spent tens of millions of dollars tracking down these smuggled antiques. How could he let them go?"
Before he finished speaking, Xiao Ran in the surveillance screen had already arrived in front of a row of knife rests.
He casually picked up a samurai sword from the knife rest and gently pulled the sword out.
The next moment, he suddenly said in surprise:
"Kiku Ichimonji! Did I read that correctly?"
