High Life

HIGH LIFE #12 Sep 2017 23 their culture, the color gold symbolizes power, prosperity, and good fortune. All these elements make your pieces extra appealing to the Chinese. Do you think that is the reasonwhy your pieces are so sought after in China?” “In French history, Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI are indeed symbols of power and the elaborate and exquisite craftsmanship of using gold on furniture reflects an aspiration to showcase strength in a political and social context,” Mikael replies. “Now this might be one reason, but there is another important one too – people buy antiques for speculation. Chinese love to invest and in recent years the media has spoken about the idea of ‘bubble-proof investment.’ Some of our clients are looking for exactly that.” For members of the Kraemer family however, with their true passion for art, the price tag of objects sold is not about boosting status. While Mikael does work with world renowned celebrities, fashion designers and aristocracy, he remains unpretentious and self-effacing. Philanthropy plays an important role in his life and he takes a humanitarian trip once a year to help those in need. “We are in touch with the most powerful people in the world and on the other hand with the most unfavored people in the world, which gives a real balance,” he says. “When a person already has everything he or she wants in the world, the biggest pleasure for them is to give – and the act of doing good brings immense happiness.”