"In the past 30 years, I have personally handled hundreds of thousands of antiques and have never missed a fake. Besides, business is all about honesty. Why would I want to destroy my reputation?

"You only need to feel the texture to know that that jade fan is carved from top-quality white jade, and look at the lines to know that it's exquisitely carved. Only a craftsman from the palace can create a piece like that!" the owner said, spittle flying everywhere.

The onlookers outside the store su