Magyar News, 2000. szeptember-2001. augusztus (11. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2001-07-01 / 11-12. szám
miíE it OR LEAVE IT GOOD ADVISE FOR TRAVELLERS Getting antiques out of Hungary By Beáta Pál Hungary’s art protection laws are quite rigorous compared to other countries in the region. Different standards apply to the process of exporting and to the importing precious antiques into Hungary. There are no strict regulations in terms of bringing objects into Hungary. But, the Hungarian State tries to ensure that its paintings, sculptures, furniture and jewelry, stay in the country. If you have bought an antique at an auction, the organizers usually give you an invoice and at a 2-4% charge of its selling price a museum issues the kiviteli engedély (export permit). The easiest way is to turn to a specialist company that deals with moving matters because they can arrange everything for you, including the export permit, which usually goes for about $100 if one of the many moving companies in Budapest takes care of all the paperwork. Of course, you could do everything yourself, although you might have to look around in order to find the right person. Alternatively, you could do nothing at all and hope to smuggle your antique out undetected, but if they catch you at the border without the appropriate permit, your art piece can be confiscated. Permits for different objects can be requested from different museums. The Szépművészeti Múzeum (Fine Arts Museum) deals with paintings of non-Hungarian painters while the Magyar Nemzeti Galéria (National Gallery of Art) specializes in Hungarian works, mainly 20th century painters such as the popular József Rippl-Rónai. Furniture over 50 years old has to be taken to the Iparművészeti Múzeum (Museum of Applied Arts) and folk items such as a painted chest to the Néprajzi Múzeum (Ethnographic Museum). The special bírálati csoport (appraisal team) evaluates the art work if you do not have an invoice. If the painting is worth less than Ft800,000 ($2,857) you can take it out of the country like you would your camera. But if it is more expensive, then a company needs to be requested to assist, according to the Polgár Galéria and Auction House. The Applied Arts and the Ethnographic Museums tend to be the most rigorous regarding furniture and especially authentic peasant furniture, made of wood as well as early 19th century pieces when it comes to export permits. "Customs officers are also very strict, they require all the paperwork," said Jeff Taylor, director of the First European Shipping Company, that specializes in antiques in addition to odd-sized or fragile goods. There are some védett műtárgyak (protected items) which need to stay in the country and cannot under any condition be taken outside its borders. "The Hungarian National Gallery does not protect many paintings because it realized that it is good for the rest of the world to know how great Hungarian art is," said Taylor. Interestingly, most of the people purchasing Hungarian antiques are Hungarian, so much of the cultural heritage is just finding a new place in its homeland. According to the Polgár Gallery and Auction House, only 10% of their auction clients are foreigners. Reproduced by kind permission of The Budapest Sun. (www.budapestsun.hu) THE BEST OF HUNGARIAN FOOD AND VSIC Connecticut received a treat. Accompanying the good food was a great gypsy music. jntiMKiffiwl Déki Lakatos Sándor and his orchestra gathered under the beautiful pictures by József Dómján and played Hungarian and classic songs. The restaurant was filled to the rims and Eva Hlazs (right) proprietor together with the costumers enjoyed every moment, every bite and sound of the evening. Such surprises would be welcome all the time. Until then visit the Pearl of Budapest, enjoy the food, and be sure to inquire about the next great event. J.F.B. Page 8 In a surprising visit, patrons of the Pearl of Budapest Hungarian Restaurant in Fairfield
