A man in HCM City who has acquired a unique collection of antiques, estimated at tens of millions of USD plans to sell them and give the profit to fishermen and disadvantaged children.

“King of Antiques”

Hoang Van Cuong, owner of an antique shop on Le Hong Kieu Street in District 1, has been nicknamed “King of Anitques” by his neigbours.

Cuong has been looking for support from relevant authorities to organise an auction, for which the proceeds would go to charity.

“I intend to donate 70% of the proceeds to poor fishermen who have been contributing to the protection of our national waters. The rest would be used to support disadvantaged children, including some of my own relatives and maintain a family alter,” said Cuong. The statement is also written in his last will and testament.

His antiques are estimated to be valued at a combined USD70 million, according to Asia Life Magazine.

Unique collection

The most prominent item up for sale is a large wooden bed that is over 300 years old. It was imported from China by a mandarin. The woodwork is ornate and meticulous, and he has already had offers of as high as USD2 million, but he has always refused to sell it.

Other special antiques include nine royal beds belonging to Vietnamese royalty.

His collection also includes old pottery, royal decrees and lamps, along with 25 Japanese guns dating back to 1600.