Shirley Zhao

Shirley Zhao is a Specialist and Cataloguer for Discovery auctions at Bonhams Skinner. She assists with the department's 12 annual sales spanning jewelry, silver, studio art, Americana, Asian art, tribal art and more. Her specialist area is in Chinese art and she has a particular interest in Chinese ceramics, snuff bottles and paintings.

Before her current role, Shirley worked in the Asian Works of Art department at Bonhams Skinner, where she assisted with research and market analysis. Prior to joining the company, she was Marketing Manager and Head of Sales at SuiYuanTang Art and Antique Collection Ltd in Shanghai. Shirley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia Design from the University of Northumbria and a certificate in Art History Intensive: Key Concepts through Time from Sotheby's Institute of Art.

Shirley's lifelong love and appreciation for the arts were inspired by her family, who were involved in the Chinese antiques and arts business for over 30 years. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, graphic design, calligraphy and visiting museums. She previously taught art at Wellesley Chinese Language School to inspire young artists.

Shirley speaks English, Mandarin Chinese and Shanghainese.