On October 26th, in Suzhou, a fascinating narrative unfolds through the eyes of an American, Mitch Dudek, as he shares his journey of collecting Chinese antiques.
“Traveling in China is incredibly convenient now, with online train ticket purchases enabling spontaneous trips. The high-speed trains whisk us to our destinations in no time. Yet, I have a soft spot for the old green trains—there’s something nostalgic about exploring the history of this land at a leisurely pace,” Dudek remarks, surveying his office. The vintage ambiance is palpable, with a slightly chipped wooden bench beside a meeting table, a few quirky stone artifacts in the corner, and even two retro arcade machines tucked away in the back. It’s hard to tell which is more surprising: the eclectic mix of old Chinese items or the presence of an American enthusiast in this setting.
Dudek’s love affair with China began in 1981 when he was just a 19-year-old college student from Ohio. At that time, China was just beginning to open its doors to the world. Some Chinese exchange students invited him to join them on their return home during a school break, and this marked his first visit to the country.
“I didn’t even know how to say ‘hello.’ I carried a dictionary and would look up words whenever I needed to communicate.” Despite the language barrier, Dudek felt an overwhelming warmth from the Chinese people. What truly captivated him, however, were the myriad of antiques. During a visit to an antique market in Xi’an, he was drawn to a pair of jade lion sculptures, purchasing them to share with friends back home. This initial act ignited his enduring passion for collecting Chinese antiques.
Dudek’s journey in China deepened after his first visit. He soon returned as one of the earliest American students to study here. During his downtime, he embraced life on the slower green trains, traveling extensively across the country.
“The trains back then were slow, and the travel could take quite a while. People onboard were eager to strike up conversations, and that’s how I learned Chinese. Often, I was invited to their homes, especially in rural areas, which I always accepted.” Those visits revealed a treasure trove of old items that ignited his collecting frenzy. Dudek soon found himself gathering everything from buckets and abacuses to wooden beds and even religious statues, building an impressive and diverse collection over time.
Interestingly, while some might liken him to a ‘thrifty collector,’ Dudek approaches his acquisitions with a unique philosophy. Before taking anything home, he always asks the owner, “Do you still use this?” For him, an item still in use is “alive” and deserves to remain where it is.
In the wake of China’s rapid modernization, many historical objects began to disappear. Undeterred, Dudek roams through rural areas, carefully selecting artifacts, sometimes even acquiring dilapidated buildings in dire need of repair.
“I don’t consider myself a typical collector,” he explains. “I buy based on what catches my eye. It doesn’t matter if something holds significant value; if I like it, I’ll pay a fair price for it.” He mentions having accumulated hundreds of nondescript wooden buckets alone. He strictly keeps his collection and never sells anything, viewing every piece as a treasured possession.
Over time, however, Dudek’s commitment mirrors that of a true collector. To find cherished items, he has traversed much of China. On one occasion, he even financed road repairs to transport a long-forgotten statue from a remote village. “I use half of my income for collecting and the other half for investments. When the investments yield returns, I return to my passion for collecting.”
Dudek has accumulated over 100,000 pieces, renting multiple storage spaces in Shanghai for safekeeping. “Even my friends and family think I’m crazy for hoarding so many items,” he admits with a laugh.
When questioned about his motivation for collecting these old Chinese artifacts, Dudek reflects, “These items represent the everyday lives of people from the past—a world I’ve never experienced. They showcase craftsmanship and cultural legacy, and I want to preserve them.”
Initially, his vast collections served as a personal cache for him and his friends to appreciate. However, around 2010, Dudek realized that many young Chinese today are unfamiliar with these heirlooms. This sparked the idea to open a museum to educate younger generations about the significance of these artifacts.
After years of preparation, he opened the Liuyue Museum in the ancient town of Lili in Suzhou in 2018.
The name “Liuyue” reflects Dudek’s desire for visitors to experience joy through all their senses. The museum itself is housed in a repurposed old factory, where the aged architecture beautifully complements the exhibits. The atmosphere is enriched by the scents of camphor wood furniture and herbal medicine cabinets.
Notably, 98% of the exhibits are meant to be touched. “Old objects come to life when people interact with them,” Dudek explains. “I’m not worried about them getting damaged; everyone here is careful and respectful.”
“All my collections reflect elements of everyday life for generations of Chinese people. We see about five to six hundred visitors daily, sometimes even over a thousand. It’s common to witness families spanning three generations in the museum, where the older members share stories about the artifacts that resonate with the younger ones—many find themselves moved to tears. It fosters a sense of nostalgia and connection to China’s past.”
Dudek isn’t content with just operating a museum; he envisions creating a cultural complex that integrates dining, lodging, and event spaces around the museum. In this setting, guests might serendipitously encounter various antiques. Furthermore, local residents frequently visit to cool off, chat, or attend workshops. “Museums shouldn’t exist in isolation but should be interwoven into daily life,” he asserts.
Under Dudek’s influence, his family is also gaining a greater appreciation for Chinese culture. “My mother loves the museum and even participated in its design. Now, she visits China one to two times a year, staying for a month each time. My sister helped design a restaurant next to the museum, incorporating old Chinese artifacts into the decor. My nephew is also learning Chinese in hopes of understanding this country better. Now that I’m retired, I have more time to manage the museum, and my bond with China will continue to grow.”
