Art collecting

[Raider]

I was wondering if any of you know about collecting art from Asia.
Me and two friends have planned a trip around Asia and the Middle East for a year. I want to pick up certain things on the trip but do not want to lug them around Asia for a year. Would it make it easier if I obtained a collector's license before hand so I could just mail them home? Or would this not be a big deal? The things I'm thinking of getting are Katanas, Persian rugs, maybe some urns and pots. I wouldn't like to get anything confiscated through customs.

Do any of you know what the best approach to this is?

[Trent R]

I have no idea, but I'd suggest reading up on customs departments of the involved countries (importing and exporting)

Also, you may way to ship somethings by sea, because that can often be cheaper yet slower. But since you'll be gone for a year, slower won't really matter.

~Trent