20231002173920.jpg)
ASIAN ART DEPARTMENT
Expertise dedicated to your oriental treasures
The Asian Art Department specializes in the appraisal and enhancement of Asian treasures. Whether it's Chinese porcelain, rare textiles, or Japanese weaponry, our experts guide you in assessing and selling your pieces under the best possible conditions. Discover our areas of expertise through some of the most sought-after pieces on the market.
Porcelain and ceramics: The timeless brilliance of chinese vases
Chinese porcelain embodies elegance and refinement, particularly pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Our in-depth expertise allows us to accurately appraise a Chinese vase, whether it’s a blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming era or a famille rose piece from the Qing dynasty. These vases are extremely rare, and auction results can be astonishing for exceptional quality pieces—especially those adorned with imperial dragons or phoenixes, which can reach record-breaking prices.
Religious sculptures: Between art and spirituality
Buddhist and Hindu statues, often made of bronze or stone, attract a wide audience of collectors. The appraisal of a 17th-century gilded Tibetan Buddha could reveal extraordinary value, particularly if it retains its original inscriptions. Religious sculptures, including painted thangkas and mandalas, are highly coveted by Asian antiquities enthusiasts and can fetch remarkable prices at auction.
Jade: The beauty and value of a precious stone
Ancient jade artifacts rank among the most sought-after objects in Asian antiques. Whether evaluating a bi disk used in burial rites or a small animal sculpture from the Qing dynasty, expertise in engraving techniques and historical styles is essential. Exquisite jade pieces are incredibly rare, and auctions often bring surprising results for exceptional specimens.
Antique furniture: Screens and lacquered boxes, echoes of the past
Asian furniture, particularly lacquered wood screens and boxes, offers a fascinating glimpse into Asian lifestyle and craftsmanship. The appraisal of an antique screen decorated with mythological scenes or mother-of-pearl inlaid birds in flight can uncover a treasure of great rarity. Similarly, a Chinese lacquered box, intricately carved in red and typical of the Ming period, can hold significant value, especially when signed by a renowned workshop.
Japanese art: Swords and exceptional objects
Katanas and their accessories, such as tsubas (sword guards), embody both the martial and artistic heritage of Japan. The appraisal of a katana—whether crafted by a master like Masamune or a distinguished Edo-era workshop—depends on factors such as blade condition and ornamental details. Tsubas, often adorned with floral or animal motifs, are rare collectibles, and their value can soar at auction, particularly for intricately decorated pieces from the Momoyama period.
Textiles: The woven treasures of Asia
Ancient textiles, including imperial Chinese robes and Japanese kimonos, captivate collectors with their beauty and complexity. The appraisal of a Chinese robe embroidered with golden dragons—similar to those worn during the Qing dynasty—takes into account fabric quality and preservation. Rare textiles, especially those from imperial periods, can far exceed auction expectations due to their elegance and scarcity.
Lacquerware and bronzes: A lasting legacy
Chinese bronzes, particularly those from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, are among the most coveted artifacts. Appraising a Chinese bronze, such as a ritual taotie vessel or an altar bell, requires careful attention to patina and inscriptions. Lacquerware pieces, including decorative panels and ornate boxes, are also highly sought after, especially those featuring mother-of-pearl inlays or engraved scenes. Their rarity often leads to surprising and impressive auction results.
Calligraphy and paintings: The art of scholars
Painted and calligraphic scrolls are prized treasures among Asian art collectors. The appraisal of a Chinese painting—whether a landscape or a calligraphic poem—relies on identifying the artist and era. For instance, a painting by Qi Baishi depicting shrimp exemplifies how seemingly simple works can command extraordinary prices due to the artist’s fame and growing market demand.
The strengths of the Asian Art Department
With a team of passionate and internationally recognized experts, our auction house is your trusted partner for the appraisal and sale of Asian antiques. Each piece, be it a Ming vase, a Buddha statue, or a katana, is meticulously examined and rigorously appraised. Entrust your treasures to us for a complimentary valuation and uncover their true worth. Whether you are a collector or an admirer of Asian art, our department grants you access to an exceptional market.
For remote appraisals, you may fill out our online evaluation form.
To have your treasures assessed, consult our appraisal day calendar or contact us directly.
The Asian Art Department specializes in the appraisal and enhancement of Asian treasures. Whether it's Chinese porcelain, rare textiles, or Japanese weaponry, our experts guide you in assessing and selling your pieces under the best possible conditions. Discover our areas of expertise through some of the most sought-after pieces on the market.
Porcelain and ceramics: The timeless brilliance of chinese vases
Chinese porcelain embodies elegance and refinement, particularly pieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Our in-depth expertise allows us to accurately appraise a Chinese vase, whether it’s a blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming era or a famille rose piece from the Qing dynasty. These vases are extremely rare, and auction results can be astonishing for exceptional quality pieces—especially those adorned with imperial dragons or phoenixes, which can reach record-breaking prices.
Religious sculptures: Between art and spirituality
Buddhist and Hindu statues, often made of bronze or stone, attract a wide audience of collectors. The appraisal of a 17th-century gilded Tibetan Buddha could reveal extraordinary value, particularly if it retains its original inscriptions. Religious sculptures, including painted thangkas and mandalas, are highly coveted by Asian antiquities enthusiasts and can fetch remarkable prices at auction.
Jade: The beauty and value of a precious stone
Ancient jade artifacts rank among the most sought-after objects in Asian antiques. Whether evaluating a bi disk used in burial rites or a small animal sculpture from the Qing dynasty, expertise in engraving techniques and historical styles is essential. Exquisite jade pieces are incredibly rare, and auctions often bring surprising results for exceptional specimens.
Antique furniture: Screens and lacquered boxes, echoes of the past
Asian furniture, particularly lacquered wood screens and boxes, offers a fascinating glimpse into Asian lifestyle and craftsmanship. The appraisal of an antique screen decorated with mythological scenes or mother-of-pearl inlaid birds in flight can uncover a treasure of great rarity. Similarly, a Chinese lacquered box, intricately carved in red and typical of the Ming period, can hold significant value, especially when signed by a renowned workshop.
Japanese art: Swords and exceptional objects
Katanas and their accessories, such as tsubas (sword guards), embody both the martial and artistic heritage of Japan. The appraisal of a katana—whether crafted by a master like Masamune or a distinguished Edo-era workshop—depends on factors such as blade condition and ornamental details. Tsubas, often adorned with floral or animal motifs, are rare collectibles, and their value can soar at auction, particularly for intricately decorated pieces from the Momoyama period.
Textiles: The woven treasures of Asia
Ancient textiles, including imperial Chinese robes and Japanese kimonos, captivate collectors with their beauty and complexity. The appraisal of a Chinese robe embroidered with golden dragons—similar to those worn during the Qing dynasty—takes into account fabric quality and preservation. Rare textiles, especially those from imperial periods, can far exceed auction expectations due to their elegance and scarcity.
Lacquerware and bronzes: A lasting legacy
Chinese bronzes, particularly those from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, are among the most coveted artifacts. Appraising a Chinese bronze, such as a ritual taotie vessel or an altar bell, requires careful attention to patina and inscriptions. Lacquerware pieces, including decorative panels and ornate boxes, are also highly sought after, especially those featuring mother-of-pearl inlays or engraved scenes. Their rarity often leads to surprising and impressive auction results.
Calligraphy and paintings: The art of scholars
Painted and calligraphic scrolls are prized treasures among Asian art collectors. The appraisal of a Chinese painting—whether a landscape or a calligraphic poem—relies on identifying the artist and era. For instance, a painting by Qi Baishi depicting shrimp exemplifies how seemingly simple works can command extraordinary prices due to the artist’s fame and growing market demand.
The strengths of the Asian Art Department
With a team of passionate and internationally recognized experts, our auction house is your trusted partner for the appraisal and sale of Asian antiques. Each piece, be it a Ming vase, a Buddha statue, or a katana, is meticulously examined and rigorously appraised. Entrust your treasures to us for a complimentary valuation and uncover their true worth. Whether you are a collector or an admirer of Asian art, our department grants you access to an exceptional market.
For remote appraisals, you may fill out our online evaluation form.
To have your treasures assessed, consult our appraisal day calendar or contact us directly.