How to Get Asian Art Appraised
Whether you’ve inherited a Chinese porcelain vase, found a Japanese print at an estate sale, or collected Himalayan bronzes for years, a professional appraisal helps you understand what you have, what it’s worth, and how to protect or sell it. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, with practical tips specific to Asian art.
What an appraisal actually is (and isn’t)
Appraisal = a written, independent opinion of value, prepared to a recognized standard, for a defined purpose and date.
- Insurance Replacement Value (IRV): Cost to replace with a comparable item if lost—usually the highest value.
- Fair Market Value (FMV): Price between a willing buyer and seller in an open market—used for estate planning, donations, and taxes.
- Marketable Cash / Liquidation: Quick‑sale value under time pressure—often the lowest value.
- Auction Estimate: A non‑binding price range for sale at auction; useful, but not a formal appraisal by itself.
Tip: Make sure the report states the intended use, value definition, and effective date.
Why us (Real-World, Buyer-Based)
- We actually buy at our valuation. If we’re interested, we purchase at prices consistent with our appraisal—actionable, not theoretical.
- Auction houses don’t buy inventory. Their estimates aim to win consignments; timing and outcomes vary and may take months.
- No “feel‑good” inflation. Some appraisal‑only firms quote optimistic numbers to please clients, yet they won’t spend at those levels.
- Dealers often understand the market better than scholars. Market value is set by what buyers pay today; long‑term buyers see real prices, shifting demand, and condition penalties.
- Markets change. For example, many Japanese antique categories were very strong decades ago and are lower now—only active buyers tracking cycles know current prices.
How to prepare before you contact anyone
1) Gather facts & documents
- Ownership history; receipts; prior appraisals; auction catalogs; exhibition/loan paperwork.
- Restoration records or lab reports.
- Customs/CITES permits for restricted materials (ivory, rhino horn, certain rosewoods).
2) Measure & describe accurately
- Exact dimensions (H × W × D) and weight.
- Materials (porcelain, jade, bronze, silk) and techniques (underglaze blue, cloisonné, etc.).
- Condition: chips, cracks, hairlines, repairs, repaint, wormholes, patina changes.
3) Take clear photos (phone is fine)
- Front, back, sides, base/underside.
- Close‑ups: signatures, reign marks, seals, inscriptions, labels, boxes.
- Raking‑light shots to reveal brushwork, relief carving, or craquelure.
- Neutral background; include a ruler or coin for scale.
Don’t clean, polish, or “improve” the piece before photography—over‑cleaning can erase evidence and reduce value.
Special notes by category
- Chinese porcelain & pottery: Reign marks are often apocryphal; footrim, glaze, paste, and wear patterns are crucial; repairs/over‑painting affect value.
- Chinese paintings & calligraphy: Mounts, seals, inscriptions, and colophons matter; provenance and literature are critical amid many later copies.
- Jade & hardstones: Age claims are tricky; workmanship, tool marks, and surface “skin” are key.
- Bronzes: Patina authenticity, casting seams, and later cold‑work repairs need close examination.
- Japanese art: For ukiyo‑e, check edition/state and margins; for netsuke, look for honest wear and legal materials; swords require papers.
- Korean ceramics: Glaze quality (celadon/buncheong/white porcelain) and kiln attribution drive value.
- Himalayan/Indian/SE Asian sculpture: Casting technique, iconography, ritual wear; mind cultural property laws and provenance gaps.
Step‑by‑step: getting your piece appraised
- Define your goal: insurance, estate, donation, sale, or curiosity.
- Share a pre‑packet: photos, measurements, condition notes, brief provenance timeline.
- Discuss scope & fees: value definition, turnaround, inspection location, possible tests.
- Inspection: images can work for many items; high‑value pieces may require in‑person exams.
- result/report: we provide a free valuation result. If you need a detailed written appraisal report—covering description, methodology, comparables, value conclusion, scope/limits, and appraiser credentials—fees apply.
- Next steps: weigh auction consignment vs private sale vs dealer offer.
Costs, timing, and expectations
- Fees: We offer a free preliminary appraisal. If you need a formal written report for a specific purpose (e.g., insurance or tax), fees apply.
- Timing: Simple items are quick; complex works may need literature research, expert consults, and lab analysis.
- Reality check: Age ≠ value. Quality, condition, rarity, and demand determine price; a imperial mark alone doesn’t guarantee imperial period.
Legal & ethical considerations
- Cultural property: Be wary of illicit export; strong provenance helps.
- CITES & restricted materials: Ivory, rhino horn, certain corals, tortoiseshell, and Dalbergia face strict controls.
- Restitution & repatriation: For sensitive categories, transparent ownership histories are expected.
Quick photo checklist
- Front, back, sides, base/underside
- Details: marks, seals, signatures, inscriptions, labels
- Condition: chips, cracks, repairs, stains, over‑paint
- Accessories: stands, boxes, certificates, old tags
- Measurements (include a ruler in one photo)
FAQs
Can you appraise from photos? For many items, yes—for preliminary ranges. Important works may need in‑person review.
Do I need to clean it first? No. Photograph as‑is; over‑cleaning can erase evidence and reduce value.
Is a “Qianlong” or “Made in China” mark decisive? No. Many later pieces carry earlier marks; marks help but rarely prove period by themselves.
Will an appraisal increase the value? An appraisal doesn’t change the object; it clarifies market position and documentation.