Rating and value of Chinese bronzes
Key takeaways
- Chinese bronzes sell for between €10 and €6,292,000, with gilded Buddha statues fetching the highest prices.
- Chiseled bronze Buddha statues are valued between €10 and €115,000, while other Chinese bronze statues range from €20 to €250,000.
- Chinese bronzes date back to the Bronze Age (2000 BCE) and were produced continuously until 1912 during the Chinese Empire.
If you own a Chinese bronze, and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Rating and value of Chinese bronzes
Chinese bronzes are highly prized on the auction market, whatever the period. There are many Buddha statues, but the rarer ones are also in demand. Prices for these works are now reaching unprecedented heights under auctioneers' hammers. They are particularly prized by Chinese buyers. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €10 to €6,292,000, a considerable delta but one that speaks volumes about the value that can be attributed to Chinese bronzes. In 2020, a gilded bronze Buddha statue sold for €70,000 while it was estimated at between €30,000 and €40,000.
Order of value from a simple work to the most prestigious
Type of bronze | Result |
|---|---|
Chased bronze Buddha statue | From 10 to €115,000 |
Other Chinese bronze statue | From €20 to €250,000 |
Gilt bronze Buddha statue | From €10 to €6,292,000 |
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Technique and age of Chinese bronzes
Chinese bronzes are timeless, and techniques do not vary greatly from one era to the next. Some are very old, dating back as far as 2000 BC, i.e. from what is commonly known as the Bronze Age. The earliest bronzes are found on archaeological sites in Henan and Gansu.
The history of Chinese bronzes, from the Bronze Age to today
The first Chinese bronze items were found on archaeological digs in 2014. They date back to the Neolithic period. Bronze is thought to have been discovered in the region of present-day China through experimentation, by hammering or melting copper. Chinese craftsmen soon invented alloys by adding copper to tin, and sometimes lead. Their first products were weapons and cutting tools. Mineralogical sites were present, notably in Henan, which facilitated the craftsmen's work.
Thanks to these mineral sites, the peoples of present-day China quickly figured out how to make ceramics. Objects were first used to create ritual vases. Soon, they were being made in bronze. As soon as these objects were made, the reliefs were worked and engraved. The molds used to make these bronze objects are made of ceramic, a material they preserve.
When the first dynasties appeared, bronzes became an object of power and might, helping to identify one's rank. These objects often bear inscriptions indeed, they were passed down hereditarily and the name of the legatee is inscribed on the bronze. Sometimes, the name of the heir is also inscribed. It is often these inscriptions that enable the bronze to be dated.
Thus, bronzes were produced throughout imperial China, from 221 AC, starting with the Qin dynasty, until 1912, with the Qing dynasty. During the Han dynasty, around 150 AC, we already find bronzes that are works of art; animals (horses, rhinoceroses) are carved.
Bronze statues depicting Buddha begin to appear as early as 220 PC, with the Han dynasty, and production has continued to grow ever since.
Reasons to sell a Chinese bronze at auction
If you own a Chinese bronze and want to sell it, auctions are one solution. Chinese buyers are very present on the auction market and attend many sales when Chinese art is presented. What's more, Chinese bronzes are highly prized and many buyers are looking for them, whether it's a bronze of Buddha, another deity or an animal.
Dating your bronze
If there is an inscription on your bronze, it will probably be possible to give a date or delta that will provide more information about your object. Our experts will do their utmost to give you the most complete information possible.
Knowing the value of a work
If you happen to own a Chinese bronze, or think your object might be one, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your work, as well as any relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your work, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account the inclinations of the market.
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Frequently asked questions
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What is the price range for Chinese bronzes at auction?Chinese bronzes sell for a very wide range of prices, from €10 to several million euros, depending on the type, age, and rarity. Gilded bronze Buddha statues can fetch up to €6,292,000, while chiseled bronze Buddha statues generally range in price from €10 to €115,000. This significant variation reflects the great diversity of the works and their intrinsic value on the international market.
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How do you date and authenticate a Chinese bronze?Authentic Chinese bronzes often bear engraved inscriptions that help determine their period and provenance. For reliable authentication and dating, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from our state-certified auctioneers. Our experts will examine your item in detail and provide you with an accurate appraisal, along with all the necessary information regarding its authenticity and period.
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Is this the right time to sell a Chinese bronze sculpture?Yes, this is an excellent time to sell a Chinese bronze. These works are fetching record prices at auction, particularly among very active Chinese buyers. Demand remains strong, whether for Buddha statues or other bronzes, which means you have a better chance of getting the best possible price for your piece.
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How does the free appraisal of a Chinese bronze sculpture work at Auctie's?The appraisal is simple and non-binding: simply submit your item using the form on our website. An expert or certified auctioneer from our team will contact you shortly to examine your Chinese bronze and provide you with an accurate assessment of its current market value, along with all relevant information.
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How do I sell a Chinese bronze at auction with Auctie's?Auctie's guides you from the appraisal to the auction. Once you’ve received your free appraisal, our team of experts will help you find the best ways to sell your bronze at the best price, taking into account current market trends and strong demand from international buyers.
