Have your Asian art appraised free of charge: paintings, bronze, jade

Chinese porcelain plate

Key takeaways

  • Asian art encompasses several major categories: Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain, Buddhist bronze sculptures, and Chinese paintings, with estimates exceeding $48 million.
  • Reproductions and counterfeits are widely available on the market; only the assessment of a certified expert can guarantee the authenticity and accurate valuation of the pieces.
  • The most sought-after items include Ming vases ($21 million in 2020), Ming Buddhist statues ($16 million in 2019), and Qing jade sculptures ($8 million in 2019).

Asian art is a fascinating field, with a wide variety of objects that bear witness to the history, culture and aesthetics of Asian civilizations.

Let's explore the different types of Asian art objects, providing examples and prices for each category. This specialty is very dense, and brings together a significant number of artists and objects. Numerous reproductions circulate on the market, requiring the keen eye of a state-approved expert.

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Porcelain art, the must-have of Asian art

Porcelain art is an important area of Asian art, with pottery, vases, bowls and dishes that testify to the aesthetics and expertise of Chinese, Japanese and Korean craftsmen. The most sought-after porcelains are those produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, as well as those produced in Japan during the Edo period.

Examples of porcelain art

A famous example of porcelain art is the Ming Xuande blue and white porcelain vase, sold at auction for over $21 million in 2020. This vase measures over 45 centimeters high and is considered one of the finest examples of Ming porcelain ever produced.

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Buddhist art, one of the tpes of Asian art objects

Buddhist art is an important area of Asian art, with sculptures, paintings and religious objects depicting Buddha and other important Buddhist figures. The most sought-after objects are bronze, wood and stone sculptures, as well as paintings on silk and paper.

Examples of Buddhist art

A famous example of Buddhist art is the gilded bronze statue of Buddha from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), sold at auction for over $16 million in 2019. The statue stands over two meters high and is considered one of the finest Buddha statues ever produced.


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Jade art, small objects surprising in their value

Jade art is an important area of Asian art, with sculptures, ornaments and jewelry that testify to the aesthetics and expertise of Chinese craftsmen. The most sought-after pieces are those produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Examples of jade art

A famous example of jade art is the "white jade chicken" from the Qing dynasty, sold at auction for over $8 million in 2019. The sculpture measures just 16 centimetres high, but is considered one of the finest examples of jade ever produced.



Chinese painting, artists in demand

Chinese painting is an important area of Asian painting, with ink scrolls, silk paintings and oil paintings depicting a variety of subjects, such as landscapes, portraits and historical scenes. The most sought-after paintings are those produced during the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

Some of the most sought-after artists on the market are:

  • Zhang Daqian: a 20th-century artist known for his landscape, flower and figure paintings
  • Wu Guanzhong: a 20th-century artist known for his abstract landscape paintings
  • Shen Zhou: a 15th-century artist known for his landscape and bamboo paintings

Examples of Chinese painting

A famous example of Chinese painting is Chen Rong's "Six Dragons" ink-on-paper painting, produced during the Song dynasty. This painting measures over three meters in length and sold at auction for over $48 million in 2018.


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Japanese painting, the story of a civilization

Japanese painting is also a very important area of Asian painting, depicting a variety of subjects, such as landscapes, portraits and historical scenes. The most sought-after paintings are those produced during the Edo and Meiji eras.

Some of the most popular artists on the market are:

  • Katsushika Hokusai: an 18th- and 19th-century artist known for his prints of famous views of Japan
  • Utagawa Hiroshige: a 19th-century artist known for his landscape prints, notably his series "The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō"
  • Tawaraya Sōtatsu: a 17th-century artist known for his paintings of flowers, birds and landscapes

Examples of Japanese painting

A famous example of Japanese painting is Tani Buncho's "Dragon and Tiger" ink-on-paper painting, produced during the Edo period. This painting measures over two meters in length and was sold at auction for over $20 million in 2019.

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Korean painting, the cream of Asian art

Korean painting is also an important area of Asian painting. Some of the most sought-after artists are:

  • Shin Saimdang: a 16th-century artist known for her paintings of flowers and insects
  • Yi Sang-chai: an 18th-century artist known for his paintings of mountainous landscapes
  • Kim Hong-do: an 18th-century artist known for his portraits and paintings of scenes from daily life

The most sought-after paintings are those produced during the Joseon dynasty.

Examples of Korean painting

A famous example of Korean painting is the ink-on-paper painting "Flowers and Insects" by Shin Saimdang, produced during the Joseon dynasty. This painting measures around 35 centimeters wide and sold at auction for over $3 million in 2017.

Vietnamese art is a pillar of Asian art

Vietnamese painting is a rich and diverse field of Asian art, with a long history dating back thousands of years.

Vietnamese landscape painting

Vietnamese painters have a long tradition of landscape painting, reflecting the natural beauty of their native country. These paintings are often done with soft colors and smooth contours, creating peaceful, harmonious scenes. Many of these landscapes depict Vietnam's iconic natural features, such as winding rivers, terraced rice paddies and mountain peaks. Vietnamese painters are also known for their skilful use of negative space, creating a sense of depth and perspective.

Contemporary Vietnamese painting

In addition to landscapes, Vietnamese artists have also explored a range of subjects in their contemporary paintings. Works often reflect the impact of the Vietnam War on the country and on the collective psyche of Vietnamese artists. Artists such as Nguyễn Tư Nghiêm have been influenced by traditional Chinese art, while artists like Bùi Xuân Phái have developed a unique style that captures the urban life and characters of Hanoi. Contemporary Vietnamese paintings can be abstract, expressionist or figurative, but they all reflect the complexity of modern Vietnamese culture.


The need for an Asian art expert

Asian painting is a complex and diverse field, with a long history and rich culture.

For collectors and art lovers, it's important to call on Asian art experts to assess the authenticity and value of works of art.

Asian art experts can identify painting techniques, regional styles and artist signatures, which can be crucial in determining the value of a piece of art.

In addition, A Auctie's experts can provide important historical and cultural information about works of art, which can help enrich the understanding and appreciation of pieces.

Finally, calling in an Asian art expert is essential to guarantee the authenticity of artworks and avoid forgeries, which can be common in Asian art, and ensure a successful sale.

Laurent Schroeder, certified expert in Asian art

Laurent SCHROEDER has been involved in polymorphous art for twenty years. His passion for the arts of Asia has led him to practice several professions at the same time: expert, writer, lecturer and independent researcher, in collaboration with the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. Today, learning the Chinese language has enabled him to specialize in this country.

Laurent Schroeder
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Frequently asked questions

  • Why is it important to have your Asian art appraised by an expert?
    Asian art is a complex field in which many reproductions and counterfeits circulate. A certified expert can identify authentic techniques, regional styles, and artists’ signatures, and determine a piece’s true value. At Auctie's, our experts also provide essential historical and cultural information to ensure the authenticity of your artwork.
  • What are the most sought-after types of Asian art on the market?
    The most sought-after categories are porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Buddhist art (bronze, wood, or stone sculptures), jade art, and paintings (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese). Paintings from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods, as well as Japanese prints from the Edo and Meiji periods, are in high demand on the market.
  • How does a free appraisal work at Auctie's?
    Appraisals at Auctie's are free and non-binding. You submit photos or information about your artwork, and our expert auctioneers will examine your piece to determine its authenticity and market value. You'll receive a response within 48 hours, along with professional advice.
  • Is this the right time to sell Asian art?
    Yes, the Asian art market remains dynamic and in high demand, particularly for authenticated works from earlier periods and by recognized masters. Global demand for Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain, Buddhist sculptures, and classical paintings remains strong, making this an opportune time to maximize the value of your collection.
  • How can I sell my Asian art with Auctie's?
    Auctie's guides you from the free appraisal all the way to the final sale. Once your consignment is accepted, our experts prepare your item for auction, catalog it with a detailed description, and promote it to our national and international buyers. You benefit from complete transparency throughout the entire process.