Porcelain estimate

Do you own a piece of Asian porcelain and would like to know its value? Whether you’re a passionate collector or have a family heirloom, having your porcelain appraised is an essential step in understanding its true potential. Our Asian art experts will provide you with a free, confidential appraisal within 48 hours, assisting you in every step of the way, whether you wish to sell at auction or simply find out the value of your piece.

Asian porcelain appraisals and prices

Asian porcelain price chart

This table presents estimate ranges for the main categories of Asian porcelain objects, based on auction results.

Why should I have my Asian porcelain item appraised?

If you own a piece of Asian porcelain and would like to know its value, you have several options for obtaining a reliable estimate:

There are several advantages to obtaining an accurate estimate for your porcelain:

For an auction: If you’re planning to sell your porcelain, knowing its current value helps you set a fair and attractive price.

For insurance: In the event of a claim or damage, an estimate enables you to insure your room properly.

As part of an inheritance: If you have inherited a porcelain object, you may need an estimate for inheritance tax purposes or to divide the inheritance fairly.

Curiosity: You may simply want to know the value of your porcelain, especially if it’s an heirloom or family heirloom.

How do you get your porcelain appraised with Asium?

Nothing could be simpler! You can request an estimate directly online via our form. Simply upload photos of your porcelain object and add a description. Our experts will get back to you within 48 hours with a confidential estimate.

For larger collections or high-value objects, we also offer in-home appraisal services or the possibility of participating in our appraisal days, where you can bring your porcelain for an in-person appraisal.

How to recognize Asian porcelain?

It can be difficult to recognize genuine Asian porcelain, but here are a few criteria to consider:

1. Style and motifs: Chinese blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) often features motifs of dragons, lotus flowers and landscapes; Japanese Imari porcelain, characteristic of the Edo period (1603-1868), is recognizable by its vibrant colors (red, blue, gold) and intricate floral patterns.
2. Glaze: Chinese celadons from the Song dynasty (960-1279) feature a green glaze with natural crazing. Korean Joseon (1392-1910) white porcelain, on the other hand, is sober and uniform, with a milky, soft-touch finish.
3. Marks and stamps: Imperial Chinese porcelain often bears underglaze marks, such as those of the Kangxi (1662-1722) or Qianlong (1736-1795) emperors, while Japanese porcelain may feature workshop or potter signatures, sometimes with characters indicating origin (e.g. Arita for Imari).
4. Color and brilliance: The cobalt blue of Ming Chinese pieces is generally deep and intense, whereas in the Qing dynasty, the blue is softer. Older porcelain often shows a natural patina, a sign of its age.
5. Tone: When lightly tapped on an intact piece, a clear, prolonged tone is often indicative of high-quality porcelain, typical of imperial or fine production.

How do you assess the value of your porcelain?

When holding your Asian porcelain, several criteria can help you determine its value. Here’s a detailed guide to help you assess your object accurately:

Production period

Porcelain from early dynasties, such as China’s Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, is particularly sought-after. Older, well-preserved pieces can fetch several thousand, even hundreds of thousands of euros.

Provenance

A clear, documented provenance, especially if the piece comes from a renowned collection or has been exhibited in a museum, can significantly increase the value. Imperial porcelain and porcelain from large private collections are often much more highly prized.

Glaze and color quality

The finesse and brilliance of the glaze, as well as the vividness of the colors, are essential. Song dynasty celadons, for example, are particularly prized for their green glaze with subtle craquelure. Higher-quality pieces often have intense brilliance and depth of color.

Marks and stamps:

Imperial marks or the signatures of renowned potters, authenticated by an expert, add significant value. The marks of Kangxi or Qianlong, for example, are indicative of precious imperial productions.

A brief history of Asian porcelain

The art of porcelain making in Asia dates back several centuries, with China as the cradle of production as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). As dynasties passed, techniques evolved, moving from celadon to blue-and-white porcelain under the Ming, then to multicolored glazes under the Qing. Japanese and Korean production also developed, influenced by trade and cultural exchanges. Collections of Asian porcelain in museums around the world bear witness to the artistic and commercial impact of this art form.