Art in the Qing Dynasty: Valuation and recognition of works

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The Qing dynasty: a bridge between tradition and modernity

Asian art, particularly that of the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), is a fascinating journey through time. Each object, whether ceramics, jade sculptures or furniture, tells a story rich in culture and tradition. The Qing dynasty, China’s last great imperial dynasty, left its mark on the history of Asian art with exceptional works combining tradition and modernity.

Under the Qing dynasty, art enjoyed a period of prosperity and innovation. Emperors such as Kangxi and Qianlong encouraged artistic creation, fostering varied styles and unprecedented refinement. This period saw the production of magnificent pieces of art that are highly sought-after by collectors today.

Treasures of the Qing dynasty

Artistic contributions from this period include porcelain vases, jade sculptures, bronze objects and fine furniture. Works are often identified and dated by the name of the emperor under whom they were created, allowing each piece to be contextualized.

Qing ceramics

Ceramic production under the Qing dynasty reached very high prices, particularly during the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong.

Glazing: the “green family” palette (Kangxi), “pink family” (Yongzheng and Qianlong) and blue-white glazes are typical of Qing ceramics.

The “Green Family” (Kangxi) represents the use of vivid enamels, notably green, yellow and red, with motifs of dragons, clouds and flowers. A “Famille verte” vase decorated with dragons, sold between €10,000 and €50,000. And the “Famille rose” (Yongzheng/Qianlong) represents softer colors, with a distinctive pink, used for scenes of nature and the imperial court. A Famille rose bowl decorated with peonies and phoenixes, estimated at €50,000 – 200,000.

Patterns of dragons, clouds, landscapes and flowers are characteristic of imperial ceramics. High-value ceramics often bear imperial marks in the form of stamps in zhuanshu characters (seal script). These marks help to identify the period of production.

Common Qing-period ceramics can be estimated at around a few thousand euros, while rare imperial pieces with detailed decoration or complex glazes can fetch several hundred thousand, even millions of euros at auction. For example, a Qianlong-period vase in blue and white, decorated with dragons chasing the sacred pearl, sold for over €1,000,000.

Bronze and jade sculpture

Jade and bronze were also prized by the imperial court, with particular attention paid to fine detail and symbolism.

Jade sculptures: Spinach jade and white nephrite jade are two particularly prized types. Jade work during the Qing period features highly detailed carvings with Taoist and Buddhist motifs (dragons, immortals). Spinach jade is prized for its bright green color, and is often carved with symbolic motifs. For example, a spinach jade sculpture of a dragon can fetch high prices due to its rarity. White nephrite jade, often used for delicate works, can fetch up to 500,000 euros for pieces from the Qianlong period, such as a carved bowl decorated with Taoist motifs.

Gilded bronzes: Gilded bronze religious statues of bodhisattvas or Buddhist deities, often large in scale, are typical. Their expressions and clothing details reflect exceptional technical mastery. The gilded bronzes, representing bodhisattvas, are often very large. A statue from the Kangxi period can fetch between €100,000 and €1,500,000. Bronze statues can be valued according to their size, gilding quality and provenance. A gilded bronze Buddhist statue from the Kangxi period can sell for between €100,000 and €1,500,000. For jade, a rare piece such as a carved celadon bowl from the Qianlong period could fetch up to several hundred thousand euros.

Furniture and Lacquers

Under the Qing dynasty, furniture, often in zitan or huanghuali wood, and lacquered objects reached unparalleled levels of elegance and technical perfection.

Distinctive features :

Furniture: Qing dynasty furniture, particularly that made of precious woods, features meticulous carving and inlays of ivory or mother-of-pearl. Shapes are often inspired by Ming models, but more refined. Furniture in zitan or huanghuali wood is particularly prized. They feature meticulous carvings and ivory or mother-of-pearl inlays, often inspired by Ming models. For example, a zitan cabinet may feature delicate floral motifs, highlighting the skills of the craftsmen of the period.

Lacquer: Objects made of lacquer, often engraved or inlaid with semi-precious stones. Cloisonné and carved lacquer techniques were frequently used for imperial objects. Lacquered objects, such as boxes or trays, are often adorned with engravings or inlays of semi-precious stones. Both cloisonné and carved lacquer techniques were commonly used to create imperial pieces.

A piece of zitan furniture from the Qing period can easily fetch several hundred thousand euros, while lacquer objects, depending on their condition and provenance, range from €10,000 to €100,000.

Signatures, Stamps and Marks

Imperial marks, signatures and stamps are essential for assessing the authenticity of a Qing work.

How to recognize them :

Imperial stamps: On ceramics and jades, zhuanshu marks, often in six characters (Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi), help to attribute a piece to a specific period. These marks are frequently found on ceramics and jade objects. Zhuanshu inscriptions, often consisting of six characters (e.g. Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi), indicate the period of manufacture. Ceramics bearing such a stamp can be precisely dated, which is a major asset for collectors.

Artists’ signatures: Some lacquer or jade objects may bear the signature of the craftsman or master responsible for their creation. These signatures are rare and considerably increase the object’s value. Some pieces in lacquer or jade are signed by the craftsman or master. These signatures, though rare, considerably increase the object’s value. For example, a lacquer jar with the signature of a recognized master may sell for considerably more than a similar piece without a signature.

Objects bearing imperial marks or authentic signatures often sell for much higher prices than those without. A jade bowl with an imperial seal can double its value from €50,000 to €100,000 simply because of its confirmed authenticity. This distinction underlines the importance of verifying signatures and seals for any appraisal or sale.

The impact of provenance and conservation status

Provenance and state of preservation are key factors influencing the value of a Qing work of art.

Provenance

Provenance refers to an object’s ownership history. A link to a prestigious collection can considerably increase its value.

For example: a jade bowl that once belonged to the imperial collection or was exhibited in a renowned museum, may see its value rise from 50,000 to 150,000 euros. In the case of Ming porcelain, a plate that was part of a royal collection can fetch sales prices in excess of 200,000 euros, while a similar plate with no notable provenance might be worth “only” 20,000 euros.

Conservation status

The state of preservation is crucial to the appraisal of a piece. Imperfections can reduce the value. For example:

Bronze Buddha: A gilded bronze Buddha in perfect condition can be valued at 1,000,000 euros. On the other hand, if the piece shows cracks or poorly executed restorations, its value could fall to 300,000 euros.

Jade statue: A well-preserved jade statue can sell for up to 500,000 euros, while a piece with visible chips or repairs might only be worth 100,000 euros.

FAQ – Why appraise your Qing Dynasty art object?

1. How can I identify the origin and period of my Qing art object?
   Check for marks and inscriptions, especially Zhuanshu characters. Consult specialized books or an expert for more details.

2. Which art objects were most prized in the Qing dynasty?
   Ceramics, especially those from the “famille rose” period, as well as jade, silk paintings and zitan furniture are highly sought-after.

3. How does the provenance of a Qing art object affect its value?
   A documented provenance or former ownership by a reputable collector can significantly increase the value of an object.

Art from the Qing Dynasty is a rich and complex field. Whether you’re a collector or simply curious, understanding the characteristics and value of objects can help you navigate this fascinating market. For an accurate appraisal, don’t hesitate to call on our experts France Estimation, who will give you an answer within 24 hours.