Chinese furniture estimate

Estimating Chinese furniture can be done in a practical way by following this guide. First, examine the overall condition of the furniture, noting any defects or restorations. Next, identify the style and period of the furniture, as this will influence its value. Take into account the rarity and quality of the materials used. Finally, consult similar auctions to get an idea of the market price. It is strongly recommended, however, that you call in experts for a more precise estimate.

Auction price table for Chinese furniture:

How do you recognize Chinese furniture?

Origin and history

China’s earliest furniture remains, preserved in brick and carved in stone, reveal the antiquity of a Chinese furniture culture firmly rooted in the nation’s beginnings. The earliest dynasties used woven carpets as decorative elements, on which were arranged a variety of furniture such as coffee tables, screens, armchairs and chairs.

During the Chinese Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.), furniture such as stools and chairs became commonplace among the elite and bourgeoisie. The Chinese Song dynasty (960-1279) saw the widespread use of a variety of furniture throughout Chinese society, as evidenced by paintings and archaeological excavations of the period. Chinese carpentry and cabinetmaking workshops, already tried and tested under the Song and Yuan dynasties (1279-1368), saw a real boom in Chinese furniture under the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). (In the meantime, we’re planning an article on the furniture of each dynasty, but not just yet!

After the fall of the Ming dynasty in 1644, China prospered again under the first Qing emperors (1644-1911). Carpenters continued to make Ming-style furniture, but a trend towards societal refinement emerged, influencing the decoration and furniture styles of the Qing period. This furniture adopted more angular forms and was often adorned with elaborate decorations.

Technology and manufacturing

As a rule, antique Chinese furniture is made of solid wood, characterized by its considerable thickness and weight. The lightness of a piece of furniture may indicate the use of other materials in its manufacture. Solid wood furniture also features a natural patina and visible wood grain, adding to its charm and attesting to its authenticity.

Through the dynasties, Chinese furniture evolved to incorporate artistic motifs, sophisticated carving techniques and the use of luxurious materials such as lacquer, jade, mother-of-pearl and coral…

Antique Chinese furniture is mainly made of solid wood, which makes it heavy and sturdy. For example, a Ming cupboard made of walnut wood can be very thick and heavy, while a lighter piece of furniture might use pine or lighter materials.

Over time, wood takes on a natural patina, which can be seen, for example, on a rosewood table, where the grain and color change, adding a unique character to the piece.

Styles evolved with each dynasty. Under the Ming dynasty, furniture was simple, often decorated with bamboo or lotus carvings. Under the Qing dynasty, furniture was more ornate, with lacquer, jade inlay or carved dragons, as seen on a lacquered chest of drawers from this period.

How to estimate your Chinese furniture?

First of all, make sure your furniture has been designed in China. Chinese-style furniture is often made in France or Europe.

-Analyze conservation status

The analysis begins by examining the overall state of conservation of the work, involving a careful assessment of its general physical condition.

Furniture often shows signs of use, missing materials, mold and mildew, and certain alterations that will have an impact on its appraisal.

-Identify the techniques used

Expertise consists in identifying the manufacturing techniques and the type of wood used in a piece of furniture. Depending on the period of creation and the artistic techniques used, the expert carries out a detailed analysis of the materials, including :

• The expert recognizes precious woods such as Hongmu, Huanghuali, Zitan and Chengxiangmu, which are highly sought-after for their rarity and quality. For example, furniture made from Zitan, a dense, heavy wood, is highly prized for its dark color and fine texture, making it a symbol of luxury in Chinese imperial furniture.
• The expert analyzes the furniture’s method of decoration, whether lacquered, painted, or adorned withinlays of jade, marble, coral, orprecious stone chips. For example, a Qing lacquered box might feature scenes in relief with jade inlays, or a Ming table engraved with floral motifs, indicating not only the period but also the level of detail and technique used in the furniture’s manufacture.

-Authenticate origin

By analyzing the techniques, materials and motifs used, the expert can determine the period of creation, the style and sometimes the geographical origin of a work. For example, a lotus motif carved in wood is often associated with the Ming dynasty, a period when such motifs symbolized purity and prosperity. Similarly, a red lacquer box decorated with dragon scenes may be typical of the Qing dynasty, when this motif was an imperial symbol of power.

If a piece of furniture features phoenix-shaped mother-of-pearl inlays, this may be a clue to its origin in Jiangnan, a region known for its lacquer techniques and fine inlays. Similarly, a piece of furniture adorned with carved bamboo motifs and simple, clean lines could be attributed to the Ming dynasty, famous for its refined, minimalist designs.

The Chinese furniture market

The value of these pieces is influenced by various factors such as the identity of the artist, the state of preservation and the dimensions. Small contemporary objects in average condition can be estimated at around €100. When they are attributed to renowned artists, their value can reach several thousand euros. Larger pieces, such as screens, created by renowned lacquerers, can fetch several hundred thousand euros.

Here is a table illustrating the factors influencing the value of coins: