Estimate your Japanese artworks

Do you own a Japanese work of art or objet d’art and would like to appraise it? Our auctioneers and experts specializing in Japanese art will appraise your tsuba, print, tanto, raku ceramics, netsuke and Japanese armor free of charge, and help you sell them at auction.

Receive a confidential estimate for your Japanese artworks within 48 hours.

Recognizing a valuable Japanese work of art

To recognize a valuable Japanese work of art, here are several criteria for assessing its authenticity:

Dating

While Japanese antiques in very good condition fetch very high prices, contemporary works or creations destined for the Emperor also fetch very high prices.

In Japanese art, it’s not the date that counts, but the quality of the work. Is your samurai armor in perfect condition, but from the 19th century? It may be more valuable than incomplete armor.

For example, a 19th-century wooden Netsuke in perfect condition featuring two monkeys signed Toyomasa sold for 160,000 euros at a Drouot auction in 2021. By contrast, an 18th-century wooden Netsuke of lesser quality sold for 20,000 euros at an auction in Germany.

Type of work

Some works are destined for export and their value may be reduced, as in the case of certain 18th-century porcelains, or the numerous “Satsuma” productions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as illustrated by this pair of 19th-century Satsuma porcelain vases sold for 2,077 euros at auction.

Others were created for a wealthy, even imperial clientele. Sold at €24,000, a large porcelain baluster vase decorated in blue underglaze and white and eggplant enamel with hydrangeas in foliage bears the hallmark of Makuzu Kozan’s workshop. He specialized in export porcelain and was appointed Imperial Artist in 1896.

Provenance

Japan has a rich history. In particular, the country was plundered and then allied with the Germans. As a result, some pieces have disappeared and are highly sought-after as witnesses to the country’s past. A documented history or clear provenance (i.e., the traceability of the work through previous owners) can considerably increase the value of your piece.

For example, a very rare 17th-century Japanese suit of armor made of fine scales in black-brown lacquered leather imitating fish scales and of unimpressive provenance sold for €75,000, while another from the same period with no provenance went for €15,000 at public auction.

Signatures and seals

The artist’s seal is not the only authentication mark. There are also materials or glazes specific to a particular period. This is notably the case for cloisonné enamels from the Meiji period, or for Satsuma porcelain typical of the Edo and Meiji periods.

Specific workshops for ceramics can also be indicated, such as the Kakiemon workshop or the Kutani workshop.

Imperial seals indicate a direct link with the imperial court. The “Tenchō” seal (天朝), for example, was used by the Meiji emperor, and the “Kikumon” seal (菊紋), depicting a 16-petal chrysanthemum flower, is an imperial symbol often affixed to objects given by the imperial family or used in official ceremonies.

However, for modern or contemporary pieces, only a certificate of authenticity issued by the artist, his committee or an auction house expert can guarantee the value.

Artistic quality

Some works using traditional Japanese techniques can cost more. This is due not only to the importance attached to detail and finish, but also to the techniques and materials used. For example, urushi lacquer, with its complex manufacture, durability and deep shine, considerably increases the value of urushi objects.

Woodcuts of lesser quality can start at around 10 euros, but if they are made from precious woods such as hinoki cypress or sugi cedar, prices can soar. For example, a rare Sado chest of drawers in Japanese cypress wood, dark reddish-brown in color, with the double-body part made of hinoki cypress, sold for €5,000 at a Paris auction.

Mother-of-pearl raden is a very delicate decorative technique of mother-of-pearl inlay. Objects using this technique can fetch up to 100,000 euros. DUNHILL-NAMIKI pens are a good example. Worked with urushi lacquer, raden and enhanced with gold powder, one of them sold for 85,000 euros in Paris.

Conservation status

The marks of time can be observed on Japanese lacquer. These include the appearance of fine cracks in the surface of the lacquer that allow moisture to penetrate, loss of gloss or color, flaking or peeling of the lacquer from wood or metal, and stains.

Japanese prints, particularly ukiyo-e, are delicate works of art that can also show signs of wear over time. The vivid colors of prints can fade over time, especially if the work has been exposed to direct sunlight. Red and blue pigments are often the most susceptible to fading.

Yellowing of the paper may also occur due to acidity or exposure to light and humidity. Paper is difficult to preserve, and may show stains, folds, creases or tears, altering the value of the work.

Artist’s reputation

A work by a renowned Japanese artist, such as Hokusai, Hiroshige or Utamaro for ukiyo-e, or master potters like Raku, can be very valuable. Hokusai’s mythical Wave has set a new record for a Japanese print. It will fetch $2.8 million in 2023 in New York.

Works associated with recognized schools or artistic movements, such as the Kano School for painting, can also be valuable. For example, a rare and elegant Byobu screen with six gold leaves from the Kano School sold for 16,500 euros at MILLON in Paris.

In short, a valuable Japanese work of art is distinguished by its authenticity, quality, state of preservation, rarity, artist’s reputation and cultural significance.

Consult our Japanese art experts to confirm the value of a specific work!

Example of Japanese art prices by category

Subject Category	Average low price range	Average price range high	Example
Japanese prints	45 € – 450 €	4 500 € – 1 000 000 €	Print by Hokusai
Japanese Tanto	100 €	5 000 €	Tanto from the Edo period
Japanese armor – Yayoi	450 €	68 000 €	17th-century samurai armor
Japanese ceramics	150 €	70 000 €	Imari porcelain

These price ranges in euros give you a general idea of the values observed at Asian art auctions, but it is important to note that actual prices may vary considerably depending on the specific circumstances of each work.

Record sales of Japanese art by category

Some Japanese works achieved record prices on the world art market. Here’s a look at record sales results for Japanese art at auction, covering various fields such as paintings, prints, ceramics, and objets d’art.

Paintings and Prints

1. “Taisei Kishō” (1982) by Yoshitomo Nara

Yoshitomo Nara is one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary artists. In October 2019, the work “Knife Behind Back” sold for around $24.9 million at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, setting a record for the artist.

2. “The Great Wave of Kanagawa” (ca. 1831) by Katsushika Hokusai

This ukiyo-e print is one of the most famous images in Japanese art. It is part of the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series. In March 2021, an original print sold for around $1.6 million at Christie’s.

3. “Winter Scene in the Mountains” (1948) by Foujita Tsuguharu

In 2018, one of Foujita’s works sold for $9.8 million at Sotheby’s.

Ceramics and Porcelain

1. “Moon Jar” by Ogata Kenzan

Ogata Kenzan is one of Japan’s most famous ceramists, active in the early 18th century. A moon jar by Kenzan sold for $1.2 million at Christie’s in 2008.

2. “Song dynasty tea bowl (Chawan)

Although of Chinese origin, Song dynasty tea bowls are extremely popular in Japan, where they are used in the tea ceremony.

A Song dynasty tea bowl sold for $37.7 million at Sotheby’s in 2017. Although of Chinese origin, its importance in Japanese culture makes it relevant in the context of Japanese art.

Sculptures

In 2018, an 11th-century Buddhist wooden sculpture sold for $14.4 million at Christie’s.

Description: A wooden Buddhist sculpture of Dainichi Nyorai, a central figure in Japanese esoteric Buddhism, sold for $13.6 million at Christie’s in 2008.

Works of Art and Calligraphy

• “Samurai sword set (Katana and Wakizashi)

Antique samurai swords are among the most sought-after Japanese objets d’art. They are not only weapons but also finely crafted works of art. A set of two swords from the Edo period sold for $2.2 million at Bonhams in 2017.

• “Zen Calligraphy” by Hakuin Ekaku

A calligraphy by Hakuin sold for $1.5 million at Christie’s in 2014.

Frequently asked questions

Why ask Asium for a free estimate?

Asium is Europe’s leading appraisal site specializing in Asian art. Our experts also offer public and private sales, using their experience to guarantee the best price.

Since 2014, Asium has specialized in buying and selling Asian art.

A leader in the Asian art market, Asium enables you to benefit from a cash purchase at market price.

Our experts have all the information they need to appraise your object. Within 24 hours, we offer you a first estimate of your work. This estimate can be followed by a physical appointment if required. We also offer guaranteed sales solutions throughout Europe.

What Japanese artworks can Asium appraise?

Asium proposes a team of experts able to answer all your requests. For Japanese art, we offer free appraisals for all types of Japanese works of art:

• Contemporary works such as colorful paintings by Yayoi Kusama, bronze sculptures by Takashi Murakami and paintings by Takeshi Kitano.

• Ceramics such as utilitarian pots by Shoji Hamada, vases by Atelier Kakiemon, or tea bowls by Ken Matsuzaki.

• Bronzes produced by Takayama Jikinyū for his Buddhist sculptures, Atelier Myōchin for his helmets and armor, or Suzuki Chokichi for his bronze animal sculptures.

• Imperial art objects developed by Kano Eitoku with his large gilded screens, the Atelier Namikawa Yasuyuki with its cloisonné vases, or Inoue Ryosai with his celadon ceramics.

• Prints created by Katsushika Hokusai with his ukiyo-e landscapes, Utagawa Hiroshige with his series of landscapes and scenes of daily life, or Toshusai Sharaku with his portraits of kabuki actors.

How does Asium authenticate a Japanese work of art before offering it for sale?

Authenticating Japanese works of art can be difficult, which is why our experts rely on several criteria and follow a rigorous process. Let’s follow the essential steps for a successful appraisal:

Objective observation

• Examining your photographs: Each work of Japanese art is inspected to identify the materials, the manufacturing technique, and to assess the work’s state of conservation. This examination depends on your photographs, and our experts may need to ask you for further details.
• Style analysis: stylistic and artistic characteristics, as well as materials, are analyzed to confirm that they correspond to the announced era, artist or movement.

The provenance and history of your object

• Documentation and History: A thorough documentary search is carried out to gather all existing documentation on the work, including certificates of authenticity, purchase invoices, exhibition catalogs and publications.
• Provenance: documents tracing the history of the work are invaluable.

External consulting and analysis

• Specialist advice: Specialized experts can be consulted when necessary, for example in contemporary art or for very specific works. Their opinion is important in justifying the estimate given.
• Institutions or laboratories: it is sometimes necessary to have a work analyzed to confirm its dating, by radiocarbon for example. Asium can help you if this is necessary.
• Comparison with similar works: The work is compared with similar works already sold, in order to place it on a scale of value.

Creation of a file specific to your object, appraisal report

Each piece of information below enables us to draw up a complete description of your object, situating it in its period, its technique and establishing its price on the current market.

This process, specific to Asium, enables us to offer you a reliable estimate of your work. This estimate is always based on market prices, i.e. it corresponds to what can be obtained on the auction market from Japanese art collectors.

How does the Asium estimate request work?

Free online estimate:

1. send us photos of your artwork
2. our experts study your work and estimate its value
3. Receive your estimate within 48 hours!

Free expertise days :

Come and visit us at one of our many appraisal days! Our experts travel the roads of France to sell where the market demands.

In-home expertise

Is your object too bulky? Our experts will come to you after an initial assessment based on photos.