Art in the Shang Dynasty: Recognizing and appraising your object

Art in the Shang Dynasty: Estimate and recognize your works of art

The Shang Dynasty (1600 – 1046 BC)

The Shang dynasty, one of the earliest in Chinese history, was marked by the creation of bronze and jade objects of the highest artistic quality. Shang objects, often decorated with spiritual and animal motifs, are particularly prized by collectors for their rarity and historical significance. Prices can range from a few thousand to several hundred thousand euros, depending on the object, its provenance and condition.

Price estimation table for Shang objects

How to recognize a Shang Dynasty object?

Shang objects are generally made of bronze or jade and designed with characteristic motifs.

Ritual bronzes: Ritual bronzes, such as ding vases and gu vessels, feature highly detailed motifs of fantastical creatures (often taoties, with stylized, symmetrical faces) and animal figures. These objects are heavy, with a dark green or brown patina due to their age. A bronze ding vase with taotie motifs can be worth between €50,000 and €200,000 if well preserved.

Jade sculptures and jewelry: Shang craftsmen carved jade into ritual and decorative objects. The shapes are geometric with clear engravings, often in the form of animals or protective symbols. A jade figurine carved in the shape of a tiger can be estimated at €15,000 and more.

Ritual weapons: Ritual axes and knives, often made of bronze or jade, were used in sacred ceremonies. These weapons also bear taotie and animal motifs and are renowned for their elongated shape and detailed finishes. A bronze ritual axe decorated with animal motifs can fetch up to €70,000 on sale.

Bronze musical instruments: Bronze ceremonial bells are among the instruments created in this period. Often decorated with animal and taotie motifs, they are among the rarest and most precious Shang objects. A bronze ritual bell in good condition can sell for between €20,000 and €80,000.

Factors influencing value

The value of a Shang dynasty object depends on several key elements:

• Condition
  Shang objects in excellent condition, with no visible cracks, chips or restorations, are worth more. Antique bronzes with their natural patina intact (greenish layer due to oxidation) are worth far more than cleaned or restored bronzes. An intact object with its original patina can multiply its value by two or three.

• Rare and complex motifs
  Taotie motifs (mythological facial figures) are distinctive features of the Shang period and highly prized by collectors. A bronze ritual vessel decorated with detailed, symmetrical taotie motifs can easily double or triple in value compared to bronzes with simpler designs. The rarer and more complex the motif, the higher the value.

• Origin and historical provenance
  Objects found in key regions of Shang culture, such as Anyang (the last capital of the dynasty), are more sought-after. What’s more, an object that has belonged to a renowned private or historical collection will increase in value, sometimes by as much as 50% more than an object with no documented history.

• Authenticity and ancient inscriptions
  Authentic Shang objects can be identified by inscriptions in oracular script (jiaguwen) engraved on bronze or ceramic. These inscriptions, often brief, sometimes indicate a name or ritual function and are considered proof of authenticity. A Shang bronze with an ancient inscription confirming its ritual use or imperial origin can see its value increase significantly, often by a factor of five or more.