Appraisal of your Asian works of art (all materials)

Do you own an object made of cloth, bone, shell or horn and would like to know its value? Whether you’re a passionate collector or have inherited a family heirloom, having your piece appraised is a crucial step in understanding its potential. Our experts in Asian objects offer you a free, confidential estimate within 48 hours.

For thousands of years, ancient Asian art has used natural materials such as fabric, bone, shell and horn to create objects that are both utilitarian and symbolic. Fabric, often silk, is prized in China and Japan, particularly for its aesthetic qualities, as in the manufacture of kimonos and embroidered hangings. Bone and horn, carved into ritual objects and amulets, are also common, especially in Southeast Asia, where these materials have a strong spiritual dimension. Seashells, symbols of prosperity and eternity, are incorporated into jewelry and ornaments, especially in India and the Pacific, affirming the link between man and nature in Asian culture.

Horn regulations

Regulations governing the sale of horn items at auction, particularly rhinoceros horn, are strictly regulated due to the threat posed to protected animal species. In many countries, trade in rhinoceros horn is prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Auction houses are required to verify the origin of horn items, ensuring that they pre-date legal bans or come from unprotected species. In some cases, a CITES certificate is required to guarantee the legality of the sale, and cross-border transport of these objects may be restricted or even prohibited. These restrictions are designed to prevent the trafficking of endangered species, while allowing the legal sale of historic objects.

Estimates and prices of fabric, bone, shell and horn items on the market

Auction prices for bone, shell and horn fabric objects can vary considerably, depending on several factors: the type of object, the period of production and the artistic quality. Here is an overview of the price ranges observed at auction:

Price table for bone objects :

Price list for horn items :

Price table for shell objects :

Here is a table showing a typology of shell objects with their valuation ranges:

Price table for Asian fabrics :

Why should I have my fabric object made of bone, shell or Asian horn appraised?

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

• For an auction: If you’re planning to sell your item, 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 an object made of bone cloth, shell or Asian horn, an appraisal may be necessary for inheritance tax purposes or to divide the inheritance fairly.
• Curiosity: You simply want to know the value of your object, especially if it’s an heirloom or family memento.

How can you have your object appraised with Asium?

Nothing could be simpler! You can request an estimate directly online via our form. All you have to do is upload photos of your bone cloth, shell or Asian horn 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 object for an in-person appraisal.

Typologies and Specificities of Asian Fabric, Bone, Shell and Horn Artworks

1. Asian fabrics

Fabric objects from Asia encompass a wide variety of artistic and utilitarian pieces, such as embroideries, tapestries and ritual garments. Embroidered fabrics, particularly in China and Japan, often represent symbols of good luck, protection or social status, such as dragons, cranes and floral motifs. The quality of the work is judged by the finesse of the stitches, the richness of the threads (gold, silver, colored silk) and the arrangement of the motifs. In addition to decorative textiles, we find banners and veils used in religious ceremonies, where each motif or color carries a specific meaning.

Prices for Asian fabrics range from €100 to €1,500, with record-breaking pieces fetching very high prices for rare species or period creations.

2. Asian bone works

Bone sculptures and objects, produced mainly in China, Japan and India, include ritual and decorative objects, as well as musical instruments. Bone, often carved with extreme meticulousness, is used to create statuettes of deities, seals, and sometimes the handles of ritual weapons. The finesse of the carvings and the richness of the details, such as animated scenes or dragon motifs, are important indicators of the age and quality of the work. Easily available ox or camel bone is preferred for its strength, and works often show Buddhist or Taoist influence, depending on the country of origin.

These sculptures generally sell for between €100 and €20,000, depending on quality, period and rarity.

3. Asian shell art

Less common but highly prized are shell works, including carvings, decorative inlays and sometimes ritual objects. In China, for example, clam shells are finely sculpted to depict landscapes or mythological scenes, often stemming from Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Japan also excels in shell inlays (especially mother-of-pearl) on screens, chests and lacquered furniture. The choice of shell is crucial: mother-of-pearl and shells with iridescent hues are ideal for playing with light, while sturdier shells are appreciated for relief carving.

Decorative shell objects can sell for between €100 and €11,000, depending on their rarity and period of production.

4. Works in Asian horn

Horn, often buffalo or rhinoceros (historically prized for its spiritual value), is carved to create libation cups, ceremonial objects and ornaments. In China, rhinoceros horn libation bowls are particularly prized, often depicting symbolic scenes or motifs from Chinese mythology, such as dragons and peony flowers. The horn is also carved in high relief to give depth to the motifs and create highly detailed works. Meticulous polishing of the horn brings out amber and brown tones, adding an extra aesthetic dimension.

Prices for everyday objects range from €1,000 to €60,000, with high prices for precious woods.

Factors Influencing the Value of Works in Bone, Shell, Cloth and Asian Horn

1. Historical period

The age of a piece determines its value. Works from earlier periods, such as the Ming or Qing dynasties for Chinese objects, or the Edo period for Japanese, are often more highly prized. Particularly sought-after are works that reflect ancient craftsmanship or belong to a significant period in Asian history.

2. Material and rarity

The nature and rarity of the material strongly influence value. Rhinoceros horn, for example, is very rare and subject to strict regulations, increasing the value of antique objects made before modern restrictions. Iridescent shells or fabrics embroidered with gold and silver threads also increase the value of works of art due to the rarity and cost of the materials.

3. Iconography and Symbolism

The motifs and symbols present on the works bring a spiritual or cultural dimension that may attract collectors. Representations of dragons, phoenixes, Buddhist or Taoist deities, as well as auspicious motifs such as cranes or peonies, add strong symbolic value. These iconographic elements increase the value, especially if the symbolism is associated with luck, prosperity or protection.

4. Quality of work and technical details

The finesse of the workmanship, the level of detail and technical mastery are essential criteria for estimating value. Meticulous engraving, horn relief or intricate fabric embroidery demonstrate the craftsman’s expertise and the quality of his work. The more elaborate and detailed the piece, the higher its value.

5. State of preservation

Condition is crucial to market value. Intact objects, with no visible cracks, gaps or restorations, fetch higher prices. Good preservation of fragile materials such as bone, fabric and mother-of-pearl is a sign of special care, making the work more valuable.

6. Origin and history

The documented provenance of a work, particularly if it has been part of prestigious collections, museums or exhibitions, adds significant value. An object that has belonged to a renowned collection or has a documented history is more prized on the market.

7. Compliance with regulations (CITES for horn)

For sensitive materials such as rhinoceros horn, certificates of compliance with international regulations (such as CITES) are essential. Works in horn must prove their ancient origin and conformity to be sold legally, which can limit their value for exports, but can also increase their price with qualified collectors due to their rarity.