Estimation Chinese porcelain

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Chinese porcelain

Do you own any Chinese porcelain? Are you curious to know what they are worth? Our Experts can provide an appraisal to give you an estimate of the market price, then help you to ensure the best possible price should you decide to sell.

Porcelain: an artistic practice from China

Chinese porcelain is derived from ceramics, a technique practiced in China since the beginning of civilization, which was also used to make objects from the manipulation of natural materials (terracotta, earthenware, etc.). Porcelain was born from the use of a material called kaolin, which, fired at more than a thousand degrees and then cooled, gave rise to this fine and prized clay. Porcelain then reached its peak in China in the Middle Ages and very quickly aroused worldwide interest. Whereas ceramics were previously dedicated to useful objects (such as kitchenware), porcelain became the essence of making more aesthetic and decorative objects.

Highly prized among both the Chinese elite and Europeans, Chinese porcelain has become a true national art. Marketed in Europe as early as the 16th century, porcelain is considered a Chinese speciality, as it took several centuries for Europeans to acquire this technique. Today it is still highly coveted and is considered an art. Porcelain creations are indeed considered to be true works of art.

Works considered as treasures

Porcelain is renowned for its fineness and brilliance, inherent in the materials used to make it, but above all for its white, slightly translucent colour, which results from the firing of the kaolin. Porcelain can be recognised mainly by its white colour, which allows light to pass through. The works may also have some kind of tiny scratches, which appear over time.

Porcelain objects are often of two types. Either they are useful objects such as crockery or vases, or they are decorative objects such as figurines for example. Concerning the colours of the drawings made on ceramic works, it is often blue, which came very early in Chinese porcelain art, although other colours such as yellow, red/pink or green are also found.

Very precious objects that can reach astronomical prices

Considered as real treasures, Chinese porcelain objects can reach astronomical prices. Several world records have been set in recent years. For example, an 18th century porcelain vase has reached an auction price of more than 15 million euros in 2018. More recently in 2020 a porcelain gourd was sold for more than 4 million euros.

In addition to these records, the prices of Chinese porcelain objects often reach several thousand euros, from a thousand to several tens of thousands, with prices often increasing according to the type of object (plates are sold for around 1000 and 2000 euros, cheaper than vases which can reach 30,000euros) as well as their decoration (if there are very elaborate and colourful designs).

How do we appraise your Chinese porcelain?

Requesting an online valuation of your Chinese object is simple. You just need to complete our appraisal form with a brief description and some photos. This information will be sent directly to one of our experts who will provide you with a price range and sales advice.

A team of experts and auctioneers

If you own a Chinese porcelain, use our online form for an appraisal.

You will then be contacted by a member of our team of experts and auctioneers to give you an independent opinion of the market price. Should you wish to sell your poster, our specialists will also advise you on the various options available for selling at the best price.

Get an online appraisal >