Chinese Art Theories & Critics
What Determines the Value of a Chinese Art Work
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Authenticity/Originality is the most important value feature. However, as far as Chinese art is concerned, sometimes, the value of a fine reproduction of an original work by a good old hand may exceed the value of an original new work by a less capable hand.
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The rank of an artist among his equals determines the value of his works: However, a famous artist does not always produce masterpieces. A fine Chinese art work by a less known artist does not mean less valuable.
- The quality of an art work determines the value.
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The subject matter of an art work affects the value. In Chinese fine arts, landscape painting ranks higher than figure painting, figure painting ranks higher flower and bird. The visual appeal of a painting entices the potential buyers.
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The size of a painting or calligraphy has less influence on the value. However, the value of a work is measured by its size seems to play a major role in most auction houses.
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The medium of a Chinese fine art does affect the value. In general, a hanging scroll is better than a hand scroll; a handscroll is better than a fan painting; a silk painting is better than a paper painting, etc.
- The condition of an art work affects the value.
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The rarity of an art work in the current art market determines the value. The rare the better.
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A larger-sized art work does not mean a higher value. The quality of an art work plays a significant role in valuation.
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Buy small and buy quality is the best investment strategy.
Chinese Art References Online
Orientations is a magazine designed for connoisseurs, dealers and collectors of Asian art. It offers articles on art, exhibitions, and collections, and provides updates on major auctions in London, New York, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and elsewhere.
The Palace Museum, Beijing is one of the most important collection in the world dedicated to Chinese art. Its collection of classical Chinese painting makes it one of the best Chinese art collections in the world .
The Shanghai Museum is one of the most important collections of Chinese art worldwide. It concentrates on literati paintings of the 13th and the 14th centuries.
The Tokyo National Museum has one of the best Chinese art collections, including paintings, calligraphy and decorative arts, of the Song (960-1279), Yuan (1279-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911).
The British Museum (London) has the most conprehensive collection of Chinse art. Its Dunhuang collection is of particular research value, including stencils, illustrated manuscripts, silk and paper banner paintings from Dunhuang Library Cave 17 (discovered in 1900).
Freer and Sackler Galleries (Washington,D.C.) distinguishes itself from other museums dedicated to Asian art and Chinese art by housing many rare classical Chinese paintings and art objects. Their landscape paintings, figure paintings, Buddhist art, and flowers and bird paintings are among the best worldwide.
The National Palace Museum, Taipei houses a wide range of important classical Chinese paintings and imperial art objects. Its landscape paintings, figure paintings, Buddhist art, and decorative arts are critical to the study of Chinese material culture in the ancient times.
Collection of Classical Chinese Paintings presents famous traditional Chinese paintings currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston).
