15/10/2025 Asian Ceramics & Works of Art
Asian art has long formed an important part of the international auction market. Objects such as Chinese ceramics, Japanese works of art and South Asian paintings continue to attract interest from private collectors, institutions and the trade.
At Bellmans Auctioneers, our Asian Art department advises on the valuation and sale of individual works and collections through auction, drawing on specialist knowledge and an established buyer base.
The consignment process begins with a specialist valuation. This allows an object to be examined in person and assessed accurately, taking into account both its physical characteristics and its place within the current market.
Valuation considers a combination of factors, including age, condition, workmanship, rarity and provenance. These elements are considered together, allowing our specialists to provide a realistic estimate and advise on the most appropriate auction in which the piece may be offered.
Clients are not expected to research the market or prepare information in advance. Any relevant details can be reviewed once the object has been seen.
Condition plays a central role in the valuation of Asian art. Signs of wear, damage or restoration are assessed alongside overall quality and integrity. In some cases, age-appropriate wear is expected, while more extensive damage or later alteration may affect desirability.
Authenticity is also carefully considered, using stylistic knowledge, construction methods and comparison with known examples. This process allows objects to be catalogued accurately and presented with confidence to bidders.
Rarity may arise from a number of factors, including period, form, decoration, materials, marks or cultural significance. Certain objects may also be valued for their place within a broader historical or artistic context.
These aspects are assessed by specialists familiar with both the objects themselves and the market in which they are sold. Rarity is considered alongside condition and quality when advising on estimate and sale placement.
Where available, provenance and supporting information are reviewed as part of the valuation process. This may include previous ownership history, old collection labels, invoices, exhibition records or earlier auction references.
While such information can be helpful, the absence of documentation does not prevent an object from being suitable for auction. Specialist advice is given once the piece has been examined in person.
Following valuation, items are entered into the auction best suited to their type and value. This may be a dedicated Asian Art sale or a broader category auction, depending on the nature of the material.
Each item consigned to Bellmans is professionally photographed, catalogued and marketed as part of the auction process. Catalogue descriptions are prepared by specialists, ensuring accuracy and clarity for potential buyers.
Marketing is directed to a national and international audience, allowing items to be seen by collectors with specific interests in Asian art.
Bellmans regularly advises on the sale of both single objects and complete collections. Collections may be offered as individual lots or grouped where appropriate, depending on the material and market interest.
In all cases, advice is provided on how best to present the material within the auction, with the aim of achieving clear exposure and informed bidding.
Valuations for Asian art are available at our Sussex saleroom and London office.
Whether you are considering selling a single piece or a wider collection, the first step is simply to bring the items in for specialist advice.