Chinese scrolls paintings, and especially exceptional historic examples with impeccable provenance, generate significant interest within the international collectors’ market when they appear at auction. Chinese hand scrolls and wall scrolls are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance, and the right provenance can drive prices into the millions. We run through the five highest-priced […]
Chinese bronze and especially exceptional examples with impeccable provenance generate significant interest within the market. Chinese bronze items are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance, and the right provenance can drive prices into the millions. We run through the five highest-priced Chinese bronze sold at public auction, including what makes each piece extraordinary. If […]
Japanese netsuke, although small, can command the attention of buyers and achieve record-setting prices globally. Netsuke are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance with prices able to reach seven figures for the perfect pieces. We run through the five highest-priced netsuke sold at public auction, from Japanese unicorns to distinctive caricatures we look […]
Chinese jade and especially exceptional imperial pieces have repeatedly shattered auction records to achieve record setting prices globally. Chinese jade items are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship, historical significance, and the imperial provenance adds additional appeal to collectors, driving prices into the millions. We run through the five highest-priced Chinese jades ever sold at public […]
Chinese imperial porcelains have repeatedly shattered auction records to achieve record setting prices globally. Chinese porcelains are prized for their exquisite craftsmanship, historical significance, and the imperial provenance adds additional appeal to collectors, driving prices into the millions. We run through the five highest-priced Chinese porcelain vessels (vases, jars, or pots) ever sold at public […]
Chinese scrolls aren’t just paintings, they’re puzzles. Unroll one and you might find imperial seals, centuries-old poetry, or even the brushwork of an artist painting with the wrong hand. Some were made to be passed from scholar to scholar. Others were annotated by emperors. And many were never meant to hang on walls at all. […]
When it comes to antiques, many people assume that the older an item is, the more valuable it must be. That idea holds true in some cases, but not always. In the world of Chinese porcelain, newer doesn’t necessarily mean less. In fact, porcelain from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), especially the 18th century, is often […]
In the magnificent history of Chinese porcelain, no colour speaks more eloquently of power and prestige than yellow. At its pinnacle stood the imperial yellow glaze – a luminous, egg-yolk shade that was the emperor’s exclusive preserve. The precise production of these pieces, achieved through complex firing processes, marked the supreme authority of the Son […]
The botanical world holds profound symbolic significance in Chinese art, with each plant and flower carrying layers of cultural meaning that transform porcelain decoration into sophisticated visual poetry. These natural motifs speak of human aspirations, virtuous qualities, and cosmic harmony – intricate details that can dramatically affect a piece’s historical significance and market value. From […]
The rich bestiary of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a sophisticated symbolic language where real and mythical creatures intertwine to create powerful statements about authority, fortune, and cosmic harmony. These animal motifs, developed over centuries of artistic tradition, transform porcelain pieces into carriers of profound cultural meaning, each creature carefully chosen to convey specific wishes or […]
In the intricate world of Chinese decorative arts, few motifs capture the essence of traditional aspirations quite like the Eight Treasures (Babao 八宝). These emblems, deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese material culture, represent a sophisticated visual language that speaks of prosperity, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. Their appearance on porcelain pieces transforms everyday objects […]
The rich tapestry of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a profound connection between art and spirituality, most notably in the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Bajixiang 八吉祥). These sacred Buddhist motifs emerged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), representing a cultural bridge between Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese decorative arts. Each symbol carries deep religious significance while contributing to the […]
For centuries, Chinese porcelain has served as more than just functional pottery – it has been a canvas for an intricate language of symbols that speak of hopes, beliefs, and cultural values. Each motif carefully painted onto these delicate surfaces carries layers of meaning, transforming everyday objects into powerful talismans of good fortune and bearers […]
The Kangxi period (1662-1722) represents one of the most celebrated golden ages in Chinese porcelain production. Under the watchful eye of China’s longest-reigning emperor, the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen achieved unprecedented levels of technical and artistic excellence, creating pieces that continue to captivate collectors worldwide. Yet beyond their obvious beauty, Kangxi porcelains hold fascinating secrets. […]
Chinese porcelain stands as one of humanity’s greatest artistic and technological achievements. For centuries, these remarkable pieces have captivated collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts worldwide. Yet despite its enduring fame, many fascinating aspects of Chinese porcelain remain relatively unknown to the general public. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply curious about that inherited vase […]
One of the most daunting aspects of Chinese porcelain identification is learning to recognise reign marks. While experts spend years mastering these distinctive stamps, there are some simple memory tricks that can help beginners spot the most common marks. Think of these as your first stepping stones into the fascinating world of Chinese ceramics. These […]
Chinese porcelain can be found everywhere from car boot sales to Christie’s auctions – but how much is your piece really worth? Whether you’ve inherited a collection or simply picked up an interesting vase at a charity shop, understanding where your porcelain sits in the market can be bewildering. Mark Littler Ltd has valued thousands […]
Chinese vases have long fascinated collectors, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many owners and enthusiasts, understanding what makes them valuable remains challenging. Whether you’ve inherited a piece or are building a collection, knowing these eight key factors is essential. In this guide, we examine the elements that determine value […]
Chinese porcelain has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts for centuries, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many, identifying different decoration styles can seem daunting. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom or are starting your collection journey, understanding these eight classic decoration techniques is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore […]