Asian Art

Overview

The demand for Asian Art remains exceptionally strong, and this highly specialised market requires precise cataloguing and an expert eye to identity rare and academic pieces. Our Asian Art Specialist, Allard Van Halm, has over 25 years of experience advising museums, private collectors and academic institutions. His expertise ensures accurate assessments and strong auction results across all major collecting categories, including:

• Chinese and Japanese porcelain
• Cloisonné enamel
• Bronze figures and ritual objects
• Jade carvings
• Textiles and embroidered silks
• Scroll paintings
• Lacquerware
• Rare furniture and screens
• Arms and armour

Combined with Catherine Southon’s online bidding platforms and global buyer network, our Asian Art Department continues to achieve astonishing prices. A notable highlight includes a Ming period carved wood figure of Guan Yin, which realised £16,000 (+BP). 

Chinese Art at Auction

Collectors continue to compete for the best Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and the Kangxi period (1662-1722) ceramics. From blue and white to famille rose and famille verte, Allard’s knowledge of reign marks and ability to distinguish from apocryphal examples ensures accurate valuations and confident buying.

We have achieved excellent results with Chinese bronzes, particularly Buddhist figures. A late Ming dynasty bronze sold for £2,200 (+BP) in 2021.  

Chinese Art often yields unexpected five-figure results. In early 2025, a pair of hardwood armchairs discovered at our Oxted Valuation Day were believed to be rare Huanghuali examples. They went on to achieve £22,000 (+BP). 

Japanese Art

The most recognisable Japanese ceramic ware is Satsuma, first produced 1860s and internationally celebrated at the 1867 Paris Exposition. The finest pre-1880 examples remain the most collectable, although modern Japanese studio pottery is increasingly sought-after. Collectors should look for leading makers such as Hitomi Hosono, Shoji Hamada, and Ken Matsuzaki. 

Japanese cloisonné enamel continues to perform strongly at auction. In 2025, we sold a significant private collection of Oriental enamel, which included a rare Japanese enamelled trophy cup that achieved £900 (+BP). 

Traditional Japanese carvings, okimono and netsuke also attract considerable interest. Vendors should note that it is illegal to sell items containing more than 10% ivory. A fine carved wood netsuke of a monkey sold with us for £4,800 (+BP).

Indian and Islamic Art

The market for Indian and Islamic Art has seen sustained growth in recent years. Our auctions feature artworks representing centuries of artistic traditions, from the Arab world, the Himalayas, India, and Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asian regions such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These areas are a renowned for cultural exchange between Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Hindu communities, producing exceptional examples of fine jewellery, manuscripts, metalwork and devotional art.

One of our standout results was a collection of twenty Mughal Empire portrait miniatures that achieved £16,000 (+BP) – a testament to the strong demand for high-quality Indian and Islamic works of art.