Asian Art Valuation Days | Discover the Value of Chinese & Japanese Art

By Emma Barnett

Catherine Southon Auctioneers is delighted to announce our new Monthly Asian Art Valuation Days! The Valuation Days will take place on the last Tuesday of every month, starting on Tuesday, 20th January 2026. 

Have you ever wondered how old your Chinese porcelain is? Is your treasured carving jade? Or what do the characters on your Japanese scroll say? Our Asian Art Specialist, Allard Van Halm, with over 25 years of experience, will be on hand to impart his knowledge and appraise your items. We welcome valuations on items across the following collecting areas:  

• 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

The demand for Asian Art remains strong. Combined with Catherine Southon’s online bidding platforms and global buyer network, our Asian Art Department continues to achieve astonishing prices…

Chinese Art

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 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.

We are excited to see what comes through the door – even the most unsuspecting pieces of Asian Art can go on to make four figures! To book an appointment, please contact us on 020 8396 6970. Home visits are also available for substantial collections or items that are too big to bring along on the day.