Is it just pretty or is it worth something?

November 20, 2012 10:15 AM

How much is this piece of Chinese art worth?

My father gave this to me, before my parents' divorce, and the piece is very precious to me. I'm told that it's made by a real artist (a friend of a friend of my father's), and is probably worth some amount of money. It was probably made in the mid- to late- eighties. I have no intention of selling it, but (a) I like to know the value of my assets just in case, and (b) I would like to know how to go about claiming it for insurance's sake if something happens.

Currently, I have it professionally framed and hanging in a dry place in the house without any direct sunlight. Is there anything else I should do?

posted by ethidda to media & arts (3 answers total)

You should have it professionally appraised, just to know its current value. If it's a local artist, I would go to someone with knowledge of the local art community and the current market for local artists.
posted by xingcat at 10:25 AM on November 20, 2012

No one except an appraiser can tell you its value, is there one in the area? Things that aren't apparent in photographs can impact value either negatively or positively, so it's worth taking it to someone in person. You will want to look for someone that specializes in Chinese art. Someone here may be able to give you a ballpark figure, but for insurance purposes you will need to have a signed appraisal.
posted by stoneweaver at 10:26 AM on November 20, 2012

Yes, you will need a professional appraisal, preferably by a specialist in Chinese art. Try contacting galleries, museums, and libraries for recommendations.

You might also want to contact your insurance company to see specifically what kind of information they would need for a fine art rider, although you probably won't need anything other than a signed document by a qualified appraiser.
posted by epanalepsis at 11:04 AM on November 20, 2012