Services
Appraisals for consignment and for other purposes. Each purpose calls for a different type of value and report.
Categories
Ceramics
Imperial and private-kiln wares of every period: blue-and-white, famille rose, monochromes, Song celadons and Jun ware.
Jade and jewelry
Archaic and Ming–Qing jade, jadeite, gemstones and jewelry, with instrument testing where needed.
Painting and calligraphy
Hanging scrolls, handscrolls, albums and fans: brushwork, inscriptions, seals, records and mounting.
Bronzes and metalwork
Ritual bronzes, gilt-bronze Buddhist figures, gold and silver, and cloisonné.
Furniture and woodwork
Huanghuali, zitan and other hardwood furniture and scholar's objects: timber, construction and replaced parts.
Collection advice
Inventories, care and storage, and preparing a collection for sale or donation.
Purposes
Insurance
Replacement value, for coverage, schedule updates and claims.
Estates and donations
Fair market value. A non-cash donation deduction over $5,000 (per item or group of similar items) requires a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser and a signed IRS Form 8283, Section B.
Division of property
For divorce, inheritance or partners dividing assets.
Buying and selling
Authenticity and market opinion before you sell, consign to auction or buy.
Every report includes
- ✓Description, dimensions and photographs
- ✓Material, technique, marks and condition, including restoration
- ✓Evidence, references and comparable sales
- ✓Type of value, effective date and limiting conditions
Our commitments
Written appraisals follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Auction estimates are our honest opinion of what an object should fetch, and reserves are agreed with the consignor in writing. We disclose any interest we have in an object, and where the evidence is inconclusive we say so instead of going beyond it. Our specialists' backgrounds will be published before the first sale.