Clars Auctions is proud to be one of the leading Chinese art auction houses in the Bay Area.
We offer trusted services to appraise and sell Chinese art, working with collectors, institutions, and consignors worldwide. Whether you want to acquire rare works or receive a Chinese art appraisal, our specialists bring expertise and market insight to every interaction.
What Is Chinese Art?
Chinese art refers to the visual arts originating in China over thousands of years, encompassing a broad range of mediums, styles, and cultural influences. From ancient jade carvings and imperial porcelain to ink paintings and contemporary mixed media, Chinese art reflects the country’s rich history, philosophical traditions, and evolving aesthetics.

Sold: $39,300
Key characteristics often found in traditional Chinese art include:
- Harmony with Nature: Many works focus on landscapes, animals, and natural elements, often infused with spiritual or symbolic meaning.
- Calligraphy & Brushwork: The use of brush and ink is central to Chinese painting and writing, prized for its expressive line quality and rhythm.
- Symbolism: Objects, colors, and motifs (like dragons, phoenixes, or lotuses) are loaded with cultural and spiritual significance.
- Dynastic Influence: Different dynasties — such as the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing — produced distinct artistic styles and innovations.
What We Offer in Our Chinese Art Auctions
Our Chinese art department handles many traditional and historical objects with deep cultural significance and craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully evaluated and presented to ensure maximum visibility and value for buyers and sellers in our global Chinese art auctions. We specialize in:
- Paintings: Traditional Chinese ink and brush paintings, landscapes, floral works, and figure studies from various dynasties and renowned masters.
- Calligraphy: Elegant script works showcasing different styles such as cursive, regular, and clerical script, valued for their artistry and historical context.
- Sculptures: Stone, bronze, and wood sculptures depicting religious figures, mythological subjects, and decorative motifs spanning centuries.
- Pottery: Glazed and unglazed ceramics, porcelain, and earthenware, from delicate vases to robust utilitarian pieces, representing dynastic styles and techniques.
- Jade & Hardstone Carvings: Exquisite carvings in jade, nephrite, and other stones, including ornaments, figurines, and ritual objects revered for their symbolism.
- Textiles: Embroidered robes, silk panels, and decorative fabrics that highlight Chinese culture’s intricate weaving and dyeing traditions.
- Metalwork: Items such as ritual bronzes, scholar’s objects, and decorative vessels, showcasing expert casting and engraving skills.
Sell Chinese Art at Clars
Thinking about selling a piece of Chinese art? Our team offers a seamless process and personalized support, starting with a valuation. From a single heirloom to a full estate, we make the consignment process transparent and rewarding. We provide:
- Free Chinese art appraisals and fair market and insurance valuations
- Expert cataloging and research
- Global marketing to reach qualified buyers