Chinese Art

China is a vast geopolitical region, whose boundaries have changed over the course of centuries with a wide range of ethnicities, religions, time zones, historical ruling parties, and ecological environments within it. Consequently, Chinese art traditions over the course of three millennia have been fashioned just as rich and diverse typified by countless art forms, which, taken together, provide a glimpse into China's evolution. The Asian Works of Art Department at Bidsquare features a rich and diverse range of Chinese art from a range of centuries and dynasties. The Ancient Chinese Art for sale at online auctions offers works dating from the Neolithic Period through the 20th century, attracting large numbers of international collectors and bidders. Despite being geographically isolated, China is becoming one of the world's major drivers of art. 

Ancient Chinese Art

Chinese art can be broadly classified into three areas of artistic expression - works created for courtly cultural elites, Buddhist artworks, and those created for burial practices. No matter where or when, and for what purpose it was produced, there are certain qualities inherent in Chinese art that make describing and recognizing it in general terms, irrespective of continuous technological advances, changes of materials and tastes, and the influence of foreign ideas. Among these traits are an affinity for nature, an appreciation for creativity, an understanding of the moral and educational values of art, an awareness of and appreciation for brushwork, and an affinity for popular motifs and designs such as lotus leaves and dragons. 

Chinese culture is largely influenced by three main worldviews - Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Here we explore some of this ancient country's most important contributions to art, from ancient pottery and ceramics to calligraphy and other artwork created by artists through the numerous Dynasties shaping the Chinese art culture.

Neolithic Pottery

One of the early forms of art in China is Neolithic pottery, which includes ceramic pieces, crafted from around the tenth to second millennium. Though the early pieces of this genre were unpainted, the latter part of the Neolithic era witnessed painted ceramic works with distinctively patterned imprints found in the Neolithic Yangshao culture dating back to the fifth millennium. 

Jade Culture

Another popular handicraft from Neolithic China was jade, the luminous green mineral that was regarded as a symbol of wisdom, bravery, and purity in ancient China. This “imperial gem” became the staple in several Chinese cultures and was used to create a range of objects, such as tools as well as the cong cylinders and Bi discs that were symbolic of the earth and heaven. Several jade artifacts were influenced by the two mythical creatures considered divine in ancient China, the dragon, and the phoenix. 

Calligraphy

Calligraphy and Painting were highly valued arts in ancient China. Most of these works reflect the perfection and sensibilities of the amateurs, aristocrats, and scholars to create great brushwork. Calligraphy was thought to be the purest form of painting and was appreciated for its subtle beauty since the Shang dynasty (1.6 - 1.1 millennium), reaching its ethereal beauty until the 4th century CE. 

Painting

Ancient Chinese painting developed significantly during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1644 CE) owing to the development of different schools and styles of painting, many of which date back to the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368 CE). The Ming and Qing period witnessed the emergence of great masters from the prolific painting schools, reaching the pinnacle of development.

Quick Facts about Chinese Art

  • The Ancient Chinese made silk from the cocoons of silkworms.
  • Due to its origin in China, Porcelain is often referred to as “China”.
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  • Attributed to Feng Aidong (b. 1953) Chinese, Gouache on Paper
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Attributed to Feng Aidong (b. 1953) Chinese, Gouache on...

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Bx.7 Chinese Scrolls
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Bx.7 Chinese Scrolls

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $80
  • Chinese Carved Wood Torchere 51"
    Estimate
    $150 - $200

    Chinese Carved Wood Torchere 51"

    Est.
    $150 - $200
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $80
  • Chinese Ginger Jar Lamp 30"
    Estimate
    $50 - $100

    Chinese Ginger Jar Lamp 30"

    Est.
    $50 - $100
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $20
  • Chinese 3' X 6'6"
    Estimate
    $175 - $275

    Chinese 3' X 6'6"

    Est.
    $175 - $275
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $70
  • Antique Chinese Embroidered Silk Robe
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Antique Chinese Embroidered Silk Robe

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Pr. Chinese 3' X 6'4"
    Estimate
    $375 - $475

    Pr. Chinese 3' X 6'4"

    Est.
    $375 - $475
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Chinese 3'4" X 6'3"
    Estimate
    $175 - $225

    Chinese 3'4" X 6'3"

    Est.
    $175 - $225
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $70
  • A LARGE CHINESE PORCELAIN SOUP LIDDED BOWL
    Estimate
    $600 - $1,500

    A LARGE CHINESE PORCELAIN SOUP LIDDED BOWL

    Est.
    $600 - $1,500
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $350
  • Chinese 35 1/2" X 6'
    Estimate
    $175 - $250

    Chinese 35 1/2" X 6'

    Est.
    $175 - $250
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $70
  • A Famous Chinese Tang Horse Bronze Sculpture
    Estimate
    $700 - $1,200

    A Famous Chinese Tang Horse Bronze Sculpture

    Est.
    $700 - $1,200
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $600
  • A Pair of Monumental Chinese Bone Vases/Urns
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $12,000

    A Pair of Monumental Chinese Bone Vases/Urns

    Est.
    $5,000 - $12,000
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $2,500
  • Chinese Carved Wood Fisherman 18 1/2"
    Estimate
    $100 - $150

    Chinese Carved Wood Fisherman 18 1/2"

    Est.
    $100 - $150
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Bx 15 Wooden Shell Masks- Chinese, Thai
    Estimate
    $200 - $275

    Bx 15 Wooden Shell Masks- Chinese, Thai

    Est.
    $200 - $275
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    2 Bids
    Current Bid
    $100
  • Chinese Bronze Incense Burner
    Estimate
    $150 - $300

    Chinese Bronze Incense Burner

    Est.
    $150 - $300
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $80
  • A Large Chinese Bronze Samovar, Signed, 18th C.
    Estimate
    $12,000 - $15,000

    A Large Chinese Bronze Samovar, Signed, 18th C.

    Est.
    $12,000 - $15,000
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $6,000
  • Tray 12 Chinese 11" Plates + 1 Charger 14 1/2"
    Estimate
    $125 - $200

    Tray 12 Chinese 11" Plates + 1 Charger 14 1/2"

    Est.
    $125 - $200
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Chinese Bench 19"H X 5'W X 13"D
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Chinese Bench 19"H X 5'W X 13"D

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • 19th C. Chinese Hand Painted Rose Porcelain Bowl Centerpiece
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,500

    19th C. Chinese Hand Painted Rose Porcelain Bowl Center...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,500
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,200
  • Pr Chinese Carved Wooden Panels 77"W X 9"H Ea
    Estimate
    $250 - $350

    Pr Chinese Carved Wooden Panels 77"W X 9"H Ea

    Est.
    $250 - $350
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $130
  • Set 4 Chinese Lacquer Panels W/ MOP Applique 36" X 12"
    Estimate
    $100 - $175

    Set 4 Chinese Lacquer Panels W/ MOP Applique 36" X 12"

    Est.
    $100 - $175
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • 19th C. Rare Chinese Oil on Canvas "Pearl River"
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000

    19th C. Rare Chinese Oil on Canvas "Pearl River"

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $4,700
  • Bx. Chinese 24pc. Mini Musical Instruments Made Of Semi Precious Stone w/ Wooden Stands
    Estimate
    $500 - $600

    Bx. Chinese 24pc. Mini Musical Instruments Made Of Semi...

    Est.
    $500 - $600
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Chinese Giltwood Carved Panel 8 1/4" H X 18 "L X 2"D
    Estimate
    $150 - $175

    Chinese Giltwood Carved Panel 8 1/4" H X 18 "L X 2"D

    Est.
    $150 - $175
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $60
  • Chinese Rosewood Blanket Bx 21"H X 45 1/2"W X 24"D
    Estimate
    $250 - $300

    Chinese Rosewood Blanket Bx 21"H X 45 1/2"W X 24"D

    Est.
    $250 - $300
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $130
  • Pr. Chinese Wooden Slab Top Tables 20"H X 46"W X 40"D
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000

    Pr. Chinese Wooden Slab Top Tables 20"H X 46"W X 40"D

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • Chinese Ebonized + Giltwood Altar Tables 54"H X 60 1/2"W X 15"D
    Estimate
    $450 - $650

    Chinese Ebonized + Giltwood Altar Tables 54"H X 60 1/2"...

    Est.
    $450 - $650
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $180
  • Chinese Red Lacquer Folding Armchair 38'H X 29"W X 11 1/2"D
    Estimate
    $300 - $400

    Chinese Red Lacquer Folding Armchair 38'H X 29"W X 11 1...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $120
  • Chinese Polychromed Wood Horse 14"H X 14 1/2"L X 4 1/2"D
    Estimate
    $100 - $150

    Chinese Polychromed Wood Horse 14"H X 14 1/2"L X 4 1/2"...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Chinese 19th C Teak 6 Fold Screen 6'10"H X 17"W Ea Panel
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Chinese 19th C Teak 6 Fold Screen 6'10"H X 17"W Ea Pane...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Tray Asian Items- Chinese Mandarin Water Pipe, Needlework Screen 16" X 9", Bronze Buddha 6", Taiwan Koji Pottery Dragon Etc
    Estimate
    $125 - $200

    Tray Asian Items- Chinese Mandarin Water Pipe, Needlewo...

    Est.
    $125 - $200
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Tray 2 Chinese Carved Wood and Jade Wall Hangings 40"H X 11 1/2W" + 34"H X 7 1/2"W
    Estimate
    $100 - $150

    Tray 2 Chinese Carved Wood and Jade Wall Hangings 40"H ...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Pr Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Panels 26" X 12 1/2" W/ Frame 30" X 16 1/2" + 1 Unframed 25 1/2" X 13"
    Estimate
    $125 - $200

    Pr Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Panels 26" X 12 1/2"...

    Est.
    $125 - $200
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Lot 5 Framed Items Louis Orozco Litho, Photo + Chinese Print + High Relief Collage O/C W/ Gravel Sgnd I.O.B. '94 + Pencil Drawing Sgnd Seito
    Estimate
    $100 - $175

    Lot 5 Framed Items Louis Orozco Litho, Photo + Chinese ...

    Est.
    $100 - $175
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • Tray 9 Chinese Masks- Wooden- 14"H X 5 1/2"W, 7 1/2"H X 5 1/2", 8"H X 5"W + 6 Ceramic
    Estimate
    $125 - $175

    Tray 9 Chinese Masks- Wooden- 14"H X 5 1/2"W, 7 1/2"H X...

    Est.
    $125 - $175
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Wooden Watson Grain Co Basket W/ Wrought Handle 10"H X 20"W X 11"D + Chinese Wooden Basket 18"H X 14"W X 13 1/2"D, Wooden Mallet + Mortar
    Estimate
    $100 - $150

    Wooden Watson Grain Co Basket W/ Wrought Handle 10"H X ...

    Est.
    $100 - $150
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $40
  • Tray Chinese 14 1/2" Charger, Bowls,  2 Compotes 3 1/2"H X 7" Diam, Faience Compote 2 1/4" X 8" Diam Thai Bronze Spoons 24 Pc + Forks 17 Pcs + 24 Napk
    Estimate
    $100 - $175

    Tray Chinese 14 1/2" Charger, Bowls, 2 Compotes 3 1/2"H...

    Est.
    $100 - $175
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • 9 Pc Chinese Elaborately Carved mahog Parlor Set Sofa 44 1/2"H X 6'W X 22"D, Set 4 Armchairs 42"H X 25"H X 21"D, Pr End Stands 18"H X 21 1/2"W X 17 1/
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000

    9 Pc Chinese Elaborately Carved mahog Parlor Set Sofa 4...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
    George Cole Auctions & Real...
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $750
  • Asian Polychrome Wood Foo Dog
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    Asian Polychrome Wood Foo Dog

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • (16) Rose Medallions Ceramic Pieces
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    (16) Rose Medallions Ceramic Pieces

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $125
  • Brightly Colored Silk Tibetan Buddhist Thangka
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Brightly Colored Silk Tibetan Buddhist Thangka

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • 4 Vintage Japanese Lacquer Kanzashi Hair Pins
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    4 Vintage Japanese Lacquer Kanzashi Hair Pins

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • (8) Theater Puppets from Various Asian Countries
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    (8) Theater Puppets from Various Asian Countries

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Fine Chinese Vase
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Fine Chinese Vase

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Pair of Chinese Turquoise Ground Vases
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Pair of Chinese Turquoise Ground Vases

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Exceptionally Carved Chinese Zitan Wood Ruyi Scepter
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    Exceptionally Carved Chinese Zitan Wood Ruyi Scepter

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • Antique Chinese Tea Chest
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    Antique Chinese Tea Chest

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $50
  • Chinese Export Bowl
    Estimate
    $300 - $400

    Chinese Export Bowl

    Est.
    $300 - $400
    Sarasota Estate Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150