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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  • Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase
    Estimate
    $60 - $120

    Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase

    Est.
    $60 - $120
    William Bunch Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Models of Parrots
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Models of Parrots

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    STAIR
    2 Bids
    Current Bid
    $250
  • (5) Asian Porcelain Dishes
    Estimate
    $60 - $120

    (5) Asian Porcelain Dishes

    Est.
    $60 - $120
    William Bunch Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $30
  • Chinese Export Pseudo-Armorial Porcelain Plate
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200

    Chinese Export Pseudo-Armorial Porcelain Plate

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
    Brunk Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • Chinese Export Porcelain Libation Cup and Saucer, ex. Mottahedah Collection
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    Chinese Export Porcelain Libation Cup and Saucer, ex. M...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Brunk Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • Three Rare Chinese Export Botanical Porcelain Plates, after Maria Sibylla Merian
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $4,000

    Three Rare Chinese Export Botanical Porcelain Plates, a...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $4,000
    Brunk Auctions
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $1,000
  • Chinese Lion Dragon Dance Mask

    Chinese Lion Dragon Dance Mask

    Cates Auction & Realty Co.,...
    3 Bids
    Current Bid
    $12
  • Chinese Porcelain Vases
    Estimate
    $200 - $300

    Chinese Porcelain Vases

    Est.
    $200 - $300
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Chinese Hanging Boards
    Estimate
    $100 - $500

    Chinese Hanging Boards

    Est.
    $100 - $500
    Kodner Galleries
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • Chinese Celadon Porcelain Bowl
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    Chinese Celadon Porcelain Bowl

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $75
  • Chinese Porcelain Assortment
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    Chinese Porcelain Assortment

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $75
  • Chinese Iron Red Bottle Vase
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    Chinese Iron Red Bottle Vase

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $75
  • Chinese Ming Style Dragon Charger
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    Chinese Ming Style Dragon Charger

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • Chinese Yellow Glazed Porcelain Bowl
    Estimate
    $150 - $250

    Chinese Yellow Glazed Porcelain Bowl

    Est.
    $150 - $250
    Leonard Auction
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $75
  • FRAMED CHINESE SILK EMBROIDERY PANEL
    Estimate
    $100 - $200

    FRAMED CHINESE SILK EMBROIDERY PANEL

    Est.
    $100 - $200
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $80
  • (2) FRAMED CHINESE INK & COLOR PAINTINGS ON SILK
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    (2) FRAMED CHINESE INK & COLOR PAINTINGS ON SILK

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • (2) CHINESE PORCELAIN HEXAGONAL VASES
    Estimate
    $150 - $350

    (2) CHINESE PORCELAIN HEXAGONAL VASES

    Est.
    $150 - $350
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $125
  • (2) CHINESE CELADON-GLAZED PLANTERS
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    (2) CHINESE CELADON-GLAZED PLANTERS

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $450
  • (2) CHINESE TIANQI LACQUER OPENWORK GARDEN SEATS
    Estimate
    $150 - $350

    (2) CHINESE TIANQI LACQUER OPENWORK GARDEN SEATS

    Est.
    $150 - $350
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • (2) CHINESE CARVED SOFTWOOD ARCHITECTURAL WINDOW PANELS, 55.75"H
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    (2) CHINESE CARVED SOFTWOOD ARCHITECTURAL WINDOW PANELS...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • LARGE CHINESE CARVED HARDSTONE BASIN, 18"DIAM
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    LARGE CHINESE CARVED HARDSTONE BASIN, 18"DIAM

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $200
  • Antique Chinese Fine silver filigree box zitan, turquoise, coral
    Price$475

    Antique Chinese Fine silver filigree box zitan, turquoi...

    King Art & Antiques
    Buy Now Price
    $475
  • CHINESE PEKING GLASS VASE & COVER
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    CHINESE PEKING GLASS VASE & COVER

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $225
  • (10) CHINESE HARDSTONE FLOWERING TREES
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    (10) CHINESE HARDSTONE FLOWERING TREES

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $175
  • Antique Chinese Scrolls on Paper
    Estimate
    $40 - $80

    Antique Chinese Scrolls on Paper

    Est.
    $40 - $80
    Kodner Galleries
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $20
  • CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN TEA JAR
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN TEA JAR

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $450
  • (3) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN BOWLS
    Estimate
    $60 - $100

    (3) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN BOWLS

    Est.
    $60 - $100
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50
  • CHINESE FLAMBE-GLAZED PORCELAIN MOON FLASK
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    CHINESE FLAMBE-GLAZED PORCELAIN MOON FLASK

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • Small Antique Chinese Ming style Burl Kang Table kangzhou 19th c. or earlier
    Price$950

    Small Antique Chinese Ming style Burl Kang Table kangzh...

    King Art & Antiques
    Buy Now Price
    $950
  • (2) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN PLANTERS
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    (2) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN PLANTERS

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $450
  • Chinese Porcelain Floor Vase
    Estimate
    $300 - $500

    Chinese Porcelain Floor Vase

    Est.
    $300 - $500
    Kodner Galleries
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $150
  • CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'NINE PEACHES' CHARGER
    Estimate
    $150 - $350

    CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'NINE PEACHES' CHARGER

    Est.
    $150 - $350
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $100
  • (4) FRAMED CHINESE PORCELAIN LANDSCAPE PLAQUES
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    (4) FRAMED CHINESE PORCELAIN LANDSCAPE PLAQUES

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $425
  • (2) CHINESE DOUCAI PORCELAIN HANDLED VASES
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    (2) CHINESE DOUCAI PORCELAIN HANDLED VASES

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $225
  • LARGE CHINESE PARCEL GILT CARVED HARDWOOD BUDDHA ON STAND, 64"H
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    LARGE CHINESE PARCEL GILT CARVED HARDWOOD BUDDHA ON STA...

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    1 Bid
    Current Bid
    $300
  • (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN CHARGERS
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN CHARGERS

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • (2) CHINESE SANG DE BOEUF PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASES
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    (2) CHINESE SANG DE BOEUF PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASES

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $500
  • (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASES
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASES

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $800
  • CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE LARGE FIGURE OF STANDING GUANYIN
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $2,000

    CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE LARGE FIGURE OF STANDING GUANYIN

    Est.
    $1,000 - $2,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $800
  • CHINESE ENAMELED & JEWELED GILT-METAL FILIGREE CHARGER ON STAND
    Estimate
    $500 - $800

    CHINESE ENAMELED & JEWELED GILT-METAL FILIGREE CHARGER ...

    Est.
    $500 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $425
  • (12) CHINESE HARDSTONE FLOWERING TREES IN CLOISONNE PLANTERS
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    (12) CHINESE HARDSTONE FLOWERING TREES IN CLOISONNE PLA...

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • (2) CHINESE TURQUOISE-GROUND PORCELAIN HEXAGONAL VASES
    Estimate
    $400 - $800

    (2) CHINESE TURQUOISE-GROUND PORCELAIN HEXAGONAL VASES

    Est.
    $400 - $800
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $350
  • (4) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN BRUSH POTS
    Estimate
    $400 - $600

    (4) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN BRUSH POTS

    Est.
    $400 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $325
  • (2) CHINESE RETICULATED PORCELAIN MEIPING VASES
    Estimate
    $200 - $400

    (2) CHINESE RETICULATED PORCELAIN MEIPING VASES

    Est.
    $200 - $400
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $175
  • (2) CHINESE 'PEACH BLOOM' FLAMBE-GLAZED PORCELAIN VASES
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    (2) CHINESE 'PEACH BLOOM' FLAMBE-GLAZED PORCELAIN VASES...

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $225
  • (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BOTTLE VASES
    Estimate
    $500 - $1,000

    (2) CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BOTTLE VASES

    Est.
    $500 - $1,000
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $400
  • (2) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN VASES & COVERS
    Estimate
    $300 - $600

    (2) CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN VASES & COVERS

    Est.
    $300 - $600
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $250
  • CHINESE CRACKLE-GLAZED PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASE
    Estimate
    $80 - $150

    CHINESE CRACKLE-GLAZED PORCELAIN BALUSTER VASE

    Est.
    $80 - $150
    Austin Auction Gallery
    0 Bids
    Starting Bid
    $50