How to assess a wood carving for a high price
[Juro figurine]
Plains Toyama
[Mouse figurine]
Shimada Miharu
【李白陶酔図置物】
島田美晴
Assessing value
Key points for high purchase appraisal
Author and subject
Woodcarving artists have their signature engraved on the back of their work. The more famous the artist, the higher the value and the higher the price they can be purchased for. Also, if the work is the artist's masterpiece or a piece that they are good at, it will be valued highly.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Authenticity of the item
Famous artists have forgeries, or counterfeits. The most important point in assessing an item is whether it is genuine or counterfeit. Some modern famous artists have their own appraisal agencies. If you have an appraisal certificate, please be sure to bring it with you.
Presence or absence of box
The work is placed in a paulownia box, and the creator writes the name of the work and their own name on the box in ink. This is called a "kyobako". There are also "giwame" boxes, in which a descendant who inherited the technique later wrote "giwame" on the box to confirm that it is definitely from their predecessor. These boxes are a point that will increase the appraisal. If you have the box, please bring it with you.
.jpg)
Presence or absence of scratches
Wood carvings are delicate and therefore easily damaged. For example, a human carving may be scratched by fingers. The more intact the piece is, the higher the rating.