Wei Yang on Chinese Art

Connoisseurship & Expertise

Dr. Wei Yang

Wei Yang received a Ph.D. in Chinese art from Northwestern University, a M.A. in Asian art, B.A. degree in art history from Smith College and designations of Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) in Asian Art and Appraisal Review & Management (ARM) from American Society of Appraisers; published a memoir(in Chinese), Desert Bloom, in 2021 and Wei Yang's Guide to Chinese Painting and Calligraphy in 2022.

Chinese Art Expertise

The field of Chinese art is big enough for more art appraisers to cultivate their passion and develop a new expertise. However, jumping into the field without an honest self-evaluation is risky. Learning the appreciation of Chinese art takes time, energy and dedication, taxing heavily on your patience. Having a road map for developing a new career accelerates your success.

Chinese Painting

The appraisal of Chinese painting requires some knowledge of the essentials. Your passion for Chinese art forms the basis for success. A correct identification of value features determines authenticity. Verification of the given information prevents mistaken attribution. Adopting a ranking system enhances compatibility. Relevance in analysis (stylistic and market) supports objectivity.

Chinese Ceramics

TThe evaluation of Chinese ceramics follows a systematic analysis of the basic features. Recognition of regional features, ranging from the texture of clay, color of biscuit, shape of kiln to the firing method, comments on origin. Identification of types (pottery, earthware, stoneware, porcelain) sheds light on dating and availability. Analysis of shapes, sculptural methods, decorative tools and motifs and glazing methods determines authenticity.

Chinese Jade

Understanding the symbolic power (earthly and spiritually of Chinese jade is essential. Knowledge of why Chinese elite used jade as fine ornaments or ritual objects is a must. Key physical attributes include durability, color, texture, translucence, and sensuous tactile quality. Recognition of visible (material body) and invisible (spiritual association) qualities endorses competence.

Condition on Value

Conservation and restoration have a deep impact on value. Superficial damage (wrinkles or stains on the edges of painting) located on the marginal part of the work of art may not affect any other part of the work. Structural damage (tears or losses of part of the work) on central image, background or perimeter and corner), however, affects the work deeply in both aesthetic and commercial values.

TESTIMONIALS

“I just finished reading the report and I want to say that it is superlative. It is such an unbelievable appraisal; I cannot believe how good it is. You found out the artist, that must have been really hard work and impossible to recover that information.... In short, thank you so much for a truly amazing appraisal.”
Jack M. NJ

“I wish there was a more fitting way to express my gratitude to you for your expert opinion. It helps us, as a family, put this issue aside with reassurance we are not neglecting or over valuing a family heirloom...., again, many thanks for your time and attention to this collection.”
Dick G. MN

“I received your thorough and excellent appraisal of the painting. I truly appreciate all the time and efforts you took, for it is the best appraisal I have ever seen. I of course knew of Princeton by its reputation; this is an example of its excellent scholarship as well.”
Ronald S. NY

“Your entire approach is very engaging and intriguing with a combination of enthusiasm for the works of art, level of expertise and desire to meet the needs of the clients.... I have had a chance to read through your summary consultation a couple of times. It is professional, informative and very helpful.”
Simmons, E. NY

Chinese art expert
Dr. Wei Yang
Princeton, NJ 08540, US
(609) 688-6891; contact@weiyangart.com
www.chineseartappraisal.com

Contact Dr. Yang

Appraisal & Issues

Mistaken Attribution

Arriving at the right attribution via a correct reading, recognition and authentication of signatures and seals on a Chinese painting is the basic and indispensable tool for connoisseur and appraiser. An art appraiser checks, and counter-checks signatures and seals to measure and correct our visual analysis of style.

Chinese Art Aesthetics

The appreciation of Chinese art is an organic process to achieve an intuitive enlightenment via two stages: semi-understanding and full understanding. The former addresses the basic rules for appreciating individual performance of works of art. The later emphasizes a process of psychic preparation for one’s entire being in a state of acute sensibility.

Scroll Restoration

Conservaton and restoration have a deep impact on value no matter what types of value we are talking about. The decision on conservation and restoration of a Chinese scroll on silk and paper is based on the type of damage (superficial or structural), the cause (fire, flood or mishandling) and the scope of damage (severe or marginal).

Authenticity Issue

Forgery is hardly new in the world of Chinese art. Even the best museums have bogus pieces in their collections. Fakes are usually identified as “Reproduction,” “copy,” “in the stroke of” or “after,” reflecting different levels of resemblance to the original.

Appraisal of Fake

Not all masters produce finest works, and not all copies or fakes are worthless. The study of copes and fakes and all manners of forgery is to see what is truly bad in relation to what is good. Appraising a "lousy original" or a "high quality copy or fake" is standard in the valuation of classical Chinese painting.

Appraisal Mistakes

In the appraisal of premodern Chinese painting, some mistakes are endemic in general, and the problems and their solutions are unique. Be aware of five common mistakes and some good methods for avoiding them will help appraisers with specialties other than Chinese art to develop their expertise in Chinese art.

WEI YANG on CHINESE ART