How Do I Sell My Japanese Art At Auction?

Japanese art pieces have survived for hundreds of years with remarkable historical significance. There’s a loyal market dedicated to collecting Japanese art, such as paintings, kimonos, wood scrolls, drawings, Samurai swords, hardwood furniture, and gilded artworks. An example of great Japanese art is Ukiyo-e, which involves printing colorful, layered images of natural landscapes, beautiful women, sumo wrestlers, and kabuki actors using woodblocks.

Many people who collect them check auction houses and online marketplaces to purchase rare pieces because of the artistic significance of Japanese artwork. Also, many artists find inspiration in Japanese art and create their own Japanese art masterpieces.

But how can your Japanese art make and sell at auction? This article explains the best way to sell Japanese art at auction.

1. Consider Consigning Your Japanese Art

A Japanese art consignment is a practical option that most private art owners and artists do to get their Japanese art pieces at auction. If you believe that your Japanese art has notable value, you can consign it through an auction house.

Consignment auctions allow individual or business sellers to consign their Japanese art to an auction house. Auction houses act as the third party and receive a portion of the auction sale in exchange for their services.

Many auction houses have a streamlined process for art consignment. Here’s a quick guide:

• Create an account on the auction house’s website.
• Describe the Japanese art piece. Include documentation, dimensions, and provenance. Also, add images of marker marks, signatures, and alterations.
• Get an estimate upon first-hand inspection.
• Obtain an expert recommendation. If your Japanese art doesn’t qualify for the auction, the auction house will provide you with other selling or market options.

Another consigning option for your Japanese art is through a charity or fundraiser. However, one drawback of consigning your art piece this way is leaving an impression that your art cannot be made in traditional venues, possibly lowering its potential maximum auction value.

2. Auction Through Online Marketplaces

back view of buyer showing auction paddle with number three to auctioneer during auction

You can sell your Japanese art online through online marketplaces that offer auction options for artwork and antiquities.

Many people start selling artwork through this method, especially if they’re unsure of the art piece’s price. It’s also a way for some art collectors to determine the emerging value of Japanese art by observing the bidding prices.

Here’s how to sell your Japanese art at auction in an online marketplace:

• First, you have to sign-up for a seller’s account in an online marketplace. Make sure to read the marketplace’s terms and conditions before you acknowledge.
• Your Japanese art is an investment, so do your research and obtain as much information as possible. This step is crucial to determine the best starting price of your art for auction.
• List your Japanese art properly. Include clear images that can show all angles and alterations. Avoid glares, using photo editing tools, and blurry photos.
• Set the auction length or the time duration of the auction for your Japanese art. As much as possible, use the longest duration that the marketplace offers to give ample time for buyers to find your listing and bid.

3. Work With A Third-Party

In traditional auctions, the reality is that the fewer qualifications the art owner has, the less chances an auction will accept his art piece. Remember, many have been turned down for every Japanese art piece that major auctions accept.

Many have been sold below their expected value for every artwork that sells for a record-breaking price.

Moreover, major auctions only accept art by Japanese artists with established good track records of selling their Japanese art pieces for record prices at auctions. Besides, auctions are businesses. Hence, they want to ensure that every Japanese art piece they sell meets a specific minimum dollar amount.

So, your Japanese art has a higher likelihood of landing an auction when at least one art gallery, collector, or dealer represents it. But it’s easier said than done. If third parties have doubts about your artwork, they won’t accept and represent it at auction. Therefore, you have to prove that your art is worth a representation at auction.

For instance, you can present a picture or article in a magazine, newspaper, or online resource that includes or talk about your Japanese art. Show proof that your other Japanese artwork or collections have been featured somewhere.

Conclusion

Are you ready to sell your Japanese art at auction?

You can entrust your Japanese art to an auction house for consignment or list it online in a marketplace for bidding. Other auction options are also available, depending on your risk profile and personal preference.

Whatever your choice is, make sure to take due diligence to research your Japanese art to increase its chance of selling at auction.