How much would it cost me, in the greater Los Angeles area, to have a
16" high Chinese sculpture of pottery horse from the Tang Dynasty
(approx. 700 AD) professionally appraised, i.e., determine its
approximate value if sold today? And, where would I sell it?

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Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 17 Jan 2003 18:39 PST

Hi Topanga:

I supplied an answer to your question on appraisal of your Japanese prints at
https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=144945

In addition I found one other appraiser in the Los Angeles area who is 
certified by the American Society of Appraisers as a Senior Specialist in
Chinese and Asian art.

If this will suffice, I will be happy to post the information as an answer.
Serenata

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Clarification of Question by topanga-ga on 17 Jan 2003 18:59 PST

Serenata,
I'd feel more comfortable if you knew that he could appraise the horse
and how much he/she charges.  Also is this a possible sale venue?  And
thanks for your Butterfields info.

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Request for Question Clarification by serenata-ga on 17 Jan 2003 20:55 PST

Topanga (one of my favorite canyons in the LA area by the way),

If you want my opinion based on what I know for sure, I'd stick with
the folks at Butterfields. My reasoning is based on the fact I know
people who have dealt with them and were very happy. The other reason
is they have a reputation to uphold. If they start steering people
wrong, either buyers or sellers, their reputation will go down the
tubes and they'll be out of business.

Their appraisers are no slouchers, they'll be honest in their advice
(sell at the next auction, get a second opinion, wait til our fall
showcase, it attracts a higher class of buyers) that kind of advice.
The nice thing is most of their appraisals are for free, and you are
free to seek a second opinion if you don't like.

They do seem to have thier finger on the pulse of the market, and can
help you as the seller to get a fair value for your piece or even help
you wait for a better deal if they are aware of one.

As for the other appraiser ... It is a she, the only artisted
registered with ASA in the LA area who listed a 'specialty' in Asian
art/Chinese art. I don't know her prices, but $250 an hour seems to be
the going rate for independents. It would stand to reason she would
know venues for selling and probably buyers who might be interested in
acquiring your horse.

You're not asking my advice, but I'd start with Butterfield's ... they
can get you in the ballpark, and they could also refer you if you want
a 'second opinion'.

In any case, go to one of their auctions (any auction, doesn't even
have to be the next Asian Art) and just see how they operate.

Let me know if you want the woman's name.

Yours,
Serenata