Decorative arts are often among the most overlooked yet highly valuable components of personal collections and estates. From intricately carved ivory to hand-painted porcelain, these objects carry cultural, historical, and financial value—but that value is not always easy to determine without a professional appraisal.
Unlike fine art, decorative arts encompass a wide range of materials and forms. Ceramics, glassware, bronzes, textiles, clocks, and small sculptures all fall under this category. Each item demands its own specialized evaluation. Material composition, production technique, maker’s marks, and condition all influence value—yet few owners are familiar with these distinctions.
We conduct detailed appraisals that take into account the origin, rarity, artistic merit, and market trends associated with each object. A piece of Meissen porcelain, for example, requires vastly different criteria than a bronze Art Nouveau figure or a French enamel snuff box. Recognizing what elevates a piece from decorative to desirable is part of our expertise.
Condition plays a major role. Chips, hairline cracks, and restorations—especially if done improperly—can reduce the value of decorative arts significantly. We examine these flaws in the context of age and rarity, offering realistic market and replacement values based on current demand.
Provenance also matters. If a piece has documented origins in a notable collection, or has passed through major auctions or galleries, its value often increases. We help identify and verify such documentation to support appraised values and protect investment potential.
Our clients rely on decorative arts appraisals for a variety of reasons: insurance, estate division, resale, or donation. Whether it’s a single object or part of a larger collection, we tailor our reports to suit the intended use, meeting the standards required by insurers, tax authorities, or legal counsel.
These objects may be small in size, but their appraisal requires big-picture thinking—connecting craftsmanship, cultural history, and market behavior. Our goal is to help clients understand what they have and how best to preserve or leverage its value.
Contact Manzi Appraisers & Restorers at 617-995-0022 or visit our Facebook page to schedule a professional appraisal of your decorative arts collection.
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