Many treasured objects in your home may qualify as decorative art, yet their true value often remains unknown until an estate must be settled. At Manzi Appraisers & Restorers, we frequently encounter families who are surprised to learn that items they considered merely functional actually hold significant financial and historical worth. Understanding what constitutes decorative art and obtaining a professional decorative art appraisal can protect your legacy and ensure equitable distribution among heirs.
Decorative art encompasses a broad category of objects created with both aesthetic appeal and practical function in mind. This includes porcelain and ceramics, art glass, silver and metalwork, textiles such as tapestries and fine rugs, clocks, mirrors with ornate frames, chandeliers, and furniture crafted by notable makers or representing significant design movements. Unlike fine art, which exists purely for contemplation, decorative art bridges the gap between beauty and utility. A Tiffany lamp illuminates a room while simultaneously representing masterful craftsmanship. A Chippendale secretary serves as storage while embodying eighteenth-century artistry.
The challenge for estate executors and heirs lies in recognizing which pieces warrant formal appraisal. We often see families overlook items that appear commonplace but carry substantial value due to their provenance, maker, age, or rarity. A set of sterling flatware might seem ordinary until research reveals it was crafted by a renowned silversmith. Similarly, mid-century ceramics that once seemed modest have appreciated dramatically as collector interest has intensified.
As a locally owned and operated firm with over twenty years of experience serving New England, we understand the regional market for decorative arts intimately. Our appraisers possess specialized knowledge in identifying makers’ marks, authenticating periods, and assessing condition factors that significantly impact value. A decorative art appraisal provides documentation essential for estate tax purposes, insurance coverage, and fair division among beneficiaries. Without professional valuation, estates risk underreporting assets to tax authorities or inadvertently distributing items of vastly different worth to heirs expecting equality.
Proper appraisal also protects against loss. Should fire, water damage, or theft occur, having current valuations ensures adequate insurance recovery. We work extensively with insurance companies throughout Boston and greater New England, providing detailed reports that meet industry standards for claims processing.
Attempting to value decorative art without professional expertise often leads to costly errors. Online research cannot replace the trained eye that distinguishes authentic period pieces from later reproductions or identifies restoration that affects value. Market conditions fluctuate, and only appraisers actively engaged in current sales data can provide accurate assessments.
Whether you are planning your estate, serving as executor, or simply seeking to understand your collection, Manzi Appraisers & Restorers offers the expertise your decorative art deserves. We invite you to call us at 617-995-0022 or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ManziAppraisers/ to schedule a consultation and discover the true value of what you own.
