What is the estimated value of this Chinese Export Silver Pagoda?

Based on recent comparable sales, this Chinese Export Silver seven-tier pagoda model is valued between $700 and $900. This estimate is anchored by a visually identical model sold at Lyon & Turnbull for approximately $750. The value reflects its high-purity silver, excellent condition, and original carved hardwood stand, making it suitable for specialist Asian art auctions.

What era/period is this Chinese Silver Pagoda from?

This Chinese Export Silver pagoda model dates from the Late Qing Dynasty to the Republic Period, specifically circa 1890-1930. This era is significant for Chinese silversmiths creating unique objects blending traditional Chinese motifs with Western tastes for an export market, often in treaty ports like Shanghai and Hong Kong.

What condition is this Chinese Export Silver Pagoda in?

The pagoda is in excellent overall antique condition, retaining a desirable, undisturbed age patina. Its structure is sound and largely complete. While a few small hanging bells may be missing from the eaves, which is common for such pieces, this has only a minor impact on its value. The original carved hardwood stand is also in excellent condition.

Where should I sell this Chinese Export Silver Pagoda?

To maximize its value, it is recommended to sell this Chinese Export Silver pagoda at a mid-tier specialist Asian art auction house in the United States, such as Doyle or Heritage Auctions. These venues attract dedicated collectors who recognize the item's quality and historical significance, ensuring competitive bidding and a higher realized price compared to general auctions or online marketplaces.

Is this Chinese Export Silver Pagoda authentic?

Yes, this pagoda is assessed as a genuine antique Chinese Export Silver piece. Its authenticity is supported by the materials, traditional construction techniques (hand-fabrication, central rod assembly), aged patina, and the presence of a period-correct 'Zu Yin' purity mark for fine silver. Physical inspection of the mark would confirm the specific maker.

Chinese Export Silver Seven-Tier Pagoda Model on Carved Hardwood Stand, Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, Circa 1890–1930

Estimated value: $700 - $900. Chinese Export Silver Seven-Tier Pagoda Model on Carved Hardwood Stand, Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, Circa 1890–1930 (Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period (c. 1890-1930)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This silver pagoda is a captivating artifact from the era of Chinese Export Silver, a period from the late 18th to the early 20th century when Chinese silversmiths in treaty ports like Shanghai and Hong Kong created exquisite objects for a Western clientele. These artisans skillfully blended traditional Chinese motifs with Western forms and tastes, creating a unique decorative art style. The pagoda, a powerful symbol in Chinese culture associated with Buddhism, protection, and good fortune, was a popular subject. This miniature model, with its intricate details and accompanying stand, would have been a prized souvenir or decorative object for a foreign merchant, diplomat, or traveler, serving as a tangible reminder of their time in the 'Far East'. It represents a fascinating moment of cultural and commercial exchange between China and the West.

How the value was reached

The valuation is primarily anchored by the recent sale of a visually identical model at Lyon & Turnbull for approximately $750. This establishes the market for a larger, high-quality example of this form at a specialist auction. This is contrasted with sales of smaller, lighter models (around 11cm) which consistently achieve prices in the $300-$350 range, providing a clear floor for the market. Given the subject item appears to be the larger, more substantial model, the higher valuation is appropriate. At auction, a reasonable reserve would be $550. After deducting typical seller's commissions of 10-15%, the net proceeds to the seller would be in the range of $595 to $810.

Comparable sales

The item is a seven-levelled pagoda raised on a podium with steps, tapered up and topped with two globes and a spire, with bells on the roofs. The base is hallmarked 'Shang', 'Yang Qing He Fa Ji', and 'Ren Ji' in Chinese, and it comes with a bespoke wooden stand. — sold for £580 (Lyon & Turnbull), 2024-09-12
Antique Solid Silver Chinese Pagoda On Carved Wooden Base By Cumwo Late 19thC. The stand is quite tight, making it a little uneven, but it appears to be correct. It features a hallmark of "CW" and Chinese export marks. Its height is 11cm (including the stand) or 9cm (excluding the stand), with a width of 2.8cm. The silver weight is 37.6g. The condition is as photographed, with general wear and som — sold for £199.00 (Wheeler Antiques), 2014-01-01
A Chinese white metal model of a pagoda tower mid-20th century, the seven storey tower with bells to each roof corner, on a stonework base with pierced foliate fence and steps, 10 3/4in. (27.5cm.) high, on a fitted hardwood stand. Condition: Finial to top slightly bent. Lacks three bells. Dirty and requires a polish. Glued splits to base. — sold for £200.00 (Martel Maides Auctions), 2016-06-08

Expert notes

This is a high-quality, authentic Chinese Export Silver pagoda model from the late 19th/early 20th century. The value is highly dependent on the specific maker and size. Before selling, we recommend having the hallmark on the base examined by a specialist to confirm the maker, and precisely measuring and weighing the piece to compare it against documented examples. This will allow for a more precise valuation and marketing strategy.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your Asian art worth?.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your silver or silverware worth?.