Worth Suits, Outfits and Ensembles

What a cloisonné piece is worth will depend on what type of piece it is, its condition, rarity and more. 

Cloisonné (“cell” in French) is a technique in which thin wires of fine silver or gold are used to outline a design, which is then filled with enamel. The piece is subsequently placed in a kiln where the enamel is melted. Cloisonné is distinct because the individual wires remain visible, forming an outline of the motif. When it comes to jewelry design and other disciplines, cloisonné enamel was popular during the Byzantine Empire. 

Collectors of authentic antique Chinese furniture and decorative objects know that Ming dynasty-era cloisonné objects are particularly coveted. Although ornamentation was minimal at the time, Ming dynasty furniture often featured carved or painted details of flowers, insects, dragons, fruits and other motifs. 

As overseas trade expanded, techniques from the West, like cloisonné enamel painting, adorned table screens and other pieces. With respect to Ming-era cloisonné objects and furnishings, an elaborately decorated item featuring lots of vibrant colors and details is likely to be more valuable at auction than its minimally adorned counterpart (the same goes for Victorian cloisonné objects). Chinese cloisonné vases created during the Ming and Qing eras represent a golden age of Chinese furniture design. 

Chinese cloisonné objects were frequently imported to Japan, where the technique wasn’t adopted until the 1800s. Although it was a time of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions during the Meiji era, and today, Meiji-era cloisonné vases or incense burners in good condition are of great interest to collectors. 

Find antique and vintage cloisonné objects on 1stDibs.

Ivory is so precious because of its cultural value as a status symbol. A single pound of ivory can sell for $1,500 and elephant tusks can weigh around 250 pounds.

A Shillelagh is a finely crafted walking stick, usually made out of wood from sturdy tree branches. Irish in origin, a Shillelagh can also feature a tip made of lead. The price of a Shillelagh ranges anywhere between $12 to $117. Find a collection of antique and vintage Shillelaghs on 1stDibs today.

Worth gowns are evening gowns designed by Charles Frederick Worth, an English fashion designer who opened his first shop in Paris in 1858. Worth gowns are meticulously constructed with a wide range of textiles in luxurious colors and textures. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Worth gowns from some of the world’s top sellers.

To find out what your art is worth, conduct research using trusted online resources. Begin by identifying the artist using their signature. You can type the name into a search engine or use a reverse image search or an artist finder app to get started. Then, you can look at the selling price history of other art by the artist. Keep in mind that the condition, subject and type of art that you have may impact its value. As a result, you may wish to enlist the services of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer to help you with the valuation process. Find a large collection of fine art on 1stDibs.