Chinese Feather Art Value Guide

Estimated Value
$150 – $165
Period
1960-1975
Origin
China
Materials
Feathers, silk, wood, glass
Category
Chinese art

This intricate Chinese feather art represents a specialized mid-20th-century folk craft where naturally colored feathers are meticulously trimmed to create three-dimensional scenes. These pieces gained significant popularity as high-quality export items between 1960 and 1975, showcasing traditional motifs like birds and floral branches without the use of artificial pigments.

What Is Chinese Feather Art Worth?

The typical price range for Chinese Feather Art is $150 - $165 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the feathers, specifically looking for signs of fading, shedding, or insect damage.
  • Complexity of the composition, such as the number of birds and the detail in the flowering branches.
  • Integrity of the original wood frame and the clarity of the protective glass.
  • Market demand for authentic 1960s-1970s Chinese export folk art, currently valued up to $165.

How to Identify Chinese Feather Art?

  • Examine the texture for 3D layering of genuine feathers rather than flat painted surfaces.
  • Verify the presence of a silk background and a traditional wood frame with glass protection.
  • Look for the specific mid-century export style originating from China, often featuring vibrant, naturally occurring feather hues.
  • Check for the absence of brushstrokes, as the color should be derived entirely from the organic material.

History of Chinese Feather Art

Feather painting is a traditional Chinese craft that gained popularity for export during the mid-20th century. Artists carefully select and trim naturally colored feathers to create 3D texture and vibrant colors without the use of paint.

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