Asian Painters

Aguttes, a Historic Leader in the Appraisal of Works by Asian painters 

Aguttes is an internationally recognized trusted mediator for sellers seeking access to the best buyer networks in the Asian art market. Its exceptional level of expertise and thorough knowledge of the market are the cornerstones it offers to these sellers, whether they are based in France, Europe, or across the Atlantic (the United States, Canada, or South America). The objects and works presented, mostly previously unseen, including modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures, as well as Asian furniture and artworks from imperial collections or those of high-ranking dignitaries, are carefully examined before each sale to ensure collectors have the assurance of purchasing authentic works. The auction house, recognized as a major source of discoveries in this market, is closely followed by collectors. The precision of its expertise is recognized for its high standards, as evidenced by the world records it regularly sets. Aguttes thus facilitates secure transactions in Paris for sellers with buyers primarily based in Asia, specifically in China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, in cities such as Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hanoi, and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and sometimes more broadly across the globe. 

As a historic leader in the market for Asian artists, Aguttes serves as a trusted third party for both private and professional sellers, ensuring they receive the best possible price and achieve world records in a demanding market. A dedicated local team oversees the final payment for each work, and all auctions are therefore governed by French law. 

Three Departments dedicated to China, Asia, and the Far East

Aguttes is the 1^st Western auction house to have explored and conquered the market for modern Indochinese art, led by its expert, Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, who has been a leading authority for over 10 years on this school founded in Hanoi between the two world wars. The spotlight she has shone on these artists’ work is behind the phenomenal growth in sales that followed. Intrigued by the remarkable careers of artists with this dual artistic heritage, East and West, she is committed to bringing to light the work of these little-known painters, whether they are connected to China or Vietnam. Asian Arts from China, Japan, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and Tibet are selected in France and Europe by Clémentine Guyot, who examines these works with her expert and champions them with unwavering passion. To ensure thorough and specialized expertise prior to auction, more contemporary Asian works are handled by Ophélie Guillerot, a former gallery director in Singapore and an expert in Contemporary Art who is skilled at capturing the attention of international buyers. 

The Provenance of Artworks

The provenance of artworks, whether paintings, lacquers, or sculptures, is often deeply personal and steeped in history, with owners who acquired pieces directly from the artists or inherited them as family heirlooms. Preserved for many years by their owners and their families, these works of art, sometimes forgotten or overlooked in the West, are cherished for their sentimental and aesthetic value. In light of the growing interest in these pieces, our experts offer free appraisals to assess their value on the current market. 

Lacquers, Paintings & Sculptures: we look for Signatures

For Vietnam, we highlight: Lê Phổ, Lương Xuân Nhị, Vũ Cao Đàm, Mai Trung Thư, Lê Thi Luu, Phạm Hậu, Nam Son, Lê Văn Đệ, Nguyễn Đức Nùng, Nguyễn Khang, Minh Châu … For China: Sanyu, Lin Fengmian, Pan Yuliang, Zhu Yuanzhi… And also French artists, traveling painters, or those who taught locally, such as Victor Tardieu, the famous founder of the Indochina School of Fine Arts, as well as Alix Aymé, Evariste Jonchère, Joseph Inguimberty, Henri Emile Vollet… 

Take Advantage of our Expertise to Auction your Works by Asian Painters

Our Asian Paintings department holds 4 auctions every year in Paris, scheduled to coincide with the auction dates of the Asian Arts department. The calendar thus aligns with international events and the Parisian cultural calendar related to Asian arts, including Asia Now, Paris Asian Art Fair, Printemps asiatique Paris, and Asia Week Paris. Our correspondents in China and Vietnam carry out significant press relations work in Asia. Our “Asian Painters, China, Indochina & Vietnam” and “Asian Arts” auctions are followed by the world’s leading buyers. 

Access an International Circle of Buyers

The auction house possesses a unique strength in communications and provides sellers with modern, targeted tools for effective international promotion. We pay particular attention to the production of the sales catalog, both in its design and content, whether in print or fully digital. During our campaigns, we enlist buyers from our portfolio across all specialties as well as identified potential buyers. We communicate with them through multiple channels: online and offline advertising, social media, email campaigns, media outlets, influencers, and auction platforms, using tailored, high-quality materials, including images, text, and video… 

Free and Confidential Appraisals of your Asian Artworks and Paintings 

Our experts travel throughout France and Europe in collaboration with our regional offices, in Lyon, Lille, Aix-en-Provence, Western France, Brussels, and Geneva, to conduct appraisals and valuations of your artworks. Committed to providing personalized service, we prioritize open communication to ensure a clear understanding of the key steps in these sales processes. 
We can also assist you with the search, sale, or acquisition of a unique artwork through private transactions, conducted with the utmost discretion. 
Prior to scheduling an appointment, you may submit your appraisal request along with a description, photos, and any relevant documents available regarding the artwork via the online estimate request form, or directly by email to our expert.