We carefully select Asian and Islamic art objects to maintain high-quality and legal standards. We only accept authentic artefacts that meet strict cultural heritage regulations and modern and decorative objects with a minimum value of €100. Our experts verify provenance and condition to ensure bidders find unique objects. Follow these guidelines to maximize your chances of a successful sale.

What we accept

We’re looking for collectable objects of Asian and Islamic art that appeal to collectors and passionate enthusiasts. 

To be accepted, your object must:

• Have cultural, historic or decorative value
• Be dated 1200 A.D. and later, and of an Asian & Islamic origin from: 
  • China 

  • Tibet/Nepal, Himalayan region

  • Mongolia

  • Sri Lanka

  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Vietnam 
  • India
  • The Islamic World: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Oman, Yemen, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, Central Asia, Islamic Balkan region, Turkey, Pakistan, etc.
• Be in display worthy condition or professionally restored, retaining the original appearance. Damage must be declared and clearly shown in the photos. Note: approval stays at discretion of the expert.
• Be accompanied by detailed provenance information, including a signed Declaration of Legal Origin where requested or necessary.
• Be from countries that comply with:
  • the 1970 UNESCO Convention

  • CITES and/or Birds Directive  (if applicable)

  • export and cultural heritage laws of the country of origin and the seller’s location
  • national licensing requirements
• Meet the minimum expected value of €100
   (You can combine objects in one submission to meet this threshold*)

What increases your chances of approval:

• Clear legal provenance supported by documents or declarations
• High-quality and well-preserved pieces (intact or professionally restored)
• Objects with museum, collection, or literature references

Note: 

• Tribal Minority objects from Taiwan, Korea and Japan are auctioned under Tribal Art. 

• Art from South East Asia: Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei are sold under Tribal Art -  Southeast Asia Auctions.

• Antique and modern silver and gold from across Asia is auctioned under the Asian Art auctions

• Silver and gold from Indonesia, tribal silver from the Golden triangle, the Hill Tribe people from China and Southeast Asia, and Naga jewellery are sold in the Tribal Art auctions.

• Jewellery from North Africa, The Islamic world is sold under Indian & Islamic Art. e.g. Berber, Kabyle, Tuareg, Rachaida, etc. 

• Weapons from Maritime Southeast Asia: Brunei, Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar/Burma and Oceania are sold under Tribal Art - Southeast Asia Auctions.

Minimum criteria by object/material type

To ensure quality and collectability, we apply specific rules by material and object. 

Ceramics:

• All porcelains must be hand painted or partially hand painted, machine printed decoration will not be accepted.

• Porcelains must be clearly photographed and decoration technique should be described in the description.
• High-value porcelain submissions should include UV light images.

Lacquerware:

• Must not be resin imitations, which can be identified by:
  • Saw marks on the base
  • Broken bubbles
  • Excessive shine
• Surface condition and decoration must be intact or minorly restored. 
• Modern lacquer must have a decorative purpose. 

Bronzes & metalware:

• Includes: silver, gold, bronze, pewter, brass, copper, white metal, cast iron
• Antique and contemporary bronzes accepted
• Buddhist & Hindu contemporary bronzes: ≥20 cm and high craftsmanship
• Japanese contemporary bronzes: can be smaller if signed
• No broken or heavily restored contemporary pieces

Silver & gold (objects & jewellery):

• Silver and gold must be hallmarked or tested via a jeweller or acid test. The test method (via a jeweller or acid test) with images needs to be included in the submission. Note: without proof, objects should be labeled as metal or low-content silver/gold and will be valued as such.  

• Description should include: 
  • Gold carat/silver content (e.g. high-grade silver (>800) or low-grade silver (<800))
  • Gross/total weight
  • Size of the jewellery, e.g. ring size or necklace length or diameter of a bracelet. 

• All gemstone/semi precious stone enhancements must be disclosed
• High-value stones require a lab certificate
• Any Amber listed needs images with UV-light/Black-light

Jade & hardstone:

• Antique jade (Jade, Serpentine, Lapis lazuli, Quartz, Agate, Fluorite, Serpentine, Malachite, Sodalite): accepted with sufficient provenance
• Contemporary jade: only with lab certificate from a trusted lab in case a certificate is required, mention name and report number of the certificate. 
• Clearly describe any resemblance to other minerals (e.g. jade/serpentine, lapis lazuli/sodalite, quartz/fluorite)

Ivory, coral & tortoiseshell:

These are CITES-listed materials and EU restrictions apply.

• Coral: 

  • Only objects made from coral and with coral inclusions up to the early 20th century (1947) are accepted. 

• Tortoiseshell:

  • Only objects made from tortoiseshell up to the early 20th century (1947) are accepted.

• Ivory: 

  • Only pre-1900 ivory objects with full documentation are accepted  objects. We no longer accept any item that is made of, or that contains, post-1900 ivory. 

  • Objects containing elephant ivory require an appraisal report from a certified appraiser and an EU Certificate (Article 10). Please include two images in the submission:

• The EU certificate showing your address
• The EU certificate with your blurred/covered address

• Note: As obtaining necessary documentation entails costs, we strongly recommend first submitting your object so our experts can check if it is suitable in the first place.

• Application forms for import or export permits, re-export certificates and import notifications should be obtained from your local designated Management Authority of the importing or exporting EU Member State. Please check the details of the Management Authorities and additional information per country.

Prints & books

• We accept prints from Japan or prints produced using traditional Japanese printing techniques including: 
  • Woodblocks, lithographs, etchings, mezzotints, silkscreen/serigraphs (antique, modern & contemporary)
  • Single-sheet, diptych, triptychs, books, sets and portfolios
• First editions as well as later ones and reprints are accepted depending on quality and condition
• Clearly describe publishing date, number of edition/if it’s part of a limited edition, if the print is signed by the artist, condition, total number of pages (for books)
• Photos must show:
  • Entire composition
  • Full margins (front and back)
  • Close-ups of details (signatures, seals, damage)
  • All pages (for books)

Paintings, screens & calligraphy:

• Paintings and calligraphy antiques up to the 21st century are accepted
• Must be hand painted (not printed) with no obvious copies/forgeries.
• Buddhist paintings must be: 
  • 60x40cm or more
  • Silk mounted, paintings framed with glass are not accepted.
• For hanging scrolls please:
  • Include detailed photos of the painting, Including signature, inscription, seal, roller-ends, original box, etc.
  • Clearly describe the material 

Arms & armour:

• All arms fall under the Dutch/EU arms regulations. When submitting any sort of weapon you need to tick the weapon disclaimer box.
• Folding knives >28 cm, concealed weapons (e.g. a cane with a hidden knife/sword) are not accepted
• Folding knives between 20 cm-27 cm must include a photo showing the object completely unfolded next to a measuring tape showing the total extended length

• Japanese blades in different conditions are accepted: 
  • Rust, broken tips of >2mm, other minor is acceptable
  • A fatal chip/flaw running through the Hamon which can not be polished is accepted if clearly shown and described
  • Kizu accepted if shown in images and described correctly 
  • All damage needs to be included in the photos and description

Wood furniture & statues: 

• A wide range of Asian hardwoods, softwoods and bamboo is accepted
• Rosewood is CITES listed and EU export restrictions apply 
• Carefully describe and add clear images of the wood grain, stains, damage, restoration.

Glass:

• A wide range of Asian glass such as vases, bowls, snuff bottles, perfume bottles, reverse glass paintings, decanters, beads, sculptures is accepted, but all must be hand-painted/hand-made

• Modern pieces must be in very good condition to be accepted

• Clearly describe and photograph any damage, cracks, chips, restoration, water stains, etc.

Textiles:

• We accept a wide range of Asian textiles including kimono, obi, haori, embroideries, tapestries, buddhist textiles, Chinese robes, sleeve bands, rank badges, brocade, collars, fragments, roundels, banners, Manila shawls

• Modern textiles must be in very good condition

• Clearly describe and photograph any damage, holes, loose threads, stains, discoloration, restoration, sleeve shortening or lengthening etc.

Bone, horn and antler:

• Bone:

  • We accept objects made entirely from bone and with bone inclusions
  • Human bones or remains are not accepted
  • Carefully photograph the material and look for small pores: bone is identified by small black dots or flecks

• Horn & antler:

  • We accept items made from horn and antler

  • Carefully photograph the material and add clear close-up images

Enamel & cloisonne:

• We accept antique and modern Asian enamel wares, including cloisonne enamel, Canton enamels, champleve and enamel inclusions
• Carefully inspect the condition (e.g. presence of cracks, dents, enamel loss, restoration, etc.) of your item and add images of any maker’s marks

What we do not accept

To keep our auctions high-quality and trustworthy, we do not accept:

• Objects with unclear or illegal provenance
• Objects that do not meet the Dutch/EU Weapons Laws

• Damaged objects in poor condition, e.g. evident wear and tear, loss of decoration, heavy restorations or large cracks (exception: rare and high-value objects will be accepted at the discretion of the expert)

• Materials such as: 

  • Resin (with an exception for phenolic resin from first half 20th century in the Jewellery & Adornment auction)

  • Polystone

  • Plastic

  • Ivorine

  • Human bone or remains

  • Rhinoceros horn and fragments

  • Tiger teeth, claws, fur etc.

  • Ivory carved after 1900

  • Elephant skin

  • Coral after 1947

  • Tortoiseshell after 1947

• Mass-produced decorative objects 

• Japanese blade copies and fakes

• Objects that breach CITES, Birds Directive, or UNESCO export laws

Note: Catawiki will report suspected illegally sourced items to the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands.

Getting your submission ready

1. Fill in all the details and write a clear description

When you submit an object, you’ll see fields to guide you in providing the right information — such as type of object, culture or region, material, century/timeframe, country of origin, condition, dimensions (cm), and required certificates (e.g. Article 10, lab reports, provenance docs).etc. These fields ensure your listing is clear, searchable, and easy for bidders to understand.

Please also use the object description field to share:

• Unique features or notable history of the object (e.g. inscriptions, workshop/school, stylistic elements)
• What is included or not included (e.g. box, stand, certificate)
• Whether the object has any flaws, damage, or restorations
• Provenance details stating ownership history, country of acquisition, and any accompanying documentation
• Certification or testing lab details (e.g. GIA, NGTC for jade, ivory, coral) - if applicable
• Any other relevant object specific details not yet mentioned (e.g. number of pages for books, material for hanging scrolls, etc.)

Tip: The more detail you provide, the easier it is for bidders to understand the value of your object – and the more likely it is to sell. Find here more tips on how to write a clear, accurate description.

📌 Include this sentence in your object description (mandatory for all regulated cultural objects):

“The supplier warrants that they obtained this object in a legal manner. The seller guarantees that they are entitled to sell/export this object and will arrange any necessary permits.”

2. Great photos matter

Photos are the first thing bidders see – so make them count! We recommend including at least 8 high-quality images that clearly show the condition and details of your object. This helps bidders make informed decisions and increases your chances of a successful sale.

Your photos should include:

For all submissions:

• Front, back, sides, top and bottom of the whole object
• Clear close-ups of key features, inscriptions, damage, or restoration
• Special finishes (e.g. hand-painting, gilding, maker’s marks)
• Certificates, foot rings, seals or mounting details
• Avoid flash, shadows, and cluttered backgrounds

For high-value porcelain and amber objects:

• UV light images

For books:

• Photograph of each page (including the cover, back-cover and colophon) 

For hanging scrolls:

• Close-ups of the painting as well as of any signature, seal or inscription
• Close-up photographs of the roller-ends
• Photograph of the original storage, any inscription or document

For silver & gold: 

• Clear images of hallmarks. If unmarked, the object must be tested via a jeweller or acid test and the test method with images needs to be included in the submission.

For grouped submissions:

• Group photos and individual shots

Tip:  Avoid photos with people, selfies, or screenshots. Use a neutral background (white or black), avoid low-quality or stock images, and aim for natural lighting. Find here more tips on how to take professional photos.

3. Additional proof of authenticity, provenance and legal compliance

We pay extra attention to ensure authenticity and legal compliance of archaeological objects to protect bidders and ensure a trustworthy marketplace.

You will be requested to provide:

✔ A Declaration of Legal Origin, signed by the current owner

Depending on the object type, you will be also requested to provide:

✔ Article 10 Certificate (for Annex A ivory, tortoiseshell, coral)

✔ Invoice, previous auction listing, or dealer statement

✔ Appraisal report (for ivory dated pre-1900)

✔ Trusted lab certificate for jade or gemstones (e.g. GIA, GCS, NGTC)

For sellers outside of the EU:

✔ You must provide either an export licence or importer statement as per recent EU Import regulations for Cultural Heritage.

Requirements for import & export of cultural objects

Selling objects involves legal responsibilities. Sellers must ensure all items are lawfully sourced and legally transferable across borders.

As a seller, you are responsible for:

• Confirming whether you are allowed to sell/export the item from your country
• Checking whether the item is permitted to be imported by the buyer’s country
• Applying for any required export licence
• Sharing the status of licences or shipping restrictions with the buyer

📌 Reminder: many EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) require an export licence for all cultural property, even when shipping within the EU.

Shipping tips:

• Always include provenance documentation in the shipment
• Provide a clear and accurate description of the object and its origin
• Never ship an object until all required permits or approvals are in place

International legal framework for trading antiquities

Catawiki adheres to strict cultural protection laws, including:

• The 1970 UNESCO Convention on the prohibition of illicit import/export of cultural property
• The Hague Convention (1954) and its protocols
• EU Directives and Regulations regarding export and return of unlawfully removed items
• The ICOM Red Lists for at-risk cultural goods from conflict zones (e.g. Syria, Iraq)
• The Washington Principles and Terezin Declaration for Nazi-era looted art
• CITES and EU Birds Directive

Important restrictions:

• Cultural objects from Iraq must be proven to have been exported before 6 August 1990
• Cultural objects from Syria and Iran are currently not accepted due to our payment provider restrictions.
  
  

Objects that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. If we suspect an item may be illegally sourced, it will be reported to the Dutch Cultural Heritage Inspectorate.

Declaration of Legal Origin

Every submission must be accompanied by a Declaration of Legal Origin signed by the seller. This document is essential for verifying provenance and ensuring compliance with international law. The declaration will be shown in the listing, excluding personal details (in compliance with GDPR).

It must include:

• Object description (type, culture, material, dimensions, age)
• Date and place of acquisition
• From whom it was acquired and who owned it before
• Initials of previous owner(s), with approximate years of ownership
• Documents to support provenance (auction records, literature, photos, etc.)
• A statement indicating whether these documents will be passed to the buyer

Please use this template.

Ready to sell? List your asian art objects today

Selling with us is free – commission is only applied if your object sells.

Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of success.

Register as a seller and submit your object for auction now.