“The main things that determine the value of a piece are the market for that type of piece, its condition, and the provenance,” Paloympis explains. The first two criteria seem obvious, but a works provenance—the record of its past ownership—holds an exceptional importance in the world of Chinese ceramics.

Why is Chinese porcelain so valuable?

Evolution & Developments. Porcelain is only one of many different types of pottery but it is usually valued more than others because of the smoothness of its surface, its pure whiteness, and its translucent quality.