About the +ART Column
The +ART Column shares articles designed to make art feel closer to home. From seasonal artist recommendations to clear explanations for those new to art, we explore the appeal of art from many angles. Our aim is to offer ideas that let art settle naturally into everyday life. We hope you'll enjoy the world of art at your own pace.
Contents
- Introduction: How is the price of art decided?
- How is the price of an artwork determined?
- What is the "gō unit price"? A pricing standard in fine art
- Conclusion: Understanding the gō unit price makes buying art even more enjoyable
Introduction: How is the price of art decided?
Have you ever wondered how the price of an artwork is set? Something that looks inexpensive at first glance may sell for a fortune at auction—the market price of art is shaped by a range of intertwining factors. Here, we explain how the price of an artwork is determined, along with the "gō unit price" you'll often hear about when buying a painting.
How is the price of an artwork determined?
The price of an artwork is determined by a variety of factors. In the world of fine art (two-dimensional painting) in particular, it isn't simply a matter of being "good-looking" or "popular": the artist's career, the size of the work, and the materials used all have a significant influence on price.
The main factors that determine the price of art are as follows.
These factors combine to determine the price of an artwork.
What is the "gō unit price"? A pricing standard in fine art
One way of pricing fine art is the concept known as the "gō unit price." It serves as a basis for calculating price according to the size of a work, and is especially common in the sale of paintings.
What is the gō unit price?
The gō unit price is a pricing standard set for each canvas size, expressed in the form of "¥◯◯ per gō." For example, if the price per gō is ¥10,000, a 10-gō work would come to ¥100,000.
What is a gō number?
The gō number is a unit expressing canvas size, and comes in types such as F (Figure: for portraits), P (Paysage: for landscapes), and M (Marine: for seascapes).
As you can see, even the same gō number can differ in dimensions.
How the gō unit price is set, and how the actual price is calculated
The gō unit price varies from artist to artist, set according to their career and track record. For example, if a certain artist's gō unit price is "¥20,000 per gō," the price is determined as follows.
By using the gō unit price as a benchmark in this way, the price relative to a work's size becomes easy to understand.
Conclusion: Understanding the gō unit price makes buying art even more enjoyable
The price of an artwork is determined by many factors, but knowing the gō unit price makes the pricing standards of fine art in particular much easier to understand. Because prices are set according to size, it also helps you judge whether a work is fairly priced when buying. When considering an art purchase, look not only at the artist's renown but also at the gō unit price and sense of scale, and seek out the work that's right for you!
In closing
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it proves helpful when choosing a work to purchase. Under the concept of "enjoying art," +ART offers services that let you enjoy contemporary art even more—from planning and running exhibitions to selling works through our online shop. Focusing on talented emerging artists, we carefully select and present works full of individuality! With a diverse range of art including paintings, we make it easy for even first-time buyers to shop with confidence. To help you appreciate the appeal of each work more deeply, we also share useful information in our column, including artist interviews, tips on displaying art, and points to consider when buying. We hope it becomes an opportunity for art to weave into your daily life and enrich your living.
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