This paper analyzes the relationships between forgeries, market prices, and the existing knowledge/power dynamics in the art world and authentication system. This paper aims to discuss art forgeries in the context of Chinese cultural relics and the art market and to argue that art forgeries are socially embedded. Forgeries are common in the art market, and therefore, authentication is crucial for collectors, auction houses and connoisseurs. Regarding authenticity, many discussions in the field of art history and museology focus mainly on the skill or professional knowledge of authentication. However, this paper argues that the skill of authentication cannot explain the fact that forgeries are still restricted by social aspects of the market and the sign value.