Chinese vase that auctioneers valued at 10K pounds sells for 5m pounds
By ANIThursday, December 16, 2010
LONDON - A Chinese vase that auctioneers had estimated to fetch just 10,000 pounds has been sold for almost 5 million pounds.
The small, blue and white porcelain jar, from the Qianlong period, is just 14 inches tall, decorated with bands of plantain leaves, waves, and a cloud-collar at the waisted neck and broad shoulders.
The sides are densely painted with six meticulously rendered five-clawed dragons portrayed emerging from crashing waves and flying amid stylised clouds and flames.
At auction house Bonhams, in San Francisco, the price was driven up to 4.86 million pounds by an overwhelming number if China-based bidders.
“The jar proved to be a puzzle for several clients with whom I spoke who all declared it to be unique,” the Daily Mail quoted Dessa Goddard, Vice President and Director, Asian Works of Art, as saying.
“Without a consensus of opinion we felt obliged to be cautious with our attribution. Needless to say, we are elated that the jar achieved such a spectacular price.
“Its sale provided a fantastic slice of auction drama that our clients and staff will remember for many years to come,” Goddard added. (ANI)
