Commonplace as rocketing prices at Asian art sales have become, the results at Bonhams’ recent Fine Chinese Art sales still caused a stir. A pair of teapots with iron-red Imperial Qianlong seal marks estimated at just $32,496–$48,744—a range that reflected its lack of authentication—sold to a Chinese buyer for an astonishing $2.19m.
Almost as dramatic was the $2.125m claimed by a yellow jade Qianlong scepter that had been estimated at $195,000. Other big sellers were two 3,000 year-old bronze ritual vessels that sold for $1.95m and $1.03m respectively. Another highlight of the May 12th sale had been a set of ivory and zitan wood mounted erotic carvings. These sold at its low estimate of $1.3m. All told, Bonhams Asian Art week auctions totaled almost $35m.
Read more at Bonhams.
