A collection of Chinese imperial works of art has shattered world auction records after brutal bidding at Sotheby's in Hong Kong.
An imperial white jade seal custom-built by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century was sold to an Asian buyer for US$12.29 million ($8m) breaking the world auction record for both white jade and imperial seals.
The price was almost double its estimate of about US$6.4 million and reflects international interest in objects of China's glorious past.
"They are objects that crystallized imperial power. These are something that can easily detain our clients' mind's eye," said Mr Nicolas Chow, Sotheby's international head of Chinese ceramics and works of art.
He said interest in Chinese works of art was booming.
"Everything is about China today," he said. "Our worry is actually not finding buyers. Our worry is how do we feed that monster that is growing on the other side of harbour, because great objects are getting scarcer and scarcer." Other eye-catching 'objects of power' included a three-tiered enamelled box from the 18th century, which broke the world record for Beijing imperial enamel ware at auction after it sold for US$3.53 million.
Although the majority of bidders which packed the auction room were Chinese, Mr Chow said there was also "very strong participation" in the bidding from Western buyers.
An imperial white jade seal custom-built by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century was sold to an Asian buyer for US$12.29 million ($8m) breaking the world auction record for both white jade and imperial seals.
The price was almost double its estimate of about US$6.4 million and reflects international interest in objects of China's glorious past.
"They are objects that crystallized imperial power. These are something that can easily detain our clients' mind's eye," said Mr Nicolas Chow, Sotheby's international head of Chinese ceramics and works of art.
He said interest in Chinese works of art was booming.
"Everything is about China today," he said. "Our worry is actually not finding buyers. Our worry is how do we feed that monster that is growing on the other side of harbour, because great objects are getting scarcer and scarcer." Other eye-catching 'objects of power' included a three-tiered enamelled box from the 18th century, which broke the world record for Beijing imperial enamel ware at auction after it sold for US$3.53 million.
Although the majority of bidders which packed the auction room were Chinese, Mr Chow said there was also "very strong participation" in the bidding from Western buyers.
source:telegraph.co.uk
