A tiny bowl, not even big enough to hold your favourite breakfast cereal, has sold for tens of thousands of pounds at auction.
The bowl, which measured just 10.7m in diameter, sparked strong interest from China and a buying battle when it went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers. (Feb 22)
With four phone bidders and intense internet interest, the hammer finally fell at £26,000, easily surpassing its £15,000-£20,000 guide price. The bowl was bought by a private international buyer who paid a total of £33,800.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It was an amazing result for a beautiful object. The bowl was highly sought after because it was made during the reign of China’s Emperor Yongzheng, which lasted from 1722-35 during the Qing Dynasty.
“We spied it in a box of general items a client brought along to the saleroom for valuation. They were inherited heirlooms.
“Instinctively, thanks to the quality of the paste and the delicacy of the painting, I knew it was something special. Its six-character script mark confirmed it was from the reign of Emperor Yongzheng.
“This humble blue and white object is a rare Eight Immortals bowl in underglaze blue. It’s nearly 300 years old but it’s survived through the centuries and boasts an exquisite pedigree having emerged from the home of fine ceramics. Porcelain was invented during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 BC) at a place called Ch’ang-nan in the district of Fou-Iiang in China.
“Ancient Chinese ceramics are fiercely sought after by wealthy collectors keen to repatriate precious historical objects like this to their homeland.”
The Chinese bowl was sold on February 22 at Hansons London, Normansfield Theatre, Teddington. Hansons London is inviting entries of Oriental art and ceramics as well as all manner of other objects for future auctions. To find out more, email [email protected]
Valuations of Chinese & Oriental objects
Free valuations of all types of Oriental porcelain and works of art are available. Please email: [email protected]
In addition, oriental art expert Dr Eldon Worrall will be at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS on the following dates:
10am – 4pm
27 Feb, 30 Apr, 25 June, 27 Aug, 29 Oct
