A breathtaking imperial vase, once expected to sell for a fraction of its final price, has stunned collectors at Bonhams New York, igniting a fierce bidding war and shattering estimates. This extraordinary piece, with its intricate dragon and cloud motif, is so rare that only one other example existsโhoused in the prestigious Beijing Palace Museum. With the market for Chinese antiquities surging, this sale marks a defining moment for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
What appeared to be an ordinary hallway decoration in a central London home turned out to be an extraordinary treasureโan incredibly rare Chinese Famille rose ‘dragon’ vase. Recently rediscovered by Bonhams experts, the vase shocked the art world when it sold for โฌ1,161,600 at auction in Paris, soaring past its estimate. With a fascinating history linked to an early 20th-century collector and a surprising connection to an identical twin vase sold in Hong Kong, this remarkable story is a testament to the enduring allure of hidden Asian masterpieces.
The highlight of the auction was an extraordinarily rare Meissen group of lovers with a birdcage, which sold for โฌ171,850, more than quadrupling its low estimate. This piece, first documented in the work records of J.J. Kaendler in March 1741, captivated bidders with its historical significance and intricate craftsmanship. Another standout item was a rare Meissen crinoline figure of a lady from around 1737, which fetched โฌ127,400, exceeding its low estimate by over six times.
