A CHINESE vase from the 15th century fetched £9million at auction.
The 11in blue and white floral “moon flask” was described as a brilliant example of Ming court porcelain.
BNPSAn ancient Chinese vase from the 15th century is set to fetch £9million at auction[/caption]
The only other comparable example is kept in the Palace Museum in Beijing.
The vase sparked a fierce bidding war at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, where it had been given an estimate of £5million.
Xibo Wang, its head of Chinese ceramics and works of art, said it symbolised “the very best of Chinese art”.
It dates from the Yongzheng period 600 years ago, which saw a major development of Chinese porcelain.
It was made at the Jingdezhen imperial kilns and represents the outstanding high quality standard demanded by the court at the time.
The porcelain and glaze are extremely fine and even, the shape is well-proportioned and exactingly fired and the brushwork is sophisticated.
Xibo Wang, head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, said: “We are thrilled to offer masterpieces from celebrated collectors in the region which symbolise the very best of Chinese art.
It is said to show the cultural influence of the Yongle Emperor exchanging ideas with many Asian countries and as far west as East Africa.