While Sotheby’s had its Chenghua doucai jar, Christie’s Chinese Ceramics and Chinese Export Ceramics and Works of Art, November 13, had a blue and white faceted vase, encircled Yongzheng mark and period.
It was rumoured to have been bought by the vendor for around £400 from a Northumberland provincial auction earlier in the year. Its importance was recognised after it was brought in for a valuation at Christie’s, South Kensington, and it was later consigned to King Street at £30,000-40,000.
Christie’s South Kensington specialist Pedram Rasti secured the entry in the room on behalf of an Asian collector at £140,000.
Northeastern promise
Individual entries consigned to Sotheby’s and Christie’s Chinese sales were an encouraging reminder to any jaded dealer that if you look hard enough and long enough, sleepers are still to be found.
