Standing 22in (55cm) high, with significant damage to its rim, the vase was competed for by 12 phone bidders on July 17 before it was hammered down to an Asian buyer well above its £6000-10,000 estimate.
According to the vendor, it was bought privately around 40 years ago in the Southport area and had been stored away in a warehouse for several years.
The finely painted decoration of auspicious flowers, including large lotus blooms, was typical of the early 18th century period. However, specialist Alexander Clement said opinion had been divided as to whether the vase was ‘mark and period’ or a later honorific piece.
“A find like this one is what keeps us auctioneers getting out of bed in the morning,” he added. “Similar examples have sold at auction for very large sums. Specialists all gave their view and opinion was reserved, albeit optimistic.”
Last year the Shrewsbury saleroom sold a Qianlong or Jiaqing period cinnabar lacquer brush pot for £155,000 – the house record for decorative art.
