Auction - Imperial Treasures soar with world records falling fast and furious

World records are falling fast and furious at Sotheby’s auction of Imperial treasures this morning.


– an imperially inscribed ‘Tai Shang Huang Di’ white jade seal fetched US$12.3 million, establishing a world record for white jade and Imperial seal at auction.

-A ceremonial court pearl necklace (Chaozhu), Qing dynasty, 18th century sold for $8.7 million, eight times its high estimate, setting a world record for any Imperial jewel at auction.

-A rare three-tiered Beijing enamelled box, mark and period of Qianlong sold for $3.5 million, setting a world record for a Beijing enamel ware at auction.

-an Imperially inscribed Bamboo-Veneer Ruyi-Sceptre, Qianlong Period sold for $2 million, achieving a world record for a carved bamboo and a ruyi-sceptre at auction.