16th-century Chinese vases sell for £9.7 million at London auction
dailymail.co.uk — November 14, 2024, 04:02 AM UTC
A pair of 16th-century Chinese vases sold for £9.7 million at auction in London. They had been in the same German family for over 100 years and were safely stored during World War II, avoiding destruction. The vases, known as Ming dynasty "fish jars," were made for the imperial court of Emperor Jiajing. They are uniquely decorated with flying fish, symbols of happiness. Only one other complete pair exists in a museum in Paris. Initially estimated at £600,000, the vases attracted intense bidding, reaching £8.3 million before fees. The final price reflects their rarity and historical significance, marking a notable sale in the Asian art market.