Bainbridges’ New Record

Bainbridges had estimated the value of the vase between £800,000 and £1.2 million, which would have been a surprise in itself for Damon and Leanne. But the winning bid was almost 40 times higher than the estimate. This was a new record for Bainbridges Auctions, before this sale the most expensive sale they ever made was for £5000 for an antique thimble.

Popular Piece

An employee of Bainbridges mentioned that they had been receiving queries about the vase before the auction had even begun. People were coming from all over the world to try and win this magnificent piece or even catch a glimpse of it.

The Anonymous Buyer

The man in the hat was a Chinese national who made a bid of £43 million and ended up paying £8.6 million more for taxes and auctioneering cost. This anonymous buyer was thought to be a collector from Beijing. However, he refused to comment after the auction was over.

World Record

Leanne and Damon’s family heirloom was the most expensive piece of antique sold at the auction. This ended up becoming a world record for the most expensive piece of Chinese pottery to ever be sold. Before this sale, the record had been held by a Qing dynasty vase which was sold by Sotheby’s for 16 million Euros. Coincidentally, that vase was found in an attic too.

Origin Of The Vase

Leanne and Damon were curious to know about the history of this million pounds vase. The story was as intriguing as its appearance. The mark at the base of that vase was the mark of the Qianlong emperor who ruled China for more than fifty years.

The Chinese Emperor

Qianlong was the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China. It is said that the Qing Empire reached its most glorious and flourishing era, with its large population and rich economy. The vase was created in the royal furnaces and would have been displayed in his palace. The Chinese ceramics manufacturers in the 18th century were known for the perfection of porcelain.