The New York City auctions had many highlights. An 18th century white jade ewer sold for close to 3 million dollars!!!! The ewer was only estimated between $20,000- $30,000. A large 18th century Famille Rose vase sold for over 1.5 million dollars, which was nearly double the estimate.
Another group of items that sold at high prices was snuff bottles. The most popular snuff bottles were made of jade. However, the 2 bottles that went for the highest prices were not jade. The 1st was a rare inside painted glass snuff bottle from the early 20th century that sold for over $80,000. The 2nd was a rare painted enamel snuff bottle from the 18th century that sold for over $230,000.
Although these auctions took place in New York, it was obvious that the items were being sold to people living in Asia. The phone and internet buyers were doing the majority of bidding. Those who were actually on the auction floor bidding in New York were representing International buyers. They had earpieces on that were connected to cell phones. They were simply working for International Asian buyers.
The Chinese sold an abundance of rare antiquities to the United States many years ago. Now they are buying all those antiquities back. The wealthy Asian buyers seem to have no regard for cost.
It is not clear how long it will last, but right now the Chinese antique market is the hottest it has ever been. If you have any questions about Asia Week, please let us know. If you have an Asian item you were thinking of putting in auction, but need assistance, contact us. We work with the major Manhattan auction houses and can help you expedite the process. We also have NYC Chinese antique gallery owners that will pay top dollar for the rare pieces.