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Rare Ming Dynasty Jars Fetch $12.5 Million at Auction
A pair of rare Ming Dynasty fish jars sold for $12.5 million at auction, exceeding estimates and highlighting the rising market for Chinese ceramics.
English
United States
ChinaLifestyleInvestmentHistoryAuctionChinese ArtPorcelain
Sotheby'sMusée GuimetCnn
Jiajing EmperorNicolas Chow
- How rare are these fish jars?
- Only one other covered pair of these jars is known to exist, held by the Musée Guimet in Paris; this sale marked the first time a complete pair appeared at auction.
- What is the history of the jars' ownership?
- The jars were part of a German family collection for at least a century and were safely removed during World War II before their family home's destruction.
- Why has the market for Chinese ceramics been rising?
- The high price reflects the increasing market for Chinese ceramics, driven by new wealth in China and a desire to reclaim cultural heritage, according to Nicolas Chow of Sotheby's.
- How much did the Ming Dynasty fish jars sell for at auction?
- A pair of rare Ming Dynasty fish jars sold for \u00a39.6 million ($12.5 million) at auction, exceeding their estimate by \u00a38.6 million.
- What is depicted on the fish jars, and what symbolism does it hold?
- The jars, made for the Jiajing Emperor (1522-1566), feature golden carp in ponds with lotus and plants, reflecting Daoist ideals of freedom and harmony with nature.