Chinese Vase Sells for $1.2 million

Here is a situation that should be of interest to all appraisers. Fellow appraiser Daphne Rosenzweig, Ph.D., ISA CAPP notified a group of appraisers about a Chinese vase which recently sold at Brunk Auction House in Ashville, NC for $1.2 million, including buyers premium. It was the highest selling piece ever at a Brunk sale.

The catalog noted Qianlong period (1736-1795) markings, but considered the vase 20th century and listed a $400.00 - $800.00 catalog estimate. Even with expert advice, the authenticity of the vase remained questionable, enough so the auction house listed as a 20th century item. This shows the difficulty of authentication and that appraiser need to aware. many time what we see as appraiser works the opposite way, with the client thinking the item is more valuable than it is. Here is an occasion where the property appears to be worth more, at least in the minds of those bidding, far more than what was expected.

According to the Ashville Citizens Times, several experts looked at the vase and questioned the authenticity, hence the 20th century listing. The Citizens Times reports What made this vase so special? It's from the Qianlong period, which means it was made between 1736-95. And it was in very good shape.

Still, scholars who examined the vase for Brunk had mixed opinions on its authenticity.

“Obviously people bidding on this thought it was authentic,” Brunk said, “and they are probably right.”

To read the Citizens Times article, click HERE.