An ancient Chinese wine vessel was sold for $3.3 million at Christie's

 
 
September 18, 2010
 
Auctions this week totalled nearly $50 million, including $3.3 million for an ancient wine vessel that set a record at Christie's for an item sold to an online buyer.

The vessel dating from the 12th or 11th century BC was the top seller at Christie's where the weeklong sales fetched more than $20 million, far exceeding pre-sale estimates. Sotheby's said their total was more than $27 million.

"This week's sale saw enthusiastic bidding and strong prices across a range of different categories from porcelain and jades, to furniture and paintings," said Dr. Caroline Schulten, Sotheby's head of Chinese works of art. "Collectors from around the world often raised the bidding to multiples of the high estimate to secure the very best works."