Chinese vase sells for millions, 10,000 times estimated value
sda-ats
A Chinese vase, estimated at CHF500 ($516) to CHF800, has been sold in Geneva for a record CHF5 million, according to the auction house, Genève-Enchères.
“Including the commission, the vase will cost the Asian buyer CHF6.08 million,” auctioneer Olivier Fichot told the AFP news agency.
The 60cm high vase with three blue dragons on a yellow background was listed in the catalogue as originating from the beginning of the 20th century with a fake 18th century Qianlong seal.
Qing dynasty?
Two people competing in the bidding war dated the vase from the time of the Qing dynasty, under emperor Qianlong. However, Fichot cautioned the bidders that the vase was difficult to date.
The object was part of a Geneva collection of Asian art auctioned off on Thursday.
According to Fichot, it was the highest auction price achieved in Geneva by the auction house, apart from jewellery and watches. A bronze Buddha worth CHF550,000 held the previous record.
Popular Stories
More
Workplace Switzerland
What lies ahead for Switzerland: an economic outlook for 2025
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Gerhard Pfister to step down as Swiss Centre Party leader
This content was published on
Swiss Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister will step down next summer, the party announced in a press release on Monday.
SWISS crew member ‘died as a result of oxygen deprivation’
This content was published on
SWISS crew member reportedly died of brain damage resulting from lack of oxygen, following an emergency landing last month.
Zurich flights cancelled due to snow and freezing rain
This content was published on
Snowfall and freezing rain severely disrupt air traffic at Zurich airport over the weekend, with more than 50 flights being cancelled.
Terror threat rising in Switzerland, says Attorney General
This content was published on
The number of active terrorism investigations in Switzerland has doubled since 2022, according to the country’s top prosecutor.
Credit Suisse Nazi ties ‘ran deeper than thought’: media report
This content was published on
Credit Suisse is alleged to have withheld details of its historic links with World War II-era Nazi clients, says the Wall Street Journal.
Swiss man faces life imprisonment after Australia drugs arrest
This content was published on
Swiss man, 21, accused of attempting to smuggle 25 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of CHF4.5 million into Australia.
Swiss insurer Helvetia says 500 jobs affected by cost-cutting
This content was published on
Some 500 jobs, including 200 to 250 in Switzerland, are affected by the new operational efficiency measures recently announced by insurer Helvetia.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.