The Symbols

The vase was covered in symbols. And each symbol depicted an aspect of the Qianlong empire. Every symbol held a history and symbolizes something. The deer and cranes were symbolic of health and longevity.  The deer was also a symbol of success and happiness. The lingzhi mushrooms were a blatant symbol of immortality.

Definitely, the bidder number 217 knew a lot more about the vase.

The Only One

It was for sure that this Chinese Vase from Qianlong Empire was a rare artifact. As per Sotheby’s records, only a few Vases like these were made then and the majority of those handful vases are kept in Chinese Museum. This was an incredible piece of artwork with such intricate designs. However, another vase quite similar to this one is located in France and is believed to have a connection with this one.

The Name Yangcai

How the vase came to be known as Yangcai, is an interesting one. The members at Sotheby’s thought that this vase was created by Giuseppe Castiglione due to the similarities it had with other vases located at France which were made by Castiglione itself. This vase is a part of the prestigious Ernest Grandidier collection. The vase is termed as Yangcai or auspicious deer because of the deer painted on these. With these many significances attached to the vase, it had to be worth those dollars.

Grandparents Unaware

While people were already not able to wrap their heads around the astonishing history of the Chinese Vase, another thought struck them. Were the official inheritor’s that is the grandparents, not aware of the significance of this vase? Surely, they were not. Else who would leave behind the vase which was no less than the “hen fetching you with gold eggs”. Surely, if they were witnessing this auction they would be regretting and cursing their destiny.

The Bronze Mirror

 Another collectible item which was sold at the auction was the bronze mirror cased in a lacquer box. The exact origin of this piece could however not be discovered but still, it was sold for a good amount. No, not as high as the Chinese Vase. But it was sold for a price twenty times more than its actual price. It was sold for $180,000 USD.

The lady was surely dancing in the raining dollars…

The Successful Auction

The auction which marked the sale of the Antique Chinese Vase was so successful that Olivier Valmier published the entire auction story online. In fact, nearly 90 percent of the 27 antiques at the auction were sold for a prize more than their actual value. Not only did the vase made a history, but all the other items at auction were sold to the bidders in some form or the other. It was one of the best auction that Sotheby’s ever witnessed.