The Qianlong white jade phoenix ewer that sold for $2.4m (£1.35m) at Doyle New York.
Standing 7½in (19cm) high, it was much admired for its even white stone, the quality of the high relief carving and its auspicious form (in China the phoenix represents female virtues such as beauty and charm).
The ewer was one of 90 lots from the estate of New Yorker Luz Papasian (1915-2013) that provided many of the highlights of the Asian Works of Art sale on September 16.
Improving upon a $20,000-30,000 estimate, it was knocked down at $2.4m/£1.35m ($2.85m including buyer's premium).
