While the painting was unusually large and in wonderful condition, Lempertz attributed the high price to the fact that two clients were convinced of the identities of either sitter and/or artist, whom Lempertz had not – and still have not – been able to identify themselves.
The second sleeper at the same sale was a black- and red-lacquered Chinese plate with phoenix, flower and branch patterning, 13in (32.5cm) in diameter and dating from the ‘16th century or slightly later’; this flew 20 times estimate to €24,000 (£15,400).
Unknown warrior proves his worth 100 times over
There were two surprising results at the Lempertz Asian Art sale in Cologne on November 22-23. This large, anonymous Japanese 17th/18th century Indian ink and watercolour, Daimyô in Kamishimo with tachibana weapons and two swords on a tatami mat, paper 4ft x 2ft 10in (1.22m x 86cm), right, soared 100 times estimate to make €80,000 (£51,300).
