There was interest from both the United States and Hong Kong as bidding was conducted over eight telephones and on commission but the jades went to either Mainland Chinese buyers - the prevailing force in the current market - or the traditional London trade specialists.
Jades are notoriously difficult to date with great accuracy but the illustrated 4 1/3in (11cm) high vase, was thought to be early 19th century. Finely carved with lotus flowers and scrolls and three handles as lotus in full bloom, it had a flaw to the body but went to a Chinese buyer at £6800 (estimate £1000-1500).
Other Chinese buys included a late 18th/ early 19th century, 5in (13cm) high, white vase formed as a lotus flower with buds, birds and a hare carved in high relief, which sold at £4000 (estimate £600-1000), and a 6in (15.5cm) high Qianlong pale green vase and cover of flattened baluster form, carved with tao-tie masks which had a flaw to the foot but sold at £2600.
A pair of early 19th century moss-green jade oval boxes and covers carved in the form of chrysanthemums, 3 1/3in (8.5cm) high, went to the London trade at £2600 (estimate £800-1200) while a late 18th century pale green 4in (10cm) high vessel in the form of a pomegranate carved in high relief with fruit and leaves went to a London-based Chinese bidder at £2200 (estimate £600-800) despite some small chips.
The latter was one of two lots that lacked market freshness having been unsold here four years ago with much higher expectations.
