This Chinese gilt bronze temple bell, estimated it at only £100-150, sold for £400,000 at Bellmans’ sale in Billingshurst on October 10-12.
In the wake of a pair of moon flasks that sold for £760,000 at Henry Adams of Chichester in July, the closing lot of the first day of Bellmans' October 10-12 sale was this Chinese gilt bronze temple bell and stand.
Unknown to the Billingshurst, West Sussex auctioneers - who had estimated it at a mere £100-150 - they were offering a Qianlong (1736-1795) mark and period bell cast with imperial dragons clasping flaming pearls in its original carved hardwood stand.
Underbid by a London dealer, it sold on the telephone to a buyer wishing to remain anonymous for £400,000 (plus 20 per cent buyer's premium).
