Sold at £200,000, 100 times the lower estimate, was the highlight from a small selection of Korean works of art, an early 20th century military uniform from a collection in Kensington. Estimated at £2000-3000 at the sale in Salisbury, strong competition came from multiple bidders from Korea who recognised its significance.
Comprising a pair of felt boots and a red tunic embellished with brass studs, its primary appeal was a helmet with gilt dragon and phoenix appliqués and an enamelled jade finial.
Two decades ago, Korean works of art were among the most expensive objects in the Asian market but the market quickly softened. However, there are now signs that Korean collectors are again becoming more active.
Also at the Woolley & Wallis auction, a rare Yongzheng (1722-35) mark and period jar and cover was the top lot of the sale.
Sold to a Chinese buyer on the phone at £820,000, it is the top price in the regions this year.
The 4in (10.4cm) high jar, painted in underglaze blue with two scaly yinglong (winged dragons) among scrolling clouds within bands of scalloped lappets in doucai enamels, came from a British private collection. The base had a paper label for Bluett & Sons in London where it was purchased in May 1946 for £9 10 shillings.
Only a handful of similar vessels are known (including one, inferior piece in the V&A) and this example boasts its original cover.
A Chinese doucai ovoid vase painted with Buddhist emblems that sold for £320,000 at Woolley & Wallis.
The sale also included a small 4¾in (12cm) high doucai ovoid vase consigned by a Dorset source.
Painted with Buddhist emblems beneath bands of formal lappets, pendants, flowers and leaves, it carried a six-character Qianlong (1735-95) mark but was not thought to be of the period.
Catalogued as ‘probably Republican’ and estimated at £2000-3000, it drew plenty of interest before it was eventually knocked down at £320,000.
The buyer’s premium at Woolley & Wallis was 22/12%.
