Discovered in the suburbs, Chinese vase sells for $1.5 million in Buffalo, N.Y., auction

This 250-year-old Chinese moon flask was purchased by a dealer from Shanghai, China, who was among some 300 who turned-out for this extremely rare auction item at Antique World in Clarence, NY. It sold May 7, 2011 for $1.5 million.

Korean Buncheong Ceramics from the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art

Available at shop.collect.com

CLARENCE, New York – It’s been in Western New York for more than a half century, came out of a local estate and sold May 7, 2011 for more than $1.5 million dollars. This 250-year-old Chinese moon flask was purchased by a dealer from Shanghai, China, who was among some 300 who turned-out for this extremely rare auction item at Antique World in Clarence, NY.

Owner and auctioneer Kelly Schultz says bidders came from several states and others bid by phone from London, England and beyond. He expected the flask to sell for at least $100,000 and, like everyone else, was amazed by the actual winning bid. The large, bulbous porcelain moon flask dates to China’s Qinlong dynasty, between 1736 and 1795.

The auction took place in the Antique World Auction building, 11177 Main St. The Associated Press reports that even auction house owners didn’t know the flask’s true value until the auction notice was posted online and it received global interest.

More from Antique Trader

MORE RESOURCES FOR ANTIQUE COLLECTORS and DEALERS

• Special discount prices on great books, digital downloads, price guides & reference books for every hobby

• Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles 2012 Price Guide

• Meet and share with other antiques collectors, dealers and auctioneers on Antique Trader’s Facebook page