Early Qing parcel gilt bronze censer – SFr4.2m/£3.3m at Koller.
by Roland Arkell
A Chinese parcel gilt bronze censer, that was being used to hold tennis balls when first seen by valuers last year, has sold at auction in Switzerland for close to £3.3m. The imperial ‘phoenix and peony’ vessel, a fraction short of 2ft (60cm) across and weighing over 22kg, had caused a sensation when it was exhibited at this year’s International Antiques Fair in Hong Kong (May 25-28) in advance of its sale at Koller in Zurich on June 4. Estimated at SFr50,000-80,000, it sparked intense phone and room bidding before it was secured by a Chinese collector at SFr4.2m/£3.3m (SFr4.9m including premium).