Found in a Somerset house clearance, this Chinese jade study of an Asian citrus fruit known as Buddha’s hand, right, generated interest beyond its diminutive 3in (8cm) size at Greenslade Taylor Hunt (19.5% buyer’s premium) at Taunton on March 2.
Its name in Chinese has almost the same sound as the words for fortune and longevity so it would make an auspicious gift.
With no pressure from the vendor, in whose family the piece had been for generations, it was estimated at £80-120. However, the full online illustrations no doubt having helped, bidding opened at £1000 and after a battle with online rivals a phone bidder took it at £3200.