Ancient, Near-Thousand-Year-Old Bowl Secures Incredible $38 Million Auction Price
In a historic moment for the art world, a 900-year-old Chinese Ru porcelain bowl has been sold at Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong for an astounding $38 million. The bowl, a precious antique, is one of the rarest types of Ru ceramics to appear at an auction, making it an extremely sought-after item.
The bowl, used to clean painting and calligraphy brushes, is characterised by its cracked glaze and ability to reflect light. It is a prime example of Ru guanyao-or ice crackle-ware, a style of porcelain that originated from the kilns of Ruzhou, located in the Henan province of central China during the Northern Song Dynasty.
The bowl joins the ranks of only six other Ru ceramics that have been auctioned since 1940, making it an exceptionally rare find. In fact, it is now the second most valuable Ru ceramic to be auctioned, surpassed only by another ice crackle bowl that sold at Sotheby's for $27 million.
The sale of the bowl has set a new record for Chinese porcelain, cementing its place as one of the most valuable antique Chinese bowls. The bowl, with its rich history and exquisite craftsmanship, is a testament to the skill and artistry of the artisans who created it nearly a millennium ago.
The auction of the bowl took place at Sotheby's, the same auction house where the last Ru ice crackle bowl was sold. This event further solidifies Sotheby's reputation as a leading authority in the auction of valuable antiques and artworks.
The sale of this rare and valuable Ru porcelain bowl is sure to send ripples through the art world, as collectors and enthusiasts alike marvel at this remarkable piece of history. It serves as a reminder of the enduring beauty and value of Chinese porcelain, and the importance of preserving and appreciating our cultural heritage.
