Chinese Wucai porcelain box realises 2,950% increase on estimate

A Ming dynasty (1368-1644) Chinese Wucai box has sold for $152,500 at Bonhams Sydney, an increase of 2,950% on its $5,000 estimate and a new world record for a porcelain of its type.

The sale took place on September 1.

Wucai box Bonhams
The Wucai box was probably made for the Chinese royal family

Yvett Klein, Bonhams' Asian art specialist, commented: "The Wucai box is superbly decorated inside and out with plants, flowers and dragon motifs.  

"But, most importantly, the box bears a Wanli six-character mark on the base, which implies it is imperial porcelain, most likely used in the royal households of Ming Dynasty China."

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