Bryne’s make new house record: Chinese Imperial cloisonné champion ‘cup’ sells for £190,000!

Lot 350 - Chinese Imperial gilt bronze and cloisonné archaistic champion vase

A Chinese Imperial gilt bronze and cloisonné archaistic champion vase was sold by Byrne's Auctioneers in Saltney, Chester in their November 25th Sale. The item which was originally estimated to sell for around £800-£1200  raised a whopping £190,000 making it the highest grossing item sold at their saleroom to date.

The vase which is from the period (1736-95), is formed as two conjoined cloisonné cylinders decorated with bands of flowers and foliate scrolls, united at the centre by a winged falcon standing atop a mythical beast. Verso, a mask issues straps to form the handle. Marked on the foot of each vessel is a Qianlong four character mark within a double square and presented on a carved wooden stand. When placed on its stand it measures just 13cm!