Rare Imperial Chinese Cabinet Sells for $15 mn
A rare wooden cabinet that was part of the Chinese imperial collection has sold for 93.15 million yuan ($15.2 million) at auction, auction house Poly said Wednesday.
The imposing three-meter (10-feet) high piece of furniture comprises four parts with finely carved dragons and lotuses on the doors.
Its high price was due to the fact that it is made from zitan, a rare dark tropical wood traditionally reserved for the emperor.
The cabinet was among other masterpieces sold Tuesday evening by Poly, which did not reveal the identity of the buyer.
A screen made of huanghuali, a rare tropical hardwood, sold for 39.1 million yuan.
Both pieces date from the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796), a period regarded as the golden age of Chinese civilization and the height of the Qing dynasty.
Demand from Chinese collectors in recent years has spurred a surge in the prices of furniture and other items made from zitan and huanghuali.
Experts estimate there are fewer than 10,000 huanghuali items worldwide.
Source: Agence France Presse
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