BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhuanet) -- A rare Chinese bowl bought at a garage sale for 3 U.S. dollars was sold at a New York auction on Wednesday for more than 2.22 million, media reports said Thursday.
The 1,000-year-old "ding" bowl from an era when the Song Dynasty ruled China was bought by a New York family for three dollars in 2007 and displayed it on a mantelpiece with no idea as to its real worth.
After consulting with experts, the owners decided to auction the bowl. The bowl was part of the opening session of fine Chinese ceramics and works of art auction.
Sotheby's said it was sold to a London dealer, Giuseppe Eskenazi for 2.22 dollars, far above the presale estimate of 200,000 to 300,000.
Eskenazi, recognized as one of the most important dealers in Oriental art in the world, entered into a prolonged fight with three other collectors, Sotheby's said.
Sotheby's said the bowl is a "remarkable and exceptionally beautiful example of Song pottery, celebrated for its thin potting, fine near-white body and ivory colored glaze". (agencies)
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