Freeman's sells $3.5 million Qing Dynasty Jade Seal, Asian Art auction realizes $8.1 million

The Qing Dynasty seal was sold to a bidder in the room by auctioneer and head of Asian Arts department Robert Waterhouse

On Saturday afternoon, with a full and energetic saleroom, Freeman’s achieved yet another extraordinary success when a ‘double dragon’ white jade seal realized over $3.5 million, making it the highest selling lot in the biannual Fine & Decorative Asian Arts auction. The Qing Dynasty seal was sold to a bidder in the room by auctioneer and head of Asian Arts department Robert Waterhouse. Its realized price of $3.5 million was more than doubled over the course of the evening, with a final sale result of $8.1 million.

The Qing Dynasty seal was sold to a bidder in the room by auctioneer and head of Asian Arts department Robert Waterhouse.

“The jade seal had good evidence for an imperial attribution, though it was only the final selling price that could have confirmed it. Of course we are overjoyed with the result, and it once again demonstrates that Freeman’s ability to source good private property and offer it with attractive estimates is a formula for success,” said Asian Arts Associate Specialist Richard Cervantes.

Several of the lots more than tripled their high estimate: Lot 805, a Rare Chinese solid zitan floor screen stand, and lot 495, a large Chinese ivory covered vase with Qianlong mark, realized $217,000 and $145,000, respectively. Lot 787, a Qing Dynasty carved giltwood Luohan figure, and lot 756, a Daoguang Period carved turquoise glazed porcelain teapot, realized $121,000 and $103,000, respectively. Lot 633A, an 18th century Meiping copper red and blue glazed 'dragon' porcelain vase, and lot 738, a Doucai porcelain bowl with Qianlong mark, realized $79,000 and $73,000, respectively. Lot 27, an 18th century white jade ‘pebble’ snuff bottle, realized $67,000.

Samuel “Beau” Freeman, Chairman, commented “We couldn’t be happier. It just goes to show that Philadelphia is an international center for the sales of world-class antiques and fine art, and that Freeman’s can produce results meeting and exceeding our competitors for choice pieces. It’s thrilling to be a part of an auction like this.”