Ancient Chinese wine glass expected to fetch HK$5 million at auction

A Chinese wine glass that is more than 200 years old is expected to fetch around HK$5 million when it is presented at auction as part of Bonhams’ upcoming showcase, Ganbei: A Toast to the Chinese Wine Culture.

The white jade ‘Phoenix’ glass hails from the Qianlong period (1735-1796). It is anticipated that the vessel will fetch between HK$3 million – $5 million when it is auctioned later this month.

The Bonhams listing of the glass reads:

“In imitation of an archaistic bronze gong, finely carved with stylised phoenix panels on both sides, standing on a slightly splayed foot, carved below the lipped rim with a phoenix head suspending a loose ring, the faceted handle well carved with a playful chi dragon with its head and a paw resting on the rim, its sinuous body coiled through the handle, the translucent stone of an attractive milky-white tone with an area of amber inclusion below the lipped rim, box.”

The Ganbei: A Toast to the Chinese Wine Culture auction spans some 3,000 years of Chinese wine history and drinking culture.

Other high value items set to be auctioned include a large bronze vessel that dates back to China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770BC to 476 BC), which could sell for as much as HK$4 million.

The Bonhams Ganbei: A Toast to the Chinese Wine Culture auction begins on 30 November at 2pm Hong Kong Time.