Rare Chinese treasure that found its way to Kilkenny sells for huge sum
Sheppards auction house oversees sale of 600 year old sceptre
A rare Chinese Tibeto ceremonial emperor's sceptre that ended up in Ireland as part of the estate of Grange Manor, Kilkenny has sold in Laois for ten times its estimated price.
The Gilt Bronze Sceptre sold for €30,000 at auction in Sheppard's Irish Auction House in Durrow.
The makara head above flowing lotus scrolls over a faceted pierced dorje handle.
It's use is not explained but it may have been made for the emperor due to his interest in Tibetan Buddhism.
The Yongle Emperor.
It was Lot 68 in the Grange Manor Auction at Sheppard's Irish Auction House, where the estimated price was €3,000 to €5,000. The sceptre was sold on Tuesday, November 26.
The auction continues on Wednesday and Thursday, November 27 and 28. It is selling a range of items from Grange Manor and other clients, including Antique bicycles, a vintage Steiff teddy bear, cigars, scientific memorabilia, Indian, Greek, Japanese and Irish art, jewellery, ceramics and even wines and spirits.