Sotheby's HK auction holds preview in Beijing

In Hong Kong, Sotheby´s is preparing for its upcoming Spring Auction. This week, the prestigious sale held a preview in Beijing, showcasing about 24 hundred antiques, worth an estimated 10 billion Hong Kong dollars.

The feature attractions are antique porcelains and artifacts from China´s imperial past. The most prominent item is a ceremonial necklace that formed part of the splendid insignia of Chinese emperors during the Qing Dynasty three centuries ago. It was made of freshwater pearls produced in Northeast China, where the imperial house of Qing originated.

The most prominent item is a ceremonial necklace that formed part of the splendid insignia of  Chinese emperors during the Qing Dynasty three  centuries ago. It was made of freshwater pearls  produced in Northeast China, where the imperial house of Qing originated.

Qiu Guoshi, Auction organizer, said, "The Palace Museum in Beijing has in its collection a portrait of Emperor Yongzheng in full dress. The monarch is shown wearing a necklace nearly identical to this one. So we believe the pearl string comes from the 18th century. Such items have never been available on the market."

Another main attraction is a circular shaped seal carved of white jade. The inscription reading Imperial Patriarch dates it to the late 18th century, when Emperor Qianlong retired after handing over the crown to his son. The seal is said to be part of the collection of the Old Summer Palace. In the early 1860's, it was lost when the garden complex was looted by Anglo French invaders. In 2007 it has been auctioned for 46.25 million Hong Kong dollars. For the upcoming sale, it can be expected to fetch a price well above 50 million Hong Kong dollars.

Among other lots are a painting of a tiger by Master Qi Baishi, a 5.16 carat diamond, and a 107 carat diamond necklace.