Originally estimated at $15,000-20,000, a Chinese white-glazed incised dragon vase astonished bidders by selling for $135,000 (£107,000) at Tenmoku’s Asian works of art sale. The auction, held in Fairfield, New Jersey, featured this remarkable piece which had been converted into a lamp in the early 20th century without being drilled for wiring.
The vase, part of a collection inherited from Dr. Morris V. Shelanski (1921-2020) of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, was a standout item. Dr. Shelanski, a prominent toxicologist and co-inventor of Betadine, was a passionate antique collector. Known for his discreet acquisitions, often smuggled into his home to avoid his wife’s disapproval, Dr. Shelanski amassed a significant collection over decades.
The majority of the items from his estate, offered by Tenmoku, had been in storage since the 1980s. This particular vase, standing 14½ inches (37cm) high, features a Ming-style design with a silky tianbai (sweet white) glaze and an anhua carved motif of a five-clawed dragon chasing a flaming pearl amidst celestial waves. Catalogued as an 18th-century piece, it bears a four-character mark in kai-shu (regular) script on the base.
The auction result highlights the enduring appeal and value of Chinese art, particularly pieces with such rich provenance and exquisite craftsmanship.
