A vase by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) soared to 980,275 pounds ($1.53 million) at auction on Wednesday, becoming the most expensive ceramic by the artist ever sold at auction, according to Christie's.

"Grand Vase aux Femmes Voiles" had a pre-sale estimate of between 250,000 and 350,000 pounds ($386,000 and $541,000).

It featured two semi-nude female figures painted on a glazed terracotta vase measuring 64.1-centimeters (25.2-inches).

Part of the Impressionist and modern art sales in London last week, the vase eclipsed an oil painting by Picasso titled "Tete de femme de profil" which sold for 505,875 pounds ($791,189).