Richmond Hill, ON – 888 Auctions concluded its first auction of the summer, featuring sales of Asian Art & Antiques with a triumphant total of over $210,000. The sale, comprising 517 lots, witnessed active participation from around the world with 121 bidders hailing from over 45 countries.

Although sales typically cool down in the summer season, 888 Auctions managed to pull through with a 70% sell through rate with 363 lots sold out of 517 total lots. Leading the parade of lots sold was the star item of the auction: Lot 440, a Pair of Chinese 10k Gold Gilt Bronze Qianlong Vases, which sold for $7,500. In addition, another bronzeware sold for a healthy price at $6,000: Lot 429, a Fine Chinese Qing Period Cloisonné Censer with Qianlong Mark.

From 888 Auctions’ staple of traditional Chinese paintings, the afternoon was given an early boost from the sale of Lot 59, a Watercolor Chongqing Houses Wu Guan Zhong (1919-2010) and Lot 64, a Chinese Painting of Zhong Kui Huang Shanshou which sold for $2,250 and $3,750 respectively.

In a delightfully surprising turn of events 23 of the 29 snuff bottles featured in the sale found  new owners. Most remarkably an Enameled Painted Glass Snuff Bottle with Qianlong Mark at Lot 96 achieved a $1,400.

Among the stone carvings in the sale, here are some highlights:

Lot 154: Natural Emerald Green Jadeite Bangle Certified ($3,000)

Lot 156: Chinese Emerald Green Jadeite Carved Bangle ($2,250)

Lot 218: Chinese Grade A Jadeite Kwanyin Pendant Certified ($2,000)

Lot 270: Tall Chinese Agate Carved Tower Pagoda Censer ($3,750)

Lot 303: Fine Chinese Tianhuang Pebble Scholar’s Stone ($3,000)

Although lacking a true standout item, the sale generated plenty of excitement with a strong sell-through rate and kicked off 888 Auctions’ summer season in style.

888 Auctions is excited to expand its list of auction services with a true gemological and jewellery laboratory through its in-house JadeLab laboratories. Rather than relying upon inconclusive testing and hearsay from dealers, we offer expertise in the objective identification, valuation and description of all your colour gemstones, jewellery, and coins.

Coinciding with the full launch of our JadeLab gemological laboratories, 888 Auctions is proud to announce the opening of our branch location at the Promenade Shopping Centre. Due to growing demand, we have opened another location to serve you better. The new location will feature 888 Auctions customarily professional services and complimentary valuations.

888 Auction’s next auction will be slated for Thursday, August 14, 2014. Quality consignments are still being accepted. To consign an item, an estate, or a collection, call 905-763-7201 or email info@888auctions.com.