Rare Chinese moon flask goes for €610,000 at Sheppards in Durrow

A round of applause greeted the sale of a rare Chinese moon flask discovered at a routine valuation at Blarney Castle for a hammer price of 610,000 at Sheppards in Durrow today. It had been estimated at 80,000-120,000.

Unusually Sheppards had imposed a special condition of no internet bidding on the piece and registered bidders were required to pay a deposit and attend in person at the Co. Laois saleroom.