![1811NE01B.jpg](https://gazette-eu-west2.azureedge.net/media/4656/1811ne01b.jpg?width=750&height=500&mode=max&updated=08%2f03%2f2017+16%3a48%3a03)
In the wake of a pair of moon flasks that sold for £760,000 at Henry Adams of Chichester in July, the closing lot of the first day of Bellmans' October 10-12 sale was this Chinese gilt bronze temple bell and stand.
Unknown to the Billingshurst, West Sussex auctioneers - who had estimated it at a mere £100-150 - they were offering a Qianlong (1736-1795) mark and period bell cast with imperial dragons clasping flaming pearls in its original carved hardwood stand.
Underbid by a London dealer, it sold on the telephone to a buyer wishing to remain anonymous for £400,000 (plus 20 per cent buyer's premium).