Lost Treasure Rediscovered at iGavel.com

May 19, 2009 - PRLog -- On May 12, a recently rediscovered lost Chinese Imperial Bamboo Brushpot, which had been mounted as a lamp, was sold for a record price at iGavel.com. The brushpot, complete with a long inscription and scene depicting the cultivation of cotton, had been mounted as a lamp sometime in the first half of the twentieth century. This rare lot fetched $126,000 at auction. Lark E. Mason, the CEO and Founder of iGavel.com, and an authority on Chinese Art, identified the brushpot, which was the highlight of the Asian, Ancient and Ethnographic Works of Art Auction that ended last week at iGavel.com.

One hundred eighty four lots were sold, totaling over half a million dollars. The auction was a success despite fears of a weakened global economy, with mainland Chinese buyers dominating the bidding.

Highlights of the auction included a Pair of Huanghuali Horseshoe-Back Armchairs, 18th Century, fetching a total of $21,000, and a Pair of Chinese Gilt-Decorated Black Lacquer Armchairs, 18th Century, which fetched $22,500.  Numerous lots realized prices substantially over their estimates.

Since its founding in 2003 by Lark Mason, iGavel has sold a number of significant examples of Asian fine art, antiques, and furniture. Lark Mason is a respected expert in the Asian Art field known to many from his appearances in the PBS series, The Antiques Roadshow.


iGavel.com is a leader in online art auctions, offering collectors and dealers high quality fine art, antiques and collectables guaranteed for authenticity and condition. iGavel auctions are modeled on the traditional live auction format, and each lot includes detailed photographic images, a professional description, and an accurate condition report.

Lark E. Mason - President of iGavel - is a frequent guest appraiser on the Antiques Roadshow, was formerly a Senior Vice President with Sotheby's Chinese Works of Art Department, and Director of Online Auctions for Sothebys.com.