Auctions

We keep you up to date with the hottest lots under the hammer.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard Translated From The Original Runes by JK Rowling Auctioned by Sotheby’s in London for £ 368,750 ( RM2 million).

This is one of seven manuscript copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, handwritten and illustrated by JK Rowling. It is also the first of the original manuscript presentation copies to be offered for sale at auction. Formerly the property of Barry Cunningham, who accepted the first Harry Potter book for publication, its 155 pages contain 17 vignette illustrations and are bound in an Italian handmade notebook with deckle-edged, cream-coloured leaves. The brown morocco binding is embellished by Edinburgh silversmith Hamilton and Inches with five hand- chased, hallmarked, sterling silver ornaments and mounted rhodochrosite stones.

A Liao dynasty gilt-bronze figure of Buddha Vairocana Auctioned by Christie’s in Paris for € 13.57 million ( RM64.25 million).

Praised for its quality, rarity and the iconographic complexity of its superbly cast image of Vairocana – the Primordial Buddha from whom all things emanate – this was the star lot of the Art d’asie auction. Producing the highest result for an Asian work of art to be sold by Christie’s France, the figure dates back to the 11th century as one of the elite bronzes cast during the Liao dynasty. Its unique feature is the illustration of the five Tathagatas in Vairocana’s highly ornate cylindrical crown. www.christies.com

Rolex Padellone triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases Auctioned by Phillips in Hong Kong for HK$ 7.88 million ( RM4.52 million).

Fondly dubbed Padellone (which translates to ‘ large frying pan’ in Italian), Reference 8171 is one of two ‘complicated’ models that Rolex produced. Fitted with a dark brown leather strap and containing an 18- jewel automatic movement, its immaculate stainless steel case is generously sized at 38mm, proudly displaying its original lines, curves and satin finishes from 1950. www.phillips.com