NORTH SHIELD

Porsche arrives in Penang.

Stuttgart’s purveyor of fine sports cars has created its first showroom in Malaysia’s north. Porsche Centre Penang is strategically located in the state’s automotive hub of Seberang Perai. Alongside standard 3S services, this third Malaysian Porsche outpost boasts a fitting lounge for customisation of vehicles. Porsche Driver’s Selection lifestyle apparel and accessories are also available here. To commemorate the opening, authorised Porsche importer Sime Darby Auto Per formance simultaneously launched the all- new Porsche 718 Cayman and Cayman S, a collection that starts at rm530,000. Porsche Centre Penang Lot 6985, Jalan Baru, Mukim 1, Kampung Jawa, Seberang Perai, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang Tel: +60 19 400 9911

TImperial gilt-bronze ritual Ruibin bell Auctioned by Bonhams in New York for US$ 607,500 ( RM2.7 million).

his rare and important bell, originally part of an ancient Chinese bianzhong musical instrument, bears a Qianlong mark and dates back to the eighth year of the Qianlong period (circa 1743). The bell’s flat top is adorned with a pair of dragons featuring large heads, ferocious expressions, arched backs and pointed fangs. The quality of craftsmanship can be seen in the dragons’ intricately worked scales, bands of rolling waves, formalised cloud wisps and the eight striking discs around the base. www.bonhams.com