BEIJING, Jan. 6 -- A bronze kettle from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century - 770 BC) was sold for 24 million yuan (US$2.98 million) at an auction yesterday - a record for ancient Chinese bronzeware sold in the country.

　　"A Chinese American collector asked us to auction the piece. It came with a clear provenance (record of ownership)," said Ji Chongjian, the owner of Shanghai Chongyuan Auction House. "Many hoped this national treasure could return to China."

　　But an unknown bidder on site walked away with the bronzeware, leaving a mystery as to where the piece will end up.

　　At a height of 58 centimeters, the kettle weighs about 16 kilograms and is one of the original pair kept in the Forbidden City in Beijing. The other one is in the Taipei Palace Museum in Taiwan Province, but its lid is missing.

　　In 2001, a piece of Chinese bronzeware from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century -11th century BC) was auctioned for US$9.24 million at Christie's in New York.

　　"We believe ancient Chinese bronze still has room to appreciate," Ji said. "They are very rare."

　　Today three oil canvas paintings by Chen Yifei will also be auctioned by Chongyuan Auction House at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao.

　　Since Chen's death last April, paintings by the former Shanghai tycoon and artist have been coveted by international and domestic collectors. Enditem

　　(Source: Shanghai Daily)