The auction today drew quite a crowd. Due to some highly attractive items, many buyers were eager to bid, which slowed down the auction process.
By the time it was the turn for the nose snuff bottle that Qi Yun was so eager about, over an hour had passed.
"The next item is lot number 031, a Republic of China period copper-enamel painted nose snuff bottle (Wenji Returns to Han), starting bid at 100,000 yuan, bidding starts now!"
As the auctioneer's voice fell, he scanned the audience eagerly, but people showed little interest in the piece, with not much attention given.
After waiting nearly half a minute, finally, a sparse two or three people raised their paddles, and the price reached 160,000, leaving only one person.
"Is there anyone else bidding? The current price is 160,000, from the gentleman with number 273 at the back."
The auctioneer looked around and seeing no one else raising their paddle, began the countdown.
