Ming Dynasty vase used as doorstop sells for $1.3M - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

The blue and white moon flask had a presale estimate of $600,000 to $900,000.

The piece had been in the same family collection for decades and they decided to sell it after seeing a similar piece in a Sotheby's advertisement.

They had the 12" vase on a wooden base and had used it as a doorstop.

The design and shape of the flask appear to have derived from Near or Middle Eastern pottery or metal prototypes, although no exact counterpart has yet been found, according to Sotheby's.

Sotheby's descibed the vase like this:  The flattened circular body with gently convex panels to each side, well-painted in inky tones of cobalt blue with some heaping and piling, with an elaborate medallion of interlaced ruyi heads enclosing trefoils and linked by demi-florets, superimposed on radiating lappets centered on a ring of inward pointing petals, all within a band of scrolling leaves with thin undulating stems between double line borders, the upper bulb painted with a slender floral scroll of alternating asters and carnations between further double lines, the ribbed strap handles with shaped terminals enclosing stylized floral sprays, all raised on a low rectangular foot, wood stand

The owner and buyer did not wish to be identified.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.