Essex Road auctioneers flogged a pair of Chinese incense burners, initially valued between £300 and £500, for a staggering £25,000 on Monday.

Islington Gazette: Chinese Kangxi period blue and white vase decorated in floral design which sold for £1,100 and a late 17th / early 18th century Chinese stoneware green glazed seated figure, raised on hardwood stand (chips to ears and seems to be missing something from his hands) which sold for a hammer price of £550. Picture: Criterion AuctioneersChinese Kangxi period blue and white vase decorated in floral design which sold for £1,100 and a late 17th / early 18th century Chinese stoneware green glazed seated figure, raised on hardwood stand (chips to ears and seems to be missing something from his hands) which sold for a hammer price of £550. Picture: Criterion Auctioneers (Image: Archant)

Criterion Auctioneers held its first Asian Art Sale, showcasing a private collection of Chinese porcelain from a deceased estate, which sent buyers into a frenzy.

The “star lot”, or biggest selling item, was a pair of blue and white incense burners, decorated with dragons and bats.

Tracy Martins, who valued the products before the sale and admitted she isn’t an “oriental specialist”, said: “I never expected them to make quite sure so much and the atmosphere in the saleroom was electric as the prices just kept rising.”

Other pieces in the 48 item sale included a Chinese Kangxi period blue and white vase, which went for £1,100.

“The Chinese market is still very buoyant with buyers,” added Tracy. “And if they spot something then you just never know how high the price will go – it’s exciting and injects adrenaline into the newsroom.”

Criterion is now accepting items for its Specialist Fine Art Sale on December 10.