A lot comprising two Chinese famille-rose boxes and covers of the Qianlong period fetched $494,500, almost 50 times their low estimate of $10,000."
Astor's numerous dog paintings and jewels are coming on the auction block today.
A Bulgari diamond necklace featuring 13 emerald drops is estimated between $250,000 and $350,000. An enlarged photograph of Astor wearing the necklace while standing next to former President Lyndon B. Johnson at a Plaza Hotel dinner dance was hung in the salesroom, along with photos of Astor and former President Bill Clinton and Princess Diana.
Muse highlights include Elin McCoy on wine and Greg Evans on television.