四件中國古代瓷器將拍出2400萬英鎊的高價

An extremely rare cup is expected to fetchmore than ￡24million when it goes under the hammer next month.

在下個月的拍賣會上，一個非常稀有的杯子預計將拍出超過2400萬的高價。

The Chenghua 'Chicken cups' were producedin extremely small quantities and there are now just four left in the hands ofprivate owners.

明朝成化“雞杯”的產量非常小，目前僅存四隻在私人所有者手中。

Only a handful of museums across the globeboast an example in their collections - including London museums, the BritishMuseum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

世界上只有幾家博物館有幸收藏到這種杯子——包括倫敦博物館，大英博物館，以及維多利亞和阿爾伯特博物館。

The exclusive cup has been predicted to fetch a record breaking eight-figuresum when it sells at auction in Hong Kong next month.

這隻特有的杯子預計將在下個月香港拍賣會上拍出8位數的高價。

Nicolas Chow, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby'sAsia said: ‘It is a great privilege for us to offer this iconic 'chicken cup'again at auction, 15 years after it broke a world record for Chinese art backin 1999.

蘇富比亞洲區的副主席說：“我們很榮幸15年後再次拍賣這隻標誌性的‘雞杯’，1999年的時候這隻杯子打破了中國藝術品的世界拍賣紀錄。”

‘Ever since the Ming dynasty when they wereproduced, Chenghua period 'chicken cups' have been praised and treasured byemperors and connoisseurs.

“從開始生產這種杯子的明朝開始，成化時期的‘雞杯’被歷代皇帝和鑑賞家所讚美和珍視。”

‘Given their extreme rarity, they are by definition the crowning glory of anycollection of Chinese porcelain.’

“由於非常罕見珍貴，所以在任何的中國瓷器收藏中，這都是至高的榮耀。”

The cups were first created in the Chenghua reign between 1465-1487 and werereproduced by Ming, 1368-1644, and Qing,1644-1911, emperors.

這種杯子開創於1465-1487的成化時期，明清朝代的皇帝多有重複生產。

The piece will go on sale at the FineChinese Ceramics and Works of Art Spring Sale on April 8 at the Hong KongConvention and Exhibition Centre.

這件寶貝將在4月8號香港會展中心舉行的中國陶瓷與藝術精品春拍上進行拍賣。