Century-old Tibetan artefacts and unique photos have been auctioned for almost $200,000 (£140,000) in London. The collection was sold by a direct descendant of an officer who accompanied Colonel Younghusband’s infamous 1904 trip, and included many incredible pieces.
Of the 140 original photographs, many depicted Tibetans in traditional dress and others inspirational landscapes, neither of which had ever been seen in the west before. This selection was bought for the impressive sum of just over $18,000 (or £12,000).
This Sino Tibetan deity sold for £45,000 $70,000 at Tuesdays auction
The London-based auction was filmed by the BBC for their “Flog It” programme and famous TV presenters got snapped holding some of the key Tibetan items. The show’s Paul Martin was photographed with a rare Sino Tibetan Teapot that reached almost $3,500 (£2,200), despite initial estimations of less than £350 or £200.
Questions are already being raised within the Tibetan community as to where the funds will be directed. “It would be nice to see a reasonable proportion of the money donated to Tibetan charities and volunteer centres here in Dharamsala” Tenzin, a twenty-something Tibetan refugee commented.
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