Leslie Hindman's Asian art auction achieved a fantastic $4.5m total on Tuesday May 3, 2011. The sale had been expected to achieve closer to $1m.

Auctioneer Leslie Hindman commented after the sale: "The auction market for Asian works of art is astounding. The prices realized today were as strong as prices realized at the spring sales in Hong Kong and New York. This market is truly global."

Antique rhino horn cup

Asian Works of Art specialist at the Chicago auction house Andrew Lick noted, "Vigorous buying throughout the marathon eight-hour auction underscored the Chinese market's strength and desire to buy traditional works of art."

The auction's top lot, a pair of rare Chinese imperial bronze vases valued at $80,000 to $120,000, sold for $660,000 after spirited bidding from no fewer than 10 bidders.

Chinese Imperial Bronze Vases

Two carved rhinoceros horn cups sold for $394,000 each. A lidded white jade vase sold for $231,800, while another surprise came in the form of a jade scholar's object depicting shells and sea animals. Collectors noted the use of natural inclusions to portray the crustaceans, and it sold for $122,000.