Small 19th century smiling wooden Buddha makes 26 times its estimate at Fonsie Mealy auction - €13,000

A set of prehistoric giant Irish elk antlers and skull, dating from 12000 - 8000 BC, made €23,000 at auction yesterday.

However, the surprise item of the day at the auction by Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, Castlecomer as part of the contents sale of Milford House, Carlow in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow, was the sale of a small, wooden, smiling, seated Buddha. The 19th century Chinese carved piece on a separate shaped base highlighted in gilt, approx 18cms high, had a reserve of between €500 and €700 but made €13,000.

The sale realised in excess of €500,000 on the hammer with 95% sold.

And a set of still life paintings by Aiello Ascione  made €20,000 while a set of two other paintings by the same artist made €16,000.