Ming ceramic used as a doorstop sells for $1.3 million at auction in New York

A Ming Dynasty ceramic has sold for $1.3 million (£800,000) at auction in New York, despite being used as a doorstop.

The rare blue and white moonflask, which had been used as a doorstop, sold for $1.3 million (£800.000) in New York.

The rare blue and white moonflask (Bianhu) from the Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period, is said to have been in the same family collection for decades and only came to light when the owners saw a similar piece on a Sotheby's advertisement.

The moonflask, which belong to a family in Long Island, New York, had been kept on a wooden stand and used as a doorstop in their home.

Measuring 6 x 10 inches, Sotherby's described the ceramic as "One outstanding lot" and put an estimated sale price on the lot between $600,000 – $900,000.

The collectable was sold in the second session of the three-part, two day sale, titled Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art held on the 11 and 12 of September.

The Chinese ceramic is just one of the thousands of rare objects that have been put up for auction in the Asian art sales this week.

Sotheby's Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, in New York made an outstanding total of $26,985,314 (£16,662,751).