Ming Dynasty vase used as doorstop sells for $1.3M

Associated Press
This undated photo provided by Sotheby's shows a rare Ming Dynasty vase that had been used as a doorstop in a Long Island home. The blue and white moonflask was auctioned Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012 at Sotheby’s New York sale of Chinese works of art, fetching $1.3 million. (AP Photo/Sotheby’s)

NEW YORK (AP) — A rare Ming Dynasty vase that had been used as a doorstop in a New York home has sold for $1.3 million at auction.

The blue and white moon flask was auctioned Wednesday at Sotheby's sale of Chinese works of art. Its presale estimate was $600,000 to $900,000.

The piece had been in the same family collection for decades. The auction house said the family decided to sell it after seeing a similar piece in a Sotheby's advertisement.

They had the vase on a wooden stand that was used as a doorstop in their Long Island home.

The owner did not wish to be identified.