Superstar Artefacts

Coral-encrusted shipwreck bronze artefact (Weight 400kg, Width 61cm, Height 59cm). Legally acquired via a Kuala Lumpur High Court Order &  public auction in 2010, was destinated for an early mission in Jolon, California, called Saint Antonio De Padua (name is engraved on the Bell). It is dated 1784. The Founder of the mission, Father Junipero Serra, also known as the “Apostle of California” died in 1784. He was a famous priest of the Franciscan Friars, a progressive Christian order  dedicated to helping the poor and promoting PEACE, justice and  reconciliation. Our truly unique and world class Spanish/California Mission Bell, was made (most probably in the Philippines under Spanish rule), obviously in the  honour of the Founder, after he passed away. This artefact might have  been retrieved from a sunken ship off the coast of California. It links the three continents of Asia, America and Europe. 

Spanish mission bells are iconic symbols of the Spanish Empire. This  Spanish/California Mission bell is also a legacy of Christopher Columbus' conquest of America, a major game changer in world history,  and the subsequent founding of this mission in California in 1771 by  Father Junipero Serra. Another major significance of this very peaceful mission, the only intact and undeveloped mission in California, it is where the history of California began. The value of this physical artefact, Spanish/California Mission Bell is truly priceless but if a price must be put on the physical artefact, it  would be more than USD 1 Billion.

Based on the comparison with 25kg Hetian Jade of Modern Art sold in Wuhan in 2012 at USD 80 million (see news attachment below) and based on big market demand of Xinjiang Hetian Jade (more valuable than gold or diamond) and increasing commodity prices every year for this precious material, this jade artefact is priceless . It has a partly worn out imperial seal at the base and it is likely to belong to the Yongle Emperor (1360 - 1424), a Buddhist. Admiral Zheng He (1371 - 1433), a Muslim, became famous and served under the Yongle Emperor. The Ming Dynasty, 1368 to 1644, was not only the greatest and most glorious dynasty in China’s history but also the mightiest non-conquering empire in the world at that time.