London's Croydon auctions Chinese porcelains to ease financial strain  

伦敦一区政府缺资金拍卖中国瓷器 单件拍220万镑

(ECNS) -- As an effort to ease financial strain, London's Croydon council tried to raise money by holding an auction in Hong Kong.

Of the 24 items, 17 were auctioned, including Chinese porcelains from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). A blue and white Ming Dynasty moon flask fetched the highest price, at ?2.2 million.

The Chinese porcelains on auction were bought by the council from local businessmen in 1959. All the porcelains were sold for a total of ?8 million at the auction.

The Museums Association had accused the council of "asset stripping" its collection and a "breach of the code of ethics".

However, a spokesperson for the council said: "The council is pleased that 17 of the items sold at auction, some of these for more than was expected."

Money from the sale will be used to support development of cultural endeavors in the district, and part of the money will go toward redeveloping Fairfield Halls, a 50-year-old arts center, the spokesperson added.