An international bidder paid just over a million dollars for a Chinese ceramic dragon plate.

The value was a surprise to the auction house that had valued the plate at between $700 and $900. The plate is believed to be between 300 and 500 years old.

Walker’s Auctions of Ottawa sold the plate at an auction on Wednesday night. It had belonged to a Brockville woman who bequeathed it, along with several other items, to a museum in Toronto. The Museum decided to sell the gifts.

Jeffrey Walker says promoting the event to the right collectors drew international interest and brought top dollar. The buyer wishes to remain anonymous.

CTV’s Natalie Pierosara will have more on this story tonight at six.