Macau’s Ponte 16 casino will display next year ten pieces of iconic Michael Jackson memorabilia, including the cream leather rhinestone glove he wore for his first Moonwalk performance on television.

Michael Jackson’s glove was sold to Hoffman Ma, deputy chief executive of the casino, at New York’s Julien’s Auctions at a whopping US$350,000.

“We’re a bit surprised that we were able to acquire the glove, as there’s a high demand for it among bidders.”

“On top of setting up a permanent Michael Jackson exhibition in our lobby, we’re also interested in purchasing more MJ items to add to our collection,” said the Ponte 16’s marketing manager Carol Lei.

“We aim to create a “rendezvous” to reminisce this great performer of the 20th century,” said Ma in the release, adding that the group plans to make the casino “a gathering place in Asia for his fans.”

Described as the “holy Grail of Michael Jackson memorabilia”, the sparkling white glove is famed for being worn by Michael Jackson in 1983 at Motown’s 25th anniversary TV special, where he performed Billie Jean and showcased the legendary Moonwalk for the very first time.

The left handed glove is made of cream leather and does not feature the more characteristic hand sewn crystals, but uses instead a mesh web of faceted rhinestones, hand cut to the shape of the glove.

The Michael Jackson Gallery will be opening to the public on February 1, 2010, which coincides with the 2nd Anniversary of Ponte 16.