In a story that seems straight out of a treasure hunt, a seemingly ordinary trip to a charity shop in Somerset turned into a windfall for one lucky collector. An Oriental bowl, purchased for a mere £2, has astonished experts and enthusiasts alike by fetching a staggering £21,000 at auction after being identified as an 18th-century masterpiece.
The brightly-colored bowl, measuring just 4.5 inches high and weighing 445g, caught the eye of an eagle-eyed collector during a routine browse through the shop’s offerings. Little did they know, their modest investment would soon yield an extraordinary return.
Brightly-coloured bowl was snapped up for just £2 from a charity shop by an eagle-eyed collectorCredit: JohnNicholson’s/BNPS
The intricately designed censer, adorned with formal scrolling lotus patterns on a turquoise background, bears a mark dating it to the era of the Qianlong Emperor, the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty, who reigned from 1735 to 1796. With its distinctive craftsmanship and historical significance, the bowl surpassed all expectations when it went under the hammer at auction, smashing its pre-sale estimate of £5,000.
Specialist Mark Grant, who examined the piece, identified it as an “18th-century cloisonné period tripod censer,” noting that its mark and period firmly place it within the zenith of Chinese cultural development during the Qianlong era.
John Nicholson, head valuer at auctioneers John Nicholson, expressed his delight at facilitating the sale, remarking on the sheer quality and appeal of the item. He shared insights into the buyer’s journey, stating that while the purchaser recognized the bowl’s value, they were unaware of its full historical significance.
“The lady who bought it didn’t have a great deal of knowledge but she knew it was good, just not how good,” Nicholson explained. He emphasized the importance of seeking expert valuations for potential treasures, particularly for items found in charity shops.
Nicholson also issued a call to action for charity shops to leverage valuation services, ensuring they do not inadvertently miss out on substantial sums for valuable donations. Reflecting on the missed opportunity for the charity that initially received the bowl, Nicholson underscored the need for proactive assessment of donated items.
Bowl features an inscription which dates it to the era of the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th centuryCredit: JohnNicholson’s/BNPS
“Charity shops that are local to us have learned to bring in their antiques for us to value, but some charity shops, like this one, still don’t,” Nicholson lamented. He emphasized the collaborative approach taken with charities, wherein valuables are identified and sold to maximize returns for the organizations.
In a final word of advice, Nicholson urged charities and collectors alike to remain vigilant and informed, emphasizing that hidden treasures may lurk in the most unexpected of places, awaiting discovery by the eagle-eyed and discerning.
The tale of the £2 charity shop find turned £21,000 treasure serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of antiquities and the potential rewards of curiosity and diligence in the world of collecting.