Experts from an auction house which sold a tiny bowl for £56,000 are heading to Northamptonshire in search of treasures.
A free antique valuation and consignment day will be held at Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, on Thursday May 19, 11am-2pm, courtesy of Hansons Auctioneers.
The firm is renowned for uncovering valuable items – and achieving hammer prices way beyond expectation. For example, in April 2022, a small pottery bowl was contested to £56,000 – 28 times its £1,500-£2,000 estimate.
Bidding was intense for the Southern Song hare’s fur bowl dating back to the 13th century AD. The brown-streaked black glaze itemwas the highlight of the Hurdle Collection of classic era Chinese ceramics. In addition to its good glaze and exceptional condition, it was inscribed with a painted mark to the unglazed foot that read Gongyu (imperial tribute) or Jin Zhan (for presentation).
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Bowls like this were regarded as the finest of their kind and were made to be presented at court. Chinese buyers are keen to repatriate items that celebrate their country’s porcelain heritage and this item was sold to a Chinese bidder.
“During the Song dynasty tea houses flourished in China. Particularly fashionable was the so-called whipped tea, whisked to produce a white froth on the top. The brown glaze used on the bowl sold was thought to show this to its best advantage.
“Tea drinking was an art form and the perfect bowl was essential. The Northern Song Emperor Huizong was a tea devotee who wrote a 12-chapter book on the subject. He particularly admired the so-called hare’s fur bowls and stated that their distinctive hare’s fur glaze was the best.
“Though Chinese antiques are sought after at auction so are many other things. Jewellery, silver and gold prices are flying high and toys can excel. A collection of 37 1980s Star Wars figures, which sold for around £1.50 each originally, made nearly £40,000 in April.
“If you have something you think may be of value, do bring it along to show our experts. You could be sitting on a windfall.”
Free antique, collectables, silver and jewellery valuations will be available at Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, NN6 9LY on May 19, 11am-2pm. To find out more, contact Carol Jones: [email protected].
