Huge interest has been sparked by the sale of a centuries-old Chinese dish – found on a sideboard – which could sail past its top auction estimate of £100,000 – despite a chipped rim.
The plate, due to be sold at Hansons London saleroom on Saturday, September 8, is currently generating numerous enquiries from potential bidders in China who are keen to restore the ancient object to its homeland.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “I found the dish recently. It was languishing on a sideboard in a London home along with various 19th century Japanese ceramics. It’s a remarkable find. The vendor had no idea of its potential value. The object was purchased from a country house sale in the 1920s.
“Interest is reached boiling point this week – the eve of the auction. We’ve been receiving huge interest from potential buyers in China who are keen to find out more or bid.”
It’s a case of history repeating itself for Hansons, which sold a similar antique Chinese dish with a matching auction estimate for £230,000 last autumn at its sister saleroom in Derbyshire.
“That particular plate was found in a South Derbyshire kitchen cupboard,” said Mr Hanson. “The interest back then was phenomenal and the same thing is happening again.
“I would like to think that this newly-discovered beautiful Chinese object could do just as well – even though it has a chip on the rim.”
The Chinese blue ground reverse and slip decorated floral dish carries the Chinese Yongzheng mark of the period 1723-1735, as did the one sold last year. It’s decorated with gardenia flowers on leafy branches.
Mr Hanson said: “Its striking reverse decoration with raised slip detailing is inspired by the Ming and Yuan ceramics of the preceding dynasties. Similar examples are held by major museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Nezu Museum in Tokyo.
“This dish has a rim chip and some minor surface scratches to the glaze on the bowl but that is no way deterring interest.
“The Chinese market is booming as the country’s growing numbers of wealthy collectors flock to repatriate what they regard as their history and heritage. They are prepared to pay huge prices for the privilege, frequently outbidding western collectors.
“Some Chinese buyers tell me they feel their past has been looted from them. By buying back their most celebrated porcelains and works of art, pieces often intended for an emperor, they acquire great kudos.”
The Chinese dish, lot 49, will be sold at Hansons London Saleroom, Normansfield Theatre, Teddington on Saturday, September 8. To find out more, email [email protected] or call 020 8979 7954.
To view the lot CLICK HERE.
