Cheshire leads the way with star finds after cracked Oriental treasure sparks worldwide bidding battle A new year of antique discoveries is under way and I hope Cheshire can replicate the success of 2021 when it sparked one of the year’s major finds.
trailing clouds, was achieved despite a 5cm by 8cm reglued section on the rim and a 27cm crack. Its style of decoration had its roots in the imperial designs of the Qianlong period (17361795). Similar examples exist in The Palace Museum, Beijing, China.
A damaged Chinese vase dismissed as worthless - sold for tens of thousands of pounds after I spotted its potential. I was called to value objects at a client’s Cheshire home but she didn’t show me the cracked vase, believing it to be of no value. A few years ago, she had taken the inherited piece to a U3A event to show an Asian ‘expert’. Due to its damage, she told our client it was worthless, nor did she recognise the mark on its base.
Isabel Murtough, head of Fine Art at Hansons, with the valuable Chinese vase.
However, it took my eye instantly. It was on top of a glass cabinet, its home for 25 years. Antique Oriental porcelain is highly sought after by wealthy Chinese buyers. They’re keen to repatriate items and honour the country’s rich ceramics heritage.
The owner of the vase, an 89-year-old retired speech therapist, told me she remembered seeing it at her grandparents’ house a long time ago. However, she had no idea how they came to own it.
She was amazed to discover its potential value and even more delighted by the result. She planned to share the proceeds with her children. Finds like this that make my day. It’s wonderful to deliver some unexpected windfall joy. In addition, a grateful Chinese buyer is thrilled to secure a piece of their country’s ceramics heritage.
Entries are invited for Hansons Closer investigation revealed that the Auctioneers’ forthcoming auctions. Chinese blue and white nine-dragon Free valuations and home visits This Chinese vase, Jiaqing bottle vase bore a Jiaqing mark from period, sold for a hammer available across Cheshire and the period 1796-1820 making it around price of £40,000. surrounding counties. To find out more, 200 years old. It entered Hansons’ email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or October 2021 Fine Art sale with a guide price of call 01283 733988. £10,000-£15,000 – and sparked a fierce bidding battle. The hammer finally went down at £40,000 and the object returned to China. The total paid with buyer’s premium was £55,595. Not bad for Twitter: HansonsUK an item deemed worthless. Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK The strong price for the vase, which featured Instagram: hansons_auctioneers painted dragons chasing a flaming pearl among
12 | SKWilmslow & Alderley Edge - January/February 2022
