Rare 19th Century Chinese Vase Hiding in Plain Sight
Posted On: 17 Feb 2024 by Felix TurnerA 19th Century Chinese vase, previously used by the owner at home as a lamp, has sold for £4,400 at Wimbledon Auctions on 22nd January 2024.
The Chinese vase was spotted by Felix Turner whilst looking through an email valuation request for a collection of antique furniture. The vase was visible sitting with a large shade on the left hand side of a drinks cabinet. Instantly recognisable as a Chinese work of art, from it's elephant head handles and painted scene of 'three goats'. The vase was taken in for examination, and the light fitting was removed to reveal a drilled apocryphal seal mark underneath for the Qianlong emperor. Despite the mark, the vase was in fact a later 19th Century imitation of a Qianlong work. Nonetheless, it was of a fine quality, delicately painted and enamelled in the 'famille rose' palette.
The vase was entered with a £2000-3000 estimate, and following interest from two telephone bidders and a number of internet bidders, the lot sold to a Chinese buyer for £4,400.
Do you have a hidden Chinese treasure at home? Contact us today for a valuation: [email protected] or 0208 947 2385.
