Imagine discovering a hidden treasure in your own home.
This is precisely what happened to one lucky woman who brought a heavy old “dish” to Antiques Roadshow, only to find out it was a centuries-old piece of history.
The story begins with a celadon bowl, a keepsake from an uncle who served as a civilian director of educational troops in Japan post-war.
Initially meant to beautify his home, the bowl’s destiny took a turn when the uncle lost his sight, leading to its long-term storage in an attic.
Years later, this giant bowl, was rediscovered and gifted to the woman and her husband for Christmas.
Since then, it has been an integral part of their household.
The journey of this bowl to the Antiques Roadshow is a tale of rediscovery and surprise.
At the show, an appraiser with a fondness for celadon – a type of pottery highly prized in Japan for centuries – examined the bowl.
The first clue to its origin was a label on the box it came in.
Another label on the back of the bowl, which the appraiser identified as a charger (a large serving dish), revealed its Chinese origins.
Turns out, it was quite a special item.
The appraiser delved into the history of how a Chinese Celadon charger ended up in Japan, explaining that the Japanese have long been avid collectors of celadon.
The charger’s box, specifically designed for it, reflected the Japanese connoisseurship of exquisite Chinese and Japanese antiques.
The charger itself, adorned with a magnificent dragon and an impeccable glaze, showed little signs of aging.
It was much older than the woman thought too.
The appraiser pinpointed its creation to the Yongzheng period (1722-1735), known for producing some of the finest ceramics.
The guest, a collector of contemporary ceramics, had always sensed the charger’s value, estimating it around $1,000.
Luckily, she was way off.
To the guest’s astonishment, the appraiser revealed that the charger was worth far more, thanks to the robust market for Chinese porcelain.
With its appeal to a wide range of collectors, the appraiser provided a conservative auction estimate of $80,000 to $120,000!
The woman was understandably overwhelmed by this valuation, laughing in disbelief at the fortune that had been lying under her bed.
The appraiser humorously suggested reconsidering its storage location, assuring her that it had been well-preserved.
This revelation left the guest almost speechless, filled with emotion.
The appraiser commended her for maintaining the charger so well, calling it an “absolute masterpiece.”
It’s an Antiques Roadshow appraisal so unforgettable, it’s raked in over 1.5 million views.
You never know what kinds of treasures are hiding in your own home or at a thrift store, so it’s definitely inspiring too.
Press play on the video below to see the woman’s stunned reaction for yourself!
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