In a story that would rival any antiques roadshow dream, an unassuming British family made an astonishing discovery while clearing out their loft—a cracked blue and white vase that had been dismissed as worthless for generations. The incredible truth emerged when experts identified it as a rare 15th-century Ming Dynasty treasure, potentially worth up to £100,000.
The Accidental Discovery
The vase had been tucked away in the family's loft for decades, passed down through generations with little thought given to its true value. "It had been in the family for about 50 years and was in the loft," revealed the stunned owner. "It had a hairline crack and a chip, so the family thought it was worthless."
Expert Authentication Reveals Extraordinary Truth
The turning point came when the family decided to have the vase professionally assessed by international Asian art specialists at Dreweatts auction house. Expert Mark Newstead made the breathtaking identification: the vase dates back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1403-1425), making it approximately 600 years old.
"This is an exceptional piece," Newstead explained. "The vase is decorated with a lotus scroll, a Buddhist symbol of purity, and would have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes."
Rarity and Significance
What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is the vase's imperial origins. During the Yongle period, porcelain production was strictly controlled by the emperor, with only the finest pieces leaving the imperial kilns. The distinctive crackle in the glaze, once seen as damage, actually confirms its extraordinary age and authenticity.
The vase stands approximately 22.5cm tall and features the classic cobalt blue decoration on a white porcelain background that Ming Dynasty porcelain is celebrated for worldwide.
From Dusty Loft to Auction Spotlight
The transformed family heirloom is now set to headline Dreweatts' 'An Important Asian Ceramics and Works of Art' sale in Newbury, Berkshire. Despite the hairline crack and small chip that originally led the family to undervalue it, auctioneers estimate it could fetch between £80,000 and £100,000.
"The family are, of course, delighted with the discovery," Newstead confirmed, highlighting how this ordinary loft clearance has turned into an extraordinary windfall.
A Testament to Hidden Treasures
This remarkable find serves as a compelling reminder that valuable antiques may be hiding in plain sight within British homes. The story echoes other recent discoveries where items dismissed as junk turned out to be priceless artefacts, waiting for the right expert eye to reveal their true worth.
The upcoming auction promises significant international interest from collectors and museums eager to acquire this rare piece of Chinese history that spent half a century quietly waiting in a British loft.
