A Welsh Antiques Roadshow guest was left speechless after learning the true value of a Chinese tea set that had been stored in an attic for 80 years. The episode, filmed at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, featured specialist Serhat Ahmet examining a precious Chinese tea service brought in by a local resident.
The Unopened Box
Serhat Ahmet was shown a green container that had remained unopened for decades. "Well, I find nothing more intriguing than an unopened box. Shall we take a look inside?" he remarked. Upon opening it, he exclaimed, "Wow," revealing a remarkably distinctive tea set inside.
The guest explained that the set belonged to a family member named Margaret, who died at age 94. "I believe the tea set's been in the attic for about 80 years. I don't think she liked it very much, so she didn't use it, and it was on its way to the charity shop when I said, 'Hang on, can I have a look?'" she said.
A Piece of History
The guest recounted how Margaret's father, a captain in the merchant navy, purchased the tea set in Shanghai. "All the crew would have got off the ship to buy their family gifts. He bought her the tea set with her initials engraved on this box," she added.
Serhat noted the wrapping paper from the factory, which read "Lee Wah Porcelain Co Ltd, all kind of porcelain. Nanking Road, Shanghai." He also pointed out a newspaper from 1947 inside the box, preserved along with the set.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
The tea set included six saucers, six cups, a teapot, a sugar bowl with lid, and a milk or cream jug. Serhat described it as "wonderfully vibrant" with a ruby-coloured glaze against green silk. Each piece was embellished with sgraffito of Qing dragons, a technique where designs are inscribed while the enamel is still slightly wet.
"We are looking at the very high end of teaware production in this period," Serhat acknowledged, before revealing his valuation of between £1,500 and £2,500.
Stunned Reaction
The guest was left stunned by the valuation, asking, "Really?! You're not serious!" She added, "Well, I said to my husband earlier, '£100'. So that's... Are you serious? That's outrageous! Well, goodness me. I don't know what to say. Can't get over it!"
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
