An unsuspecting guest on the beloved BBC show Antiques Roadshow received the shock of a lifetime after an item she picked up for a single pound was valued at an eye-watering £20,000.
The extraordinary moment, filmed at the show's visit to Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, saw ceramics expert Lee Young deliver the incredible news. The woman had discovered the delicate porcelain vase in a local charity shop, completely unaware of its immense hidden value and prestigious origins.
The Expert's Revelation
Lee Young identified the piece as a classic 'rouleau' vase from the Chinese Qianlong period (1735-1796), a golden era for porcelain craftsmanship. He explained that its intricate floral design and impeccable form were hallmarks of imperial quality, made for the elite of Chinese society.
"It's a really good one," Young declared, pointing out the vase's perfect proportions and vibrant, well-executed decoration. He noted that while it wasn't made for the Emperor himself, it was certainly created for a wealthy and important household.
From Charity Shop to High-End Auction
The owner, utterly stunned, could only manage an astonished "Oh my God!" as the valuation was revealed. Young estimated that at a prestigious auction house like Sotheby's or Christie's, the vase could easily fetch between £15,000 and £20,000.
This remarkable find serves as a potent reminder that treasure can be lurking anywhere. The expert's analysis transformed a simple charity shop purchase into a life-changing sum, proving that a keen eye and a bit of luck can unearth history's hidden fortunes.
