My great-grandmother passed down a vase with rich history – Antiques Roadshow says its shape makes it worth $25,000

A WOMAN inherited a vase from her great-great-grandmother, which turned out to be worth a hefty sum.

Thanks to the shape and history of the vase, it was appraised at a whopping $25,000 by Antiques Roadshow.

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In an episode of Antiques Roadshow, a woman sought to learn more about the vase her family handed down to her.

Her mother said the antique piece was a Chinese Celadon vase and claimed it was very old because it didn’t have “Made in China” written on it.

Antiques expert Robert Waterhouse confirmed the vase was old but that such a marking did not always indicate a piece was more modern.

Waterhouse explained that the “Made in China” mark was generally used for export goods beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, he pointed out that even items made before this period could feature the marking.

The expert shared that there were examples of 17th-century tables with “Made in China” inscribed with a knife.

Waterhouse confirmed that the vase in question was a Chinese Celadon vase, explaining that such vases were first made in China in the 14th century.

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL

The antiques expert said he needed to inspect a few things before determining the vase’s date of production.

Waterhouse first looked toward the material the vase was made of, noting it was carved porcelain that had been glazed.

The expert pointed out the highly intricate carved imagery at the top and around the vase, including a leaf lappet band, Greek key, twin lotus petals, and Buddhistic lions chasing curled ribbons.

“Beautifully carved,” said Waterhouse. “Time was taken in this.”

The expert also directed the owner’s attention toward the worn nature of the vase.

He said the scratching on the vase’s outer body, worn foot rim, and discoloration of the porcelain ground were “really good signs,” calling the antique piece an “honest vase.”

In the context of antiques, the description means the vase had not been restored, altered, or faked to appear older or more valuable than it actually is.

“This bottle form, this slender neck leading into a bulbous base, is a typical 18th-century form,” continued Waterhouse.

He shared that the old vase was produced during the high point of Chinese decorative arts, contributing to its rarity.

The expert estimated the vase was worth $25,000 in a retail setting today.

“Wonderful,” said the vase owner. “You’ve made me very happy.”

Other guests on Antiques Roadshow have been pleasantly surprised at the value of their items.

A hairdresser kept an old sequin dress for decades, and Antiques Roadshow said the person who wore it once makes it worth $8,000.

Plus, a woman thought nothing of the horse picture in her husband’s family home but Antiques Roadshow said it’s worth $75,000.