A Chinese imperial vase once given a modest valuation on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow has stunned the auction world after achieving £165,000 under the hammer — more than 80 times its original estimate.
The bronze and gilt treasure, created in the 18th century during the celebrated Qianlong reign (1735–1796) of the Qing dynasty, was initially appraised at just £2,000–£4,000 when it appeared on the programme nearly four decades ago. Last week, bidding at Sloane Street Auctions soared far beyond expectations, ultimately closing at £164,750 including premium, despite a pre-sale guide of only £3,000–£5,000.
Standing 33cm tall, the baluster-shaped vase is intricately cast in a trompe-l’oeil pattern mimicking ancient Chinese coins set against a geometric diaper ground. It also features stylised chilong dragons curling around the neck, a classic Greek key motif at the rim, and — most crucially — a six-character Qianlong imperial seal mark on the base, confirming its elite origin.
A Heirloom with Imperial History
The vase carries a fascinating provenance. It was obtained more than a century ago by Major General Sir Courtenay Manifold (1864–1957), a British military doctor, explorer, and collector who travelled on a special assignment to western and central China in 1899. The piece remained within his family ever since, passed down through generations before being consigned to sale as part of an estate.
Back in 1986, Oriental art expert Sebastian Pearson valued the vase at up to £4,000 on Antiques Roadshow — a figure equivalent to roughly £6,000–£12,000 in today’s terms after inflation. Even the most recent auction estimate appeared cautious, making the final hammer price all the more dramatic.
Auction House Reaction
Daniel Hunt, owner of Sloane Street Auctions, described the sale as testament to the enduring appetite for high-quality Asian art:
“This is exactly the calibre of object once handled by Christie’s South Kensington before its closure, and we are proud to continue that legacy.”
The remarkable result highlights once again how treasures can lie unnoticed for decades — even after a television appraisal — only to astonish when given their moment in the spotlight.
