A charity shop manager in Dorset discovered that some donated crockery was far more valuable than initially thought. When a dish featuring blue and yellow dragons was donated, the manager priced it modestly at £2 but had a feeling it might be worth more. Alongside this, a bottle vase with a similar design, donated from Surrey, was priced at £100. Seeking expert advice, the manager brought the pieces to the UK auction house Woolley and Wallis for valuation.
John Axford, Chairman and Asian Art specialist at Woolley and Wallis, identified both items as important 19th-century Chinese art. The dish dates back to the Daoguang period (1821-1850), confirmed by a six-character mark linking it to the Chinese Imperial collection.
Initially estimated at a value between £1,500 and £2,000, the dish astonished everyone by selling for over £7,000. The accompanying ovoid vase, decorated with three dragons chasing a sacred pearl amidst clouds, flames, and waves, also drew strong bids. This vase, also from the early 19th century, was anticipated to fetch £1,500 to £2,500 but ended up selling for £5,080.
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Both pieces were auctioned off at Woolley and Wallis’ Fine Asian Art sale on November 11, with the proceeds benefiting charity. The combined profit of nearly £12,000 highlights the incredible potential hidden in charity shop donations and serves as encouragement to browse local thrift stores—you never know what valuable treasures might lie within.