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Charity shop Chinese brushpot excels with 1,340% increase
A Chinese brushpot discovered in a charity shop achieved an outstanding price on May 23
Paul Fraser Collectibles, Thursday 31 May 2012
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A 330-year-old Chinese brushpot, which was discovered in a charity shop, excelled at a Salisbury, UK auction on May 23.
The fine brushpot was spotted by a volunteer after being anonymously donated to the St Peter's Hospice shop in Bristol, UK. The keen-eyed volunteers at the shop receive regular training on how to identify valuable antiques.
This charity shop discovery was made by one of China's foremost carvers
The auctioneer soon confirmed that the item was indeed a rare carved landscape bitong, or brushpot, dating from the rule of China's Kangxi emperor (1662-1722). The pot was crafted by Gu Jue, one of the foremost artists carving bamboo at the time.
Despite the poor condition of the piece, a bidding war ensured that it sailed past its initial estimate of £15,000-25,000, selling for £360,000 ($557,811) to a Hong Kong collector. The sale represents a 1,340% increase on estimate for the pot.
Following the sale, Janet Loud, head of shops at the charity, commented: "It is a fantastic boost for St Peter's Hospice in these difficult economic times when fund-raising is tough."
Bristol appears to be the place to pick up a bargain, after another anonymous donor delivered a rare first-edition of the second Harry Potter book, worth over £750, to another of the city's charity shops.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has two Harry Potter books in stock, both signed by Daniel Radcliffe. Each one provides a rare opportunity to own a signed copy of the books at a great price.
Recent and related articles
· The Bloch collection of Chinese snuff bottles | 30 May 2012
· Chinese rhino horn cup to bring $10,012 on May 24? | 10 May 2012
· Chinese soapstone lohan model achieves 733.3% increase | 8 May 2012
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Images: Woolley & Wallis
