Antiques Roadshow” is a beloved American TV show where individuals bring their potentially valuable possessions to be appraised by experts. Since its debut in 1997, the show has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants eager to discover if their “antiques” hold a hidden fortune.
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One of the most thrilling aspects of the show is when ordinary individuals walk in with items they have stumbled upon in their attics or basements, hoping for a surprising appraisal. Occasionally, the so-called “treasure” turns out to be a disappointment, but regardless of the outcome, it is always fascinating to witness the varied reactions of both the owners and the appraisers once the true value of the item is unveiled. The show also serves as a source of inspiration for those interested in exploring the world of antique collecting.
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In a particular episode, an elderly woman arrived with a celadon charger, stating that it had been a gift from her uncle. According to her account, her uncle, who served as a civilian director of educational troops after the war, brought the bowl back from Japan. She believed the bowl to be at least 80 to 100 years old.
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Richard Cervantes, an appraiser on the show, expressed his affinity for celadon and its longstanding popularity in Japan. He mentioned various clues he would examine to determine the bowl’s origin and characteristics, starting with the label on the box. After conducting a thorough assessment, Cervantes concluded that the item was an oversized dish, possibly used for serving oranges or as a striking decorative piece.
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Furthermore, he noted that the charger had Chinese origins and highlighted the longstanding tradition of Japanese collectors acquiring celadon wares. The appraiser was particularly excited to find that the label on the packaging provided clear information about the bowl, indicating that it was a meticulously crafted porcelain piece housed in its designated box.
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Cervantes marveled at the charger’s exquisite dragon design, impeccable glaze, and minimal signs of aging. He mentioned that the charger belonged to the Yongzheng period, which spanned from 1722 to 1735. Curious about the owner’s estimation of the charger’s value, he asked the elderly woman, who, based on her knowledge of contemporary ceramics, thought it might be worth around $1000.
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To her astonishment, Cervantes revealed that due to factors such as the thriving Chinese porcelain market and potential collectors’ interest, the charger could fetch a staggering amount of $80,000 to $120,000 in 2021. Serious collectors actively sought such ceramics and would be willing to pay such a significant sum for it.
Overwhelmed by the estimated value, the woman expressed her disbelief and exclaimed, “Oh, my… You… (laughing) Really?! And it’s been under my bed all this time? I feel like crying. (laughs)”
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This captivating story serves as a reminder to explore our own homes for potentially valuable items. Who knows what treasures may be hidden under our beds or within our possessions, waiting to be discovered and potentially worth a significant sum of money. So, it might be worth embarking on a treasure hunt of our own, just like the participants of “Antiques Roadshow.”