Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest left in tears after expert revealed the value of her family heirloom (marketrealist.com)
A treasured family heirloom and a surprised owner were the stars of a heartwarming Antiques Roadshow episode. The guest, who inherited a bronze sculpture from her grandmother, was astonished to learn its true value.
The sculpture, depicting a man reaching for his hat in a rice paddy, immediately caught appraiser Mark Larson’s eye. He explained the scene, highlighting the dynamic movement and intricate details of the artwork. Larson pointed out the flowing water, the suggestion of a hoe on the man’s back, and the overall impression of a spontaneous reaction to the wind.
He then delved into the sculpture’s history, identifying it as the work of prominent late 19th-century Japanese artist, Kaneda Kenjiro. Created during the Meiji period, a time of modernization and industrialization in Japan, the piece reflected the artistic shifts of the era.
Larson praised the technical skill involved in creating such a balanced figure, supported by only one leg. He declared it a prime example of Kenjiro’s work.
Finally, Larson revealed the sculpture’s estimated value: a staggering $12,000. Overwhelmed, the guest could only repeat, “I had no idea,” clearly moved by the unexpected news. The heartwarming moment showcased the power of family heirlooms and the surprising discoveries that can be made on Antiques Roadshow.