Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest who brought a tortoise sculpture gets a life-changing appraisal (marketrealist.com)
Tortoise Treasure Turns Out to Be Worth a Fortune on Antiques Roadshow
A recent episode of “Antiques Roadshow” featured a stunning surprise for a guest who brought in a Japanese silver tortoise sculpture. While the guest suspected the piece might be valuable, they were astonished to learn its true worth.
The intricately detailed sculpture, crafted by renowned court artist Unno Shomin in the late 19th or early 20th century, features gold barnacles and exquisite detailing. An expert appraiser highlighted the exceptional craftsmanship, noting the hand-chased details of the scales, face, seaweed, and even the underside.
The guest, whose father brought the sculpture home from World War II, had modestly estimated its value at $3,000 to $4,000. The appraiser, however, placed its auction value between a staggering $20,000 and $30,000, leaving the guest pleasantly surprised.
Heirloom Sculpture Brings Guest to Tears with Unexpected Appraisal
In a separate “Antiques Roadshow” episode, a Japanese bronze sculpture brought a guest to tears with its unexpected valuation. The Meiji-era piece, crafted by artist Kaneda Kenjiro, depicts a man bending over to pick up his hat.
The guest recounted the story of inheriting the sculpture from her grandmother, sharing a sentimental connection to the artwork’s sense of movement. The expert appraised the sculpture for insurance replacement at $12,000, far exceeding the guest’s expectations and prompting an emotional reaction.
These heartwarming stories highlight the enduring value and surprising discoveries often unveiled on “Antiques Roadshow.”