Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest was left in tears after expert revealed the value of her 19th-century coat (marketrealist.com)
A guest on “Antiques Roadshow” got quite the surprise and a history lesson when she brought her grandmother’s “Japanese” coat to be appraised. The emotional episode, filmed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, showcased the power of family heirlooms and the stories they carry.
The guest believed the silk surcoat was Japanese, a belief stemming from a family acquaintance who worked at the Japanese embassy. She explained to appraiser Lark Mason III that she was cataloging her grandmother’s extensive collection.
However, Mason quickly identified the coat as Chinese, likely from the Guangxu period of the 1880s. The purple color, a sign of Chinese origin, along with the satin embroidery and wide sleeves (designed to accommodate another garment underneath), helped him pinpoint the era.
He noted the intricate details, such as the gilt metal-wrapped thread, the cranes symbolizing imperial authority, good luck, and longevity, and the Daoist symbols and bats representing wealth. He speculated the surcoat may have been made for an important person’s birthday, perhaps even “the wife of a prince.”
The guest, surprised by the information, had guessed the coat might be worth $5,000. Mason confirmed her estimate, valuing the surcoat at $4,000 to $6,000 for auction, but a significantly higher $12,000 to $18,000 for insurance purposes.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the guest teared up, expressing pride in preserving her grandmother’s legacy. She recounted childhood memories of playing carefully amongst her grandmother’s beautiful artwork. The experience became more than just a monetary appraisal; it was a poignant tribute to her grandmother’s passion for collecting and a testament to the enduring value of family history.