Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest struggles to believe that father’s jade collection is worth $1 million (marketrealist.com)
A Kentucky woman’s jaw dropped on a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow when she learned her father’s jade collection was worth a potential fortune. The collection, consisting of 18th-century Qianlong Jade carvings, was appraised at a staggering $710,000 to $1,070,000.
The woman explained her father, a “Kentucky Cowboy,” served in China during the 1930s and 40s. He became fluent in Chinese and befriended a Mr.
Lian, who introduced him to the world of jade collecting. Occasionally, Mr.
Lian would contact him about pieces he might be interested in.
Appraiser James Callahan was clearly impressed with the quality of the collection. He pointed out that imperial jade pieces often found on the market are typically of lower quality, but the woman’s items were exceptional. He then meticulously detailed each piece, explaining its history and craftsmanship.
One thin bowl, made in the “Indian Mughal” style, was valued at $30,000 to $50,000. A vase was appraised at $80,000 to $120,000.
A Bixie sculpture, believed to ward off evil, was estimated at a remarkable $200,000 to $300,000. By this point, the owner could only exclaim, “I can’t believe you!”
The highlight of the collection was a large bowl bearing imperial inscriptions reading “By imperial order,” indicating it was commissioned for the emperor himself. While the inscription was partially unreadable and difficult to date, Callahan placed a conservative estimate of $400,000 to $600,000 on this single piece.
Callahan emphasized the conservative nature of the overall appraisal, suggesting the collection could be worth even more. He also noted that, given the era in which her father acquired the pieces, he likely spent no more than $100 on the entire collection.
The owner, stunned into silence, could only repeat, “I can’t believe this.” Thanks to a chance encounter and a keen eye, her father’s modest jade collection has become a priceless family heirloom – and a testament to the enduring allure of imperial Chinese art.