NEWS

EWBANK SPECIALISTS DISCOVER RARE MING VASE IN SURREY HOME

A vase overlooked when a London firm of valuers recently visited a Surrey home to inventory the contents has been identified by Ewbank specialists as rare Chinese Ming worth around £10,000.

The large double gourd vase dates from the second half of the 16th century and has been in the same family ownership for as long as anyone can remember having come from the Far East several generations ago.

“The family have Dutch origins, which may account for it being in their possession,” said auctioneer Chris Ewbank. “The Dutch established trading links with China in the 16th century and the vase may have been brought back as a gift or souvenir.

“The family had no idea it was so old or valuable. It was just sitting on a sideboard when we found it. The family were amazed when we told them. With the current interest among Chinese collectors keen to repatriate their country’s antiques, we anticipate the vase will create a great deal of interest.”

Similar vases are in the Matsuoka Art Museum in Japan, The Museum of Asian Art, in Pusat Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The striking blue and white decoration comprises shou characters in circular medallions on a stylised cloud pattern ground, while the foot of the vase is painted with a pattern of breaking waves. The shou character, meaning longevity, is one of the most important and auspicious symbols in Chinese culture.

The vase will be sold in Ewbank’s two-day summer sale of fine art and antiques on June 26th-27th June

For further information, please contact Chris Ewbank on 01482 223101.