Collector shocked to discover his favourite teapot is an antique spittoon worth over 2.5 million baht
The popular Chinese television show Antique Appraisal, produced by China Central Television (CCTV), is helping to increase awareness about intriguing antiques. Recently, the show saw a surprising event when a collector, Liu, appeared with what he believed was a valuable antique teapot.
Liu, like many of his contemporaries, enjoyed drinking tea and playing chess in his leisure time, leading to a collection of beautiful teapots and other related items.
One day, he was drawn to a uniquely shaped teapot in a small shop. The pot, seemingly ancient, was adorned with beautiful blue and white patterns arranged in distinct layers, instantly catching Liu’s eye.
Despite the steep price of 170,000 yuan (over 850,000 baht), Liu decided to buy it due to his affinity for it and his financial ability. He frequently used it to serve tea to his relatives and friends.
The teapot soon became one of Liu’s favourite pieces. Not only did he serve himself tea from it daily, but he also invited his family to join him. However, one day, a friend with knowledge about antiques visited his home and noticed the unique teapot.
Liu, seeing his friend’s fascination, jokingly offered it to him, knowing his friend wouldn’t dare accept such an expensive gift.
Antique Appraisal
However, the friend did recommend that he get it valued.
“This teapot looks very unusual. It could be a real antique.”
He suggested Liu register for the Antique Appraisal show, which Liu did to have national experts ascertain the truth.
Upon his appearance on the show, Liu explained his intention of having the experts determine which dynasty his possession belonged to and its value.
The audience chuckled, seeing Liu’s confidence in his asset without any concern if it could be counterfeit. Unexpectedly, as soon as the expert opened the box containing the teapot, he tried to suppress his laughter.
“Sir, I believe you might not know what treasure this is, otherwise you wouldn’t use it as a teapot. It’s an antique spittoon used by ancient women!”
Antique Teapot
The expert’s statement led to laughter in the studio, leaving Liu extremely embarrassed. He only wanted to show off his asset a bit, never imagining he would become a laughing stock.
Seeing Liu’s confusion, the expert reassured him that the mix-up wasn’t a big deal as genuine spittoons are quite rare. Moreover, its current market value is at least three times the 170,000 yuan (over 850,000 baht) he had paid reported Sanook.
Upon examination, this blue and white porcelain piece, measuring 15 centimetres in width and 25 centimetres in length, is indeed a collector’s item.
After expert scrutiny, it was confirmed to be a piece of blue and white porcelain from the end of the Qing Dynasty, produced in the Guangxu period and possibly used by a concubine. They believe that if Liu continues to retain it, its value will continue to increase.
After listening to the expert, Liu finally realised the true value of his teapot. The audience refrained from laughing at him anymore, with many expressing envy. Whether it was a teapot or a spittoon, what mattered was its true worth.
At the end of the show, the expert also congratulated Liu for his successful appraisal.
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