Chinese vases discovered in house clearance sell for £3,200 at Shrewsbury auction
The experience of an Asian art specialist paid dividends for the executor of a late West Midlands house owner’s estate when a pair of Chinese vases sold for £3,200 at auction last week.
Alexander Clement, from Shrewsbury-based Halls Fine Art, was delighted to see the two, large, 19th century Chinese famille rose vases do so well at the company’s successful Asian art auction, despite both having damaged rims.
He found the vases in the basement of a house that resembled a “hoarder’s den”, with most rooms packed with items.
“We found dozens of paintings in the attic and other rooms were packed with pottery and other things,” said Alexander.
“The vases were found in the basement, surrounded by racking that was full of boxes packed with pottery, porcelain and works of art
“It’s quite possible that we will find other valuable antiques amongst the remaining contents when we get final approval to clear the house.
“The Asian art market is very selective but the right objects still command headline-grabbing hammer prices at auction. These objects are still out there waiting to be discovered which makes our jobs really exciting!”
