What was the condition of the dish when it was first discovered by the family, and how was it prepared for auction?
When the family first sent photographs of the dish, it was covered in dirt and had been gathering dust under a sofa for decades. However, after specialists cleaned the piece, it emerged in near-pristine condition. The cleaning process allowed the dish to be documented as a significant imperial object ready for the auction block.
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What is the estimated auction value of the Qing porcelain dish and when is it scheduled to be sold?
The dish is scheduled to be sold at auction by Woolley & Wallis on November 10. The auction house has set an estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 for the piece.
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What specific markings and physical characteristics led specialists to identify the dish as an imperial object?
Asian art specialist John Axford identified a four-character seal mark on the underside of the dish which read "Chuxiugong zhi," meaning "Made for the Chuxiu Palace." This specific mark was used on dishes created for Empress Dowager Cixi’s birthday celebrations. Additionally, the dish is described as "monumental," measuring two feet in size and weighing 30 pounds, and features a distinctive yellow-glazed base.
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How did the Qing imperial dish end up in a townhouse in Barnet, north London, and how was it eventually rediscovered?
The dish was brought from China in the early 20th century by Chinese immigrant Wing Lung Goo and passed down through his family. It sat under the living-room sofa of a descendant’s townhouse in Barnet for decades because its size and 30-pound weight made it impractical to hang on a wall or display on shelves. It was rediscovered when a relative acted on a hunch that the piece was special, sent photographs to auctioneers, and led to a visit by Asian art specialist John Axford, who identified the imperial seal mark.
Q&A ID bd1973c4-9d86-46f8-a10c-400b2a2b4b8a
What is the historical significance of the monumental Qing porcelain dish discovered under a sofa in north London?
The dish is a rare piece of late Qing dynasty porcelain produced in the 1880s specifically to mark the birthday of Empress Dowager Cixi. It is associated with Chuxiu Palace (the Palace of Assembled Elegance), which was one of the six Western palaces in the Inner Court of Beijing’s Forbidden City. It is noted as the only known example of its type featuring a yellow-glazed base, making it one of the most significant late Qing palace porcelains to reach the market in recent years.
Q&A ID 63fc7ee2-3ec8-4056-9b08-5a267b744b23