Charity Shop Finds
27th August 2025
Two pieces of Chinese porcelain discovered in British charity shops were brought into Woolley and Wallis, where Chairman and Asian Art specialist John Axford immediately identified them both as Chinese works from the 19th century.
It was in a Surrey charity shop that a sharp-eyed shopper spotted a charming Chinese blue and white ‘dragon’ bottle vase and fell in love with it. Captivated by its dramatic decoration, comprising three dragons chasing a sacred pearl of wisdom amongst clouds, flames and rolling waves, she decided to treat herself and paid £100. She was so impressed by the craftsmanship on the vase that she decided to bring it to Woolley and Wallis to see if some light could be shed on the item. John Axford identified the vase as being similar to a piece that sold here on November 13, 2018 for £42,000 (lot 211). The ovoid vase with a long slender neck, dates from the first half of the 19th century and has been given a conservative estimate of £1,500-£2,500 (before auction fees).
The second piece, a Chinese blue and yellow ‘five dragon’ dish was donated to a charity shop in Blandford Forum, Dorset and was going to be priced at £2. However, the astute charity shop manager thought it was worth getting it valued by our Asian Art department before offering it for sale. Specialist John Axford immediately recognised the period of the piece due to its distinctive decoration. Further findings, such as the six-character Daoguang mark of the period (1821-50), also confirmed its date. A similar example of the dish was also recorded in the Chinese Imperial collection, as detailed in the book: The Imperial porcelain of late Qing, from the Kwan collection. The dish has also been given a conservative auction estimate of £1,500-£2,000 (before auction fees) but due to its Imperial links, could far exceed that. The proceeds from the sale of the dish will go directly to the charity of the shop where the item was found.
John Axford commented, “These discoveries highlight the extraordinary treasures that can still be found in the most unexpected places. Not only are these items culturally and historically significant but in the case of the dish, the sale will directly benefit a good cause.”
Both pieces will be offered in Fine Asian Art sale on Tuesday November 11, 2025.
