A ceramics collector bought two 4.5‑inch jars from a London charity shop for around £20.
The jars, each measuring roughly 4.5 inches in height, are decorated with bright chrysanthemums and lotus flowers in the doucai style, a hallmark of Qing‑dynasty porcelain.
Their bases bear a mark linked to the Qianlong Emperor, reign 1735‑1796, which immediately flagged the pieces as imperial.
The collector, intrigued by the imperial seal, researched the markings and consulted specialists who confirmed the jars' 18th‑century provenance, noting their condition included hairline cracks and surface scratches.
At Roseberys London’s auction in May 2023, the pair fetched £58,000, including buyer’s premium—over 2,800 times the purchase price—and a sizable portion of the proceeds was earmarked for the charity shop’s community programs.
The find illustrates how a small, overlooked object can unlock centuries of history and deliver unexpected financial windfalls, while underscoring the vital role of specialist knowledge in identifying hidden treasures in charity shops across the city.