A woman was shocked to learn that her antique piece was worth thousands.
She learned of the high value of the decorative item when she appeared on the Antiques Roadshow.
Guest Ellen’s antiques were examined in 2017 by Asian art appraiser Robert Waterhouse in St. Louis, Missouri.
“I believe it’s a bodhisattva. It’s a Buddha figure and this is a resting position,” Ellen said, describing the object, according to the PBS clip.
“It’s gold-plated, but the paint is worn off. One arm is missing. I thought it was so beautiful that I didn’t mind the damage.”
She then explained that she had purchased the antique at a garage sale in Kirkwood, Missouri – about 20 minutes from St. Louis.
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“There was a local guy in Kirkwood who was a colorful character, and I really wanted to go to his garage sale.
“I ran out and the dealers had been there two days before, so I thought all the good stuff was gone.
“But when I saw this, I thought it was so beautiful that I just took it with me.”
Ellen said she believes she paid between $75 and $100 for the Buddha.
Waterhouse revealed that it was a “gilt bronze figure” depicting a “beautifully seated Wenshu, Bodhisattva of Insight.”
He continued: “Beautiful draping, there is ribbon work. Very fine, web-like hands. Wonderful rope and jewelry work.”
“The face has something Rubenesque or chubby about it, which indicates the age and the era.
“It’s a beautiful face of compassion.”
Waterhouse then noted that the antique exhibited “some of the characteristics of early Bodhisattvas,” including a “narrow waist,” a “jeweled chest,” and “the very fine draping of the road.”
He also said that the object “sits in regal relaxation,” which is “really a feature of very early Buddhist art.”
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Waterhouse said the antique dates from “approximately the early 15th century or early Ming dynasty.”
While acknowledging that the object was missing a hand and an arm, he revealed that a “very conservative selling price” for the 15th-century Chinese bodhisattva would be between $100,000 and $125,000.
“Really? Are you serious? Oh my goodness. I can’t believe it,” Ellen replied, visibly shocked.
“It’s a wonderful object,” said Waterhouse.
Others were shocked at the monetary value of the items they had appraised at the Antiques Roadshow.
A man was speechless when he learned that a screen print he bought for $80 was worth $20,000.
And one woman was pleasantly surprised to learn that a piece of art she bought for $125 was worth $50,000.