I kept an old decorative piece I bought at a garage sale for years. I was stunned when Antiques Roadshow said it was worth $125,000.

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.

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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.

“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.

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