Rare 12th-Century Chinese Jar Set for Auction

An ancient Chinese jar, dating back 900 years to the Northern Song Dynasty, is projected to achieve a sale price of between £15,000 and £20,000 at an upcoming auction. This rare stoneware, a decorative item once utilized for measuring grain, has been kept within a private family collection on the Northumbrian coast for over 75 years. Nigel Smith, representing Newcastle-based auctioneers Anderson and Garland, characterized the discovery of the jar as a “rare and exciting moment.” He further stated, “Its tortoiseshell glaze and remarkable condition are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and the care it has received over centuries,” adding that “Pieces like this, especially with such an intriguing provenance and exhibition history, rarely come to market.” The jar, measuring 11cm (4.3in) in height, boasts a history of exhibitions in London during the 1930s and 1950s. It is accompanied by a copy of the original Oriental Society of London exhibition catalogue from 1952, in which it was displayed after being loaned from the collection of Dr and Mrs OE Manasse. This artifact is slated to be included in a collection of items scheduled for auction later this month. For updates, BBC North East can be followed on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Further information on our approach to external linking is available.