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Rare 'bric-a-brac' vase auctioned 'Bric-a-brac' vase fails to sell
(about 1 hour later)
A rare Chinese vase that was found in a box of bric-a-brac is expected to fetch up to £120,000 when it goes under the hammer later. A rare Chinese vase valued at £120,000 after being found in a box of bric-a-brac has failed to sell at auction.
The silver Tang Dynasty vase, which dates from the 9th or 10th Century, was found by the anonymous seller in the Scottish Borders. The silver Tang Dynasty vase, which dates from the 9th or 10th Century, was found by the anonymous seller in a cardboard box in the Scottish Borders.
It is being auctioned by Lyon and Turnbull at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. It was described as a "dream find" and was put under the hammer by Lyon and Turnbull at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
But it failed to reach its reserve price after bidding stopped at £75,000.
Philip Gregory, of Lyon and Turnbull, said he was "surprised" by the outcome of the auction and that the recession may be to blame.
He added: "I've had a word with the owner, and he's taking stock and will decide what he's going to do next.
"He could keep it, or reoffer it at a sale when the economic climate is a little better.
"We were surprised, because we had so much interest in it, from far and wide."
The melon-shaped vase is decorated with leaves, flowers, birds and animals.The melon-shaped vase is decorated with leaves, flowers, birds and animals.
'Very scarce'
Lyon and Turnbull's Asian specialist Anna Westin said the Tang Dynasty is often referred to as China's Golden Age, and was a period of peace, creativity and prosperity.Lyon and Turnbull's Asian specialist Anna Westin said the Tang Dynasty is often referred to as China's Golden Age, and was a period of peace, creativity and prosperity.
She added: "These treasures were used often at court and were also given as gifts to important dignitaries.She added: "These treasures were used often at court and were also given as gifts to important dignitaries.
"Silver of the Tang dynasty is rare, and most pieces of this type can be found in museum collections around the world."Silver of the Tang dynasty is rare, and most pieces of this type can be found in museum collections around the world.
"In particular, decorated lidded vessels of this type are very scarce.""In particular, decorated lidded vessels of this type are very scarce."
The seller said: "When I first saw the vase I thought that it was something remarkable and I am thrilled that it has been valued so highly.The seller said: "When I first saw the vase I thought that it was something remarkable and I am thrilled that it has been valued so highly.
"It is everyone's dream to find something like this.""It is everyone's dream to find something like this."