Bargain Hunt expert gobsmacked as bashed-up table worth six-figure sum

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Auctioneer and Bargain Hunt presenter Charles Hanson stumbled across a rare find in a house in Derby.

The antique furniture, which at first glance looked like a normal scuffled table, was identified as being from the Chinese Ming Dynasty.

He later discovered the table dated back to around 1600, making it 400 years old.

Charles remarked: “It’s a really important table. Though it was made centuries ago, its simplicity reflects modern design.

“It is a work of art. It was crafted during the Ming Dynasty period which dates back to 1368-1644. Its simplicity defines modern style.

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“To put that into historical context, that was the end of the Tudor period in England and Wales.”

The piece is expected to rake in between £50,000 and £80,000 when it’s sold at auction.

But the expert added a bidding war is anticipated due to the table’s rarity, which could take the total up to £100,000.

Charles revealed it’s the table’s rare history and the materials used to make it, which make the item so valuable.

“The Banzhuo side table is made of huanghuali wood, which was used to make fine furniture in China centuries ago,” Charles further explained.

After learning the true history of the table, the owner’s admitted they had no idea of its origin and true value after inheriting it from a relative who collected items originating from Asia.

The table measures 37 inches wide, 31 inches high and 18.5 inches deep.

The auctioneer added: “Items like this are mentioned in 16th-century Chinese novels about life in grand houses. Its design has been seen in wall murals relating to the Jinyuan Dynasties of 1115-1368.”

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“Banzhuo literally means ‘half table’ and is so-called for its size, which is half that of an ‘eight immortals table’.

“The banzhuo was mainly used for serving wine and food and is also sometimes referred to as a jiezhuo, meaning extension table,” he added.

Despite the generic table’s eye-watering value, the auctioneer was unable to confirm the Ming Dynasty item’s future and whether it would be heading for a new home any time soon.

Bargain Hunt airs on BBC One in the UK.

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