The Rare Chinese Porcelain Bowl That's Worth Hunting For

If you're a fan of the long-running series Antiques Roadshow you may have found yourself fantasizing about stumbling upon a unique and incredibly valuable treasure in a local thrift store. While it might seem a pipe dream, you'll be surprised at how often this happens. It's all about knowing what to look for and grabbing the opportunity when it presents itself. Enter the ultimate white whale of the antiquing world: a circa 1765 Chinese export large porcelain hunt scene punch bowl. If you do come across this valuable piece of pottery from China, it's best that you snatch it up without any hesitation, as it could amount to a sizable sum of cash.

Measuring 6.5 inches tall and 15.5 inches in diameter, this prized item dates back to the mid-18th century, during which time the flow of goods from China to Western countries was very strong. It formed part of the trend where Chinese wares were seen as one-of-a-kind and luxurious, with many who could afford these exotic items placing them proudly on display in their homes. Today, this particular bowl can fetch anywhere between $30,000 and $36,000. If you do by chance come across this exceptional Chinese porcelain bowl, there are certain characteristics to look for to make sure you're not being duped into buying a fake.

Since authentic bowls are incredibly expensive, the market is unfortunately flooded with modern, low-quality reproductions. Here's how to spot the real deal: What you'll notice first with this bowl is that it's extremely detailed, with the English fox hunt scene wrapping around the entire body of the piece. Check that the decoration on the exterior of the bowl matches the foot ring of the piece. Looking at the rim of the bowl, check that it features a gilt swag rim border, essentially a decorative edge giving it an elegant, reflective finish. Next, consider the weight of the item — does it feel heavy or unusually light? With real Chinese porcelain, you can expect it to be lighter than what you may think, which is because of how it was made.

While it may be an extremely valuable piece of vintage porcelain, it shouldn't be perfect. You can expect to find air bubbles or other imperfections in the bowl. This would have happened during the glazing process many centuries ago, something that is not easy to replicate today. Looking into the center of the bowl, you should see a continuation of the hunt scene, with a single figure riding a horse positioned in the middle. The underside of this piece should be set in slightly and not be resting flat, with the foot ring being raised, creating a hollow interior. Lastly, if you happen to find the item listed online, check that the information listed matches the specifics of this rare bowl. This includes the period, country of origin, and dimensions.