Peach of a lot consigned in a plastic bag attracts 100 bids

Lot 2 bore an underglaze blue six-character Yongzheng seal mark to the base within a double ring, and was thought to be of the period.

‘Peach bloom’ saucer dish – £11,500 at Batemans.

Managing director Greg Bateman had consigned it only a couple of weeks prior to the auction during a routine valuation. The vendor had brought it along in a carrier bag saying ‘I’ve got a china dish as well…’.

This phrase that can engender mixed feelings in an experienced valuer was followed by what Bateman called “a thing of great simplicity and fantastic quality”.

Nearly 100 total bids were received at this Stamford auction over two minutes before it sold at £11,500 (estimate £300-500).