Chinese porcelain bowl, nearly 300 years old, reaches £ 220,000

A porcelain bowl that hung on a shelf for years "shocked and delighted" its owner by selling it for more than £ 200,000.

The blue and white bowl was taken to an auctioneer in Bath by his owner while he was preparing to move.

The experts understood that it was extremely rare and dated from the reign of Chinese Emperor Yongzheng (1722-1735).

The bowl was estimated at between £ 20,000 and £ 30,000, but sold to a Chinese buyer for £ 220,000.

Ivan Street, of Aldridges of Bath, said the client had "no idea" of the actual value of the bowl.

"She knew it was a beautiful thing, but nothing more," Mr. Street said.

Emperor Yongzheng had a very brief reign, which means that the best quality pieces of that era are rare, said Mr. Street.

"The sale has exceeded all expectations," he added.