WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.
An guest had his “mind blown” when he was told all about his unique table from a Chinese Emperor.
The much-loved programme Antiques Roadshow set its latest episode in Ebrington Square, Derry, where a participant showcased an Emperor’s gift with pride.
Antiques expert Lennox Cato was enchanted by a “sweet little table” brought forth by the visitor.
Curious about its history, the owner stated: “This table belonged to a Lord Macartney who was from a place called Loughguile. I think that’s how you pronounce it, in Devock in County Antrim.
“And Lord Macartney was the first British ambassador to China. So he took up his position in the late 1700s.
“He was there to try and meet the important people who he needed to meet.
“I think he got to meet the Emperor once. But the problem was the Emperor expected the sort of envoys to kowtow, I think is the expression they used.”
Antiques Roadshow guest’s ‘mind blown’ by Emperor’s gift given worth thousands (Image: BBC)
An Antiques Roadshow guest brought in a table gifted to Lord Macartney who was the first British ambassador to China. (Image: BBC)
“So they had to be very submissive to the Chinese. And this didn’t fit well with Macartney.
“He didn’t like doing this, so he sort of refused to do it. And after he met the Emperor, I think the Chinese felt ‘Well look, we’ve given him airtime and that’s it.’
The guest shared that the ambassador had come back to Britain in about 1794 and so had been in China for two years before his return.
He added: “The Emperor gifted him two boxes. I think they were connected to the tea business. And this is what the table is made out of. The two boxes.”
Antiques expert Cato was quick to point out: “I guess it was a top present from the Emperor to see him on his way.
“It’s a little end-supported Regency table made about 1810, 1820.
“When I see pieces of furniture like this, a certain name comes to mind, and that’s the name of Gillows. And they were based in Lancashire. They were fine cabinet-makers, furniture makers.
“When I look at the top of this table here, these are either the back and the front of a tea box.”
Antiques Roadshow expert Lennox Cato was thrilled to learn that he had two tables from a Chinese Emperor. (Image: BBC)
He noted the craftsmanship, saying: “They’ve encased it in metal and this brass would have been originally gilded.”
“It’s very, very elegant. Regency furniture is not as fashionable as it used to be but when you get something which is small and pretty like this, then with your provenance, it makes a lot of difference.”
The revelation left the guest astonished, who confessed: “Just, it blows my mind, that this could have come from a gift from the Emperor. It absolutely blows my mind.”
As Cato was about to reveal the value, the owner interjected: “Can I just say something before you jump into valuation? I’ve a second one at home.”
Laughter rippled through the audience as Cato reacted with a surprised “Hey!” and the guest added that it was an “exact pair”.
Finally, Cato disclosed, “One’s worth £1,500. A pair’s going to be £5,000 plus”, prompting a delighted response from the owner: “Fantastic.”
The expert was enchanted by the quality of the table describing it as “lovely”, but let slip a hint of regret that he couldn’t see “both of them standing side by side”.
This prompted a lighthearted response from the owner, who chuckled: “I know. I’ve only got a small car!”
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on One and iPlayer.