Chiswick Auctions in London has announced the discovery of an 18th century Qing Dynasty Imperial Cup. The stunning piece of porcelain was found in an attic, where it had been packed away with other items and forgotten about for thirty years.

Decorated with a cockerel and hen group and two chicks, the cup was made in tribute to the 15th Century Imperial chicken cup, which holds the record price for a piece of Chinese porcelain (£21.5 million) [$36 million at auction in Hong Kong]. It will be offered in Chiswick Auctions Asian Art sale on November 12, 2018.

Lazarus Halstead, Head of Chiswick Auctions Asian Art Department, said: “We are delighted to offer this Qing Dynasty Imperial interpretation of 15th Century Chenghua chicken cup. This version bears an -apocryphal Chenghua mark, but the design of the cockerel, chicken and chicks is charmingly reimagined for 18th century Imperial taste.

This will be the first time in 50 years that the cup, which was discovered in a forgotten box in a dusty attic, has been seen on the market. The beautifully-crafted piece has come from a private European collection acquired during the 1940s/50s and Chiswick Auctions is thrilled to present such an exciting rediscovery to the world.”

18th century Imperial porcelain such as this can often make hundreds of thousands of pounds, but as this one is slightly damaged, it has been given the conservative pre-sale estimate of £5,000-£8,000. However, such is the overwhelming interest in registering for the auction in relation to this piece already, that expert Lazarus Halstead has said he expects the cup to make in excess of £20,000.  Advocates and collectors world-wide agree and no doubt will be watching the piece when it goes under the hammer, Halstead said: “This is a rare opportunity for collectors to own an 18th century version of the most iconic piece of Chinese porcelain ever made.”