Qing dynasty dish linked to Cixi found beneath Barnet family’s sofa
A large Qing dynasty porcelain dish made for Beijing’s Forbidden City has been found beneath a family’s sofa in Barnet and is expected to sell for £20,000 to £30,000 at auction. Its discovery matters because its imperial seal links it to the palace and the court of Empress Dowager Cixi.
The 2ft-wide, 30lb dish was brought to Britain in the early 20th century by Chinese immigrant Wing Lung Goo and passed down through his family. An Asian art specialist identified its seal as indicating it was made for the Chuxiu Palace, and dated it to the 1880s, likely for Cixi’s birthday. Decorated with dragons and flowers, it is said to be the only known example of its type with a yellow-glazed base; it is due to be auctioned on 10 November.
- Imperial Qing dish found beneath a Barnet sofa.
- The 2ft-wide dish may sell for up to £30,000.
- Its seal links it to Empress Dowager Cixi’s court.
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The Qing dynasty was China's last imperial dynasty, ruling from 1644 until 1912. Objects made for the imperial household during this period are highly valued because they represent exceptional craftsmanship and provide insight into the Chinese imperial court.
Empress Dowager Cixi was one of the most powerful women in Chinese history, effectively ruling China for nearly half a century during the late Qing period. The dish was made for the Chuxiu Palace, part of Beijing's Forbidden City, and carries a seal indicating it was created for the imperial household during Cixi's time.
The dish was brought to Britain in the early 20th century by a Chinese immigrant named Wing Lung Goo and remained in his family for over a century. Its imperial significance went unrecognised until recently, when an expert in Asian art authenticated its origins and identified what makes it particularly rare.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Giant Qing porcelain dish worth £30,000 which was made for Beijing’s Forbidden City is found under family’s sofa in north London home”.