A Chinese censer, which Charterhouse Auctioneers discovered on top of a wardrobe in a Dorset farmhouse, sold for a massive £154,250 in their October auction. “When I first spied the censer it was sitting on top of a wardrobe, rather like a wise old owl. Having taken it down, and cleaned off numerous layers of dust built up over the years I thought what a beautiful design the all over repeating floral pattern was. However, I also noticed that one of the handles had been repaired with a staple and that the cover might not quite fit the base. ” Commented Richard Bromell.The Chinese censer was then featured on the cover of the Charterhouse catalogue and featured in an international trade paper. Estimated at up to £3,000, primarily due to the old repair and having an associated cover, there was huge interest from London, China and the USA in the lot before the auction on Friday 25th October. With a bank of ten telephone lines booked with bidders from around the world, along with strong internet bidding, the hammer finally fell to a London client who parted with £154,250. Although considerably higher than the Charterhouse estimate, the owner had the censer looked at by another firm of auctioneers a few years before who advised him it was worth just £400!This is the second time this year Charterhouse in Sherborne has sold a damaged piece of pottery for a six figure sum. In February, they sold an Italian istoriato maiolica plate with a chip for £565,000. Rather bizarrely, both pieces of chipped pottery have spent decades living less than 2 miles away from each other. Charterhouse is now accepting for their forthcoming programme of antiques auctions with specialist sections of ceramics, silver, watches & jewellery in November and for their December collectors auction including coins, stamps, medals and clocks.For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact Richard Bromell, Director at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset 01935 812277 or via email on info@charterhouse-auction.comRichard Bromell with the beautiful Chinese censer discovered on top of a wardrobe sold for £154,250The Chinese censer sold for £154,250Quick Links For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Director