I’m still stewing over my teapot

It was a bit of junk destined for a charity shop after decades in a garage and a loft. But a tiny ‘teapot’ in Derbyshire turned out to be a 250-year-old Chinese wine jug worth up to £100,000.

Experts identified it as a ewer used to serve warm wine during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor between 1735 and 1796. the owner believes it was brought back from China by his grandfather — and is thrilled that it might fetch a six-figure sum at auction. who wouldn’t be?

so is it time to mention my Chinese teapot again? I’m not saying I will never get over it, but I will never get over it.

Renovating my London home some years ago, I found a Chinese teapot in a lacquer case inside a bricked-up recess. I could hardly breathe for excitement. Until that moment, I had fondly imagined myself as someone whose head wouldn’t be turned by sudden riches. Yet, moments later, I was sprinting towards the valuation department of Christie’s auctioneers, knocking over any old ladies or children unfortunate enough to cross my path. Pant, pant, how much was it worth? £40. Early 19th century. Mass-produced. Bah. so I am glad someone else has hit the teapot jackpot... no stop it, I really am.