Retired academic sinologist discovers Ming dynasty horse at chance petrol station encounter

A magnificent Ming dynasty jade horse from a highly important collection has emerged for sale in a provincial UK auction house, after a chance encounter at a petrol station.

The exquisite item, possibly an Imperial commission, shows the animal in a recumbent position, its head turned and ears pointed.

It was carved in jade of sea-green hue incorporating russet and brown tones and it measures 9.2ins (23.5cm).

The horse is going under the hammer at Duke’s auction house in Dorchester, Dorset, with an estimate of £100,000.

It dates from the 17th century, either late Ming or early Qing dynasty.

'Rare Ming dynasty jade horse found in chance encounter' https://t.co/jNGocDJV7R @BBCEngland #Auction

— Duke's Auctioneers (@DukesAuctions) November 11, 2015

A group of similar horses was exhibited in 1975 at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The sale of the horse is being held today and it all stems from a chance encounter on a petrol station forecourt.

A retired academic sinologist and enthusiast of Chinese art who lived in China at the end of the Cultural Revolution and who has visited regularly over the last 40 years, helped a woman who had locked her keys in her car.

She revealed her husband was a collector of antiques and the horse was discovered among his collection.

Andrew Marlborough, an expert from Duke’s auctioneers, quickly realised how important it was.

He said: “The jade horse is incredibly rare and quite exceptional.

“There has already been a great deal of interest in this beautiful object not only because of the astonishing workmanship but also because of the subject.”