Antiques Roadshow Guest Gets the Surprise of a Lifetime After Host Examines Her Old Family Heirloom

7. A Case of Mistaken Identity

The owner of this monument knew she was in for a very unique appraisal when she watched her expert struggle to find the words to characterize her family legacy. She couldn't have understood, though, exactly how unique a treasure this really was. Lark Mason began by informing the owner that, although being of Chinese descent, her statue wasn't created during the Ming Dynasty in China. This was different, even if in many circumstances that seems like bad news. The old antique was far more valuable than any copy or fake. This discovery attested to the intricacy of Chinese art history and the difficulties in exact chronology. Even well-informed collectors can misattribute items, particularly when handling objects spanning many dynasties. Mason's revision changed the whole background and meaning of the monument, not only a basic date fix. The Ming Dynasty's initial regret at learning her piece quickly gave way to interest as Mason's enthusiasm suggested that this case of mistaken identity was about to result in an even more fascinating find.