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Chinese jade dog with 'magical history' dating back 600 years was bought for £1 at car boot sale... but could now fetch up to £10,000
United Kingdom🎭 Culture9/1/2026

Chinese jade dog with 'magical history' dating back 600 years was bought for £1 at car boot sale... but could now fetch up to £10,000

A 600-year-old Chinese jade dog figurine, estimated to date back to the early Ming Dynasty (circa 1380–1420), was purchased for £1 at a car boot sale and is now set to be auctioned for up to £10,000. The small, hand-carved piece, made of mottled black and green jade, was discovered by a buyer at a market in the UK. According to auctioneer Charles Hanson, the item is considered rare and historically significant, with origins possibly tracing back to the late 14th or early 15th century. The jade dog is described as having cultural and mystical significance in Chinese tradition, where jade is associated with good fortune. The auction is taking place at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.

A rare Chinese jade dog, purchased for just £1 at a car boot sale, is set to be auctioned and could fetch up to £10,000. The small figurine, crafted from mottled black and green stone, measures 8.5 centimeters in length and is carved in a recumbent position with its head turned backward and its tail and legs curled up. It is estimated to date back to the early years of the Ming dynasty, specifically between 1380 and 1420. The piece will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on Wednesday. The jade dog was discovered by an auction house client at a car boot sale, where it was left unattended on a stall. The buyer, who had arrived later than usual, towards midday, found the item tucked away in a box. According to auctioneer Charles Hanson, the figure is an example of an "archaic seated recumbent dog" in black and green jade, originating from the late Song dynasty into the early Ming period. He noted that the object likely dates to the late 14th or early 15th century, confirmed through multiple methods of analysis. Hanson emphasized the significance of the find, stating that the dog represents the kind of treasure that can still be uncovered throughout the UK. The vendor, who initially suspected the item was jade and possibly old, had no idea of its true value. The auctioneer remarked that the discovery highlights how valuable items can remain hidden until they are stumbled upon in unexpected places. Jade holds a special place in Chinese culture, regarded as a mystical and magical substance believed to bring good fortune. Hanson explained that the dog, despite showing some signs of wear, retains the condition of an artifact created during a time of historical upheaval. He compared its age to the era of the Black Death and noted that it predates the reign of King Henry VIII by several decades. This historical context adds to its allure among collectors and historians. The auction is expected to draw considerable interest due to the rarity of such pieces and their cultural significance. Jade dogs were often used in religious or ceremonial contexts in ancient China, symbolizing protection and prosperity. The current specimen, with its unique craftsmanship and historical provenance, is considered particularly noteworthy. Its potential sale would mark a significant moment for both the auction house and the broader field of antiquities. As the auction approaches, anticipation grows among collectors and enthusiasts. The journey of the jade dog, from a forgotten corner of a car boot sale to a potential high-value auction, serves as a reminder of the serendipitous nature of discovering historical treasures. With its estimated value reaching up to £10,000, the dog stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with ancient artifacts and their ability to captivate modern audiences.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
Rare Chinese jade dog bought for just £1 at car boot sale could sell for thousands

An ancient Chinese jade dog, purchased for just £1 at a car boot sale in the UK, is expected to sell for up to £10,000 at auction. The 8.5cm-long artifact, crafted from mottled black and green stone, is believed to date from the late 14th to early 15th century, during the transition between the Song and Ming dynasties. Auctioneer Charles Hanson described the piece as having 'a magical history' and emphasized its cultural significance in Chinese society, where jade is considered a mystical and valuable material. The dog was discovered by a client who visited a car boot sale later than usual, highlighting the unexpected nature of such historical finds.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a non-political subject, an archaeological find, and does not engage with political ideologies, parties, or policies. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing the historical and cultural value of the jade dog rather than taking a partisan stance. There is no indication of bias,편

Why factuality (90): The article provides specific details about the jade dog, including its size, description, estimated origin (early Ming dynasty, 1380–1420), and the auction details. These facts align with the cross-source consensus from the second article. The claim that it was purchased for £1 and could sell for u

Why objectivity (85): The tone is generally neutral, presenting the story as a remarkable find. However, the use of terms like 'magical history' and the emphasis on the dramatic contrast between £1 and £10,000 introduces a slight element of storytelling rather than pure reporting.

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
Chinese jade dog with 'magical history' dating back 600 years was bought for £1 at car boot sale... but could now fetch up to £10,000

A 600-year-old Chinese jade dog figurine, estimated to date back to the early Ming Dynasty (circa 1380–1420), was purchased for £1 at a car boot sale and is now set to be auctioned for up to £10,000. The small, hand-carved piece, made of mottled black and green jade, was discovered by a buyer at a market in the UK. According to auctioneer Charles Hanson, the item is considered rare and historically significant, with origins possibly tracing back to the late 14th or early 15th century. The jade dog is described as having cultural and mystical significance in Chinese tradition, where jade is associated with good fortune. The auction is taking place at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a historical artifact and its potential value, focusing on cultural heritage rather than any political issue. There is no indication of political bias in the framing or content of the report.

Why factuality (90): This article corroborates the key facts from the first article: the jade dog's age, origin, purchase price, and potential selling price. Both articles agree on the historical period (Ming dynasty) and the auction details. The information is consistent with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): Similar to the first article, this piece maintains a neutral tone but uses emotionally charged language such as 'magical history' and emphasizes the dramatic value increase. This leans slightly into promotional or narrative style rather than purely objective reporting.

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