A MAN was ecstatic when he learned an antique art piece from his mother was worth thousands.
He appeared as a guest on Antiques Roadshow and had the decades-old Chinese painting appraised by Richard Cervantes.
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The man revealed that his mother was gifted the Qi Baishi painting “years ago” when his friend wanted to stay at their house for a couple of days.
The friend had acquired the art piece — which was created around 1930 — from his father.
In the episode — which took place at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee — Cervantes said that Qi “is arguably the most important Chinese artist of the 20th century.”
He continued, “To find something like this is really a tremendously rare find.”
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The expert then revealed that “in this hot Chinese painting market,” the antique is worth around $10,000 to $15,000.
“Thank you for saving it, Mom,” the shocked guest said as he looked up at the sky.
THE ARTIST
Qi was a famed Chinese painter, well-known for the whimsical and playful style of his art, per Google Arts & Culture.
He was born to a peasant family in Xiangtan, China, on January 1, 1864.
Inspired by the Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden, Qi taught himself to paint.
The talented artist traveled after turning 40, visiting multiple scenic places in China before settling in Beijing after 1917.
The early Qing dynasty painter Bada Shanren and the Ming dynasty artist Xu Wei are two of his “major influences,” per the outlet.
The subjects of Qi’s paintings “include almost everything,” but often involve animals, scenery, figures, toys, and vegetables.
Many pieces from his later years portray mice, shrimp, or birds.
Qi theorized that “paintings must be something between likeness and unlikeness, much like today’s vulgarians, but not like to cheat popular people,” according to Google Arts & Culture.
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He was also a talented seal carver and referred to himself as “the rich man of three hundred stone seals.”
He was elected president of the China Artists Association in 1953.
On September 16, 1957, he died in Beijing at age 93.
OTHER ANTIQUE SURPRISES
Many who have shared their art valuables on Antiques Roadshows have been surprised by their item’s high value.
One woman was floored when she learned her aunt’s decades-old mobile could retail for $1 million.
The piece’s retail value was later updated to $2 million.
Another woman was shocked when she found out an antique decor item she had for years was worth $125,000.
She had purchased the piece for $75 to $100 at a garage sale.
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