A CHINESE jade box bought as a present for £8 nearly 90 years ago could fetch £60,000 at auction.

The spinach-green box was discovered in a Dorset farmhouse by an auctioneer from Charterhouse Auctioneers and has been valued at £40,000 to £60,000.

Richard Bromell, auctioneer at the Sherborne-based firm, said the box was 'hidden in plain sight'.

“The little box was on a table on the landing of a Dorset farmhouse where I had been asked to value a few items for auction.

“It is a fabulous little box measuring 14cm wide and was hidden in plain sight on top of a table along with other items of little value,” he said.

The box was bought by the current owner's great grandmother in 1934 as a cigarette box for her husband when they lived in Belgravia. It was purchased by John Sparks, of Mount Street in Mayfair, for the price of £8.

John Sparks was recognised as one of the most respected London dealers in Chinese art.

The prestigious firm supplied an international clientele, including Queen Mary, from whom it received the Royal Warrant of Antiquary of Chinese Art in 1926.

Charterhouse will host an Asian Art auction on Wednesday, April 5.

For more information contact 01935 812277 or email rb@charterhouse-auction.com.