Fans of the popular show Antiques Roadshow did not expect one appraiser to become speechless and emotional when they stopped in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A woman whose grandparents went to China decades ago brought a heavy marble lion statue, which made the appraiser well up with tears.

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According to the woman, the chiseled statue with impeccable detailing was priceless and believed to be from the Ming Dynasty. Lark E. Mason, the appraiser, became emotional while talking with the woman who had inherited the lion statue from her parents.

Lark couldn’t speak properly as he said, “It’s fantastic.” His emotion was evident in his eyes and voice as he talked about the incredible statue.

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He went on and said, “This is among the finest examples of Chinese art that we have seen on the Roadshow. The carving is beautiful; the workmanship is stunning, the carver who did this was truly a master.”

Lark also highlighted several points about the piece of art.  He talked about its patina, sandy surface, lion’s rippling muscles, and the artist’s astonishing attention to detail. He mentioned that he had seen replicas of the statue, but none like what the woman brought.

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Although the woman believed that the marble lion was from the Ming Dynasty, the appraiser knew that the statue dates back to the Tang Dynasty or the golden period of Chinese art. He also mentioned that people could only see examples like this lion in art museums and rarely at auctions.

Lark shared with the owner how much the piece of art would fetch at an auction, and the woman couldn’t believe its worth. The numbers disclosed are astounding! 

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The appraiser told the woman that this extremely rare Tang Dynasty marble lion statue is worth $150,000 – $250,000. Watch the video below to see more details about the incredible piece of art.

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