Chinese antique bowl bought for $35 could sell for $500k at Sotheby's

A small bowl bought for just US$35 at a yard sale in Connecticut has been identified as a rare 15th-century Chinese antique, reports CNN.

The blue-and-white artifact, which features motifs of lotus, peony, chrysanthemum, and pomegranate blossoms, was originally commissioned by China's imperial court during the Ming Dynasty.

The CNN report says the bowl was found to have originated from the court of the Yongle Emperor (1403-1424CE), a period noted for its distinctive and celebrated porcelain techniques. It's expected to sell for around US$500,000 at Sotheby's auction house in New York.

The auction is due to take place in March.