A RARE model of a Chinese junk which has been sitting in its owner’s loft for 30 years is expected to make �5,000 to �8,000 at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers next Asian Art Sale.

The two foot high ivory model is just one of the lots going under the hammer at the specialist sale at Sworders’ Stansted Mountfitchet auction rooms. The owner, who lives on the Herts/Essex border, has transported the model on several house moves but has always kept it in the attic and was unaware of its true value until bringing it to Sworders for valuation.

The sale is expected to generate significant interest as it follows the UK’s leading Asian art event, Asian Art In London which attracts hundreds of buyers and dealers from the Far East.

Sworders’ managing director, Guy Schooling, said: “This model is particularly special as it’s of Chinese, rather than the more usual Japanese origin. For that reason we’ll be expecting a lot of interest from the Chinese buyers, who continue to be one of the leading markets for Asian art.

“Not only do we expect to have a number of buyers here in person following the Asian Art In London event, but we will also be using for the first time an online bidding service dedicated solely to buyers in China.”

The sale also features a Chinese Imperial Kangxi dish. Just 15 cm wide, the blue printed dish features the Imperial mark showing that it was made for the Emperor or his family.

Mr Schooling added: “Chinese buyers are always keen to buy back Imperial pieces as they are part of their country’s heritage.

“If this dish didn’t have the Imperial mark it would probably be worth about �1,000, but with the mark we are estimating it at a guide price of �8,000 to �10,000.”

The Sworders’ Asian Art sale will be held at the Fine Art Auction Rooms in Stansted Mountfitchet on Tuesday November 13 at 10am.