A decorative plate that was found hidden away in a Derbyshire home is expected to sell at an Etwall auction house for around £100,000.

The dish is of Chinese descent and carries the reign mark for Emperor Yongzheung, dating all the way back between 1723 and 1735.

The ancient item has now been assessed and valued at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire which is known in the owner’s family as “granny’s dish” and is in excellent condition.

The owner of the auction house, Charles Hanson has explained that he is expecting the piece to draw plenty of bids from the Far East, given its pedigree.

The dish ended up in South Derbyshire because of former owner, Alexander Robertson who was born in 1861. Mr Robertson emigrated to Canada and America, after being in born in Scotland.

In 1906, he became vice president of the continental and commercial bank of Chicago, and began collecting art and collectible pieces.

When he died in 1922, his possessions were sent back to Edinburgh and split among his relatives.

The descendant who received the valued plate has asked to remain anonymous but has explained their decision to sell it now.

Alexander Robertson was the original owner of the dish, now one of his descendants is selling it
Alexander Robertson was the original owner of the dish, now one of his descendants is selling it

They said: "We knew the dish was valuable because our auntie took it along to the BBC Antiques Roadshow in the 1990s and they said it was worth £20,000 then.

"My auntie, who lived with my granny used to hang it on the wall but I was too scared to have it on show when my family inherited it two years ago. I put it away in a box inside a cupboard.

"I hope someone buys it who will cherish it, and be brave enough to have it on display."

The plate is 13 inches across and is decorated on both sides with white flowers on a leafy branch. Set against a blue background, the flower petals and leaves are heavily deatiled.

It has been awarded a guide price of between £40,000 and £60,000 by the valuers at Hansons Auctioneers and will go under the hammer in Etwall on Friday, September 29.

But owner of the auction house, Charles Hanson has explained that: "It could fetch fare more. We expect the world of high-brow Far Eastern collectors to fly in and have a hand in competing for this wonderful dish. It truly is a magical find."

For more details about the auction and for advice on entries before Saturday, September 9, contact Charles Hanson or Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk .