A couple from China, whose cracked and chipped vase turned out to be a relic from the 19^th century that Emperor Qianlong used to keep artificial flowers in, sold the artifact for nearly $1 million ($985,000). 

The couple has not been named to ensure their safety, but reports suggest that the vase came from the wife's late father, who was unaware of the value of the vase as well as its origin. 

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The two reportedly wanted to sell the vase and other antiques in their possession so they emailed photos of the items to an auction house. According to an expert from the auction house identified as Tom Rowsell, the moment he saw the photo, he already knew it was unique.

Rowsell said the vase was made during the 18^th century in one of the palaces of Chinese Emperor Qianlong. The large crack was around the 19^th century and it was inaccurately fixed by using staples. Rowsell added that the people who used it before stored dried flowers in it and was placed at the corner of the lounge.

The father of the woman reportedly bought it during the 1960s at a sale. The couple inherited it and did the same as the emperor, using it as a vessel for dried flowers.

Rowsell put a £10,000 ($15,500) price tag on the vase but the couple pointed out that there were other bidders who offered more money. The bidders were from China, Hong Kong, Canada and Taiwan. The sale price reporthedly would have been doubled if the vase had no crack at all.

"It is like a lottery win for the couple. I sent them an email an hour after the sale to give them the good news," said Rowsell. "They replied and asked if I had added on some zeros by mistake. They were delighted."

The auction expert explained that the Chinese market is really strong at the moment and the sale of the vase is proof that people in the area are happy to pay a lot of money for such relics. 

TagsChinese relic, 19th century, vase, dried flowers, couple, Emperor Qianlong