An Antiques roadshow guest was left speechless today as she discovered how much a Buddha was worth.
The owner described how the statue was left to her mum by her godmother Beryl who had ran away to star on the stage.
Beryl eventually "married well" and moved to India, where it's believed she purchased the large, heavy object.
When Beryl passed away she bequeathed the statue to the guest's mum and it arrived via Malta.
Antiques Expert Lars Tharp said how the Buddha was sitting meditating in the common lotus position, sitting on a lotus flower.
Lars explained how the statue had been cast in bronze and then finished in gold after being polished.
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He said : "It's a beautiful thing, this would be a very beautiful piece for someone in China to buy today.
"We have to bear that in mind when giving you a valuation.
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"I think commercially speaking we're looking at between £20,000-40,000."
The woman was visibly stunned and unable to speak, she eventually said: "I can't speak....oh wow.
"I can't believe it, I can't believe it was so valuable.
"I'd hoped it was worth £1,000 at best, it'll be staying with me definitely."
*Antiques Roadshow continues on BBC1 next Sunday
