RALEIGH, N.C. - On Saturday, June 27, 2009, Antiques Roadshow taped the highest-value appraisal in its 13-year history. Four pieces of Chinese carved jade and celadon from the Chien Lung Dynasty (1736-1795), including a large bowl crafted for the Emperor, was given a conservative auction estimate of as much as $1.07M.

The owner inherited the collection from her father, who bought the objects in the 1930s and 1940s, while stationed in China as a military liaison. Asian arts appraiser James Callahan of Skinner Inc., noted the fine quality of the pieces, evidence that they were not made simply for the tourist trade. It was determined that a mark on the bottom of the jade bowl translates as "by Imperial order."

This appraisal, and others taped at the Raleigh Convention Center on the 27th, will be considered for broadcast in Antiques Roadshow's 2010 season (its 14th), premiering Monday, Jan. 4 on PBS Television.

The jade collection now tops the list of high-value Antiques Roadshow appraisals. Moving to second place is a 1937 painting by American Abstract Expressionist artist Clyfford Still, evaluated in Palm Springs, Calif., in 2008. The painting had been given a retail estimate of $500,000.

"For thirteen years, we've been hoping to feature a million-dollar appraisal on Antiques Roadshow; it's been our ‘Great White Whale,'" said Roadshow Executive Producer Marsha Bemko. "We're thrilled that, despite this year's slow economy, Roadshow finally captured this elusive trophy."

Raleigh was the second stop in Antiques Roadshow's 2009 production tour, after Atlantic City on June 6. PBS's most-watched series continues on to Madison, Wis.; Denver, Phoenix, and San Jose, California. The 2009 tour features a series of local events at which top appraisers offer the public free evaluations of antiques and collectibles, revealing the often surprising history and value of these items.