Collection of Chinese antiques bought by a British farmer for as little as £100-a-piece sells for incredible £45.9MILLION (2)

But the value of Asian antiques has shot up in recent years, with Chinese dealers buying back cultural pieces that were taken from the continent in the 19th century.

The pieces were expected to fetch £20million when they went under the hammer in Hong Kong but they proved wildly popular and Mr Pilkington's family - including his three children - has walked away with a £45.9million fortune.

The most expensive item, a 9in blue and white Moon Flask from the 15th century, fetched £10.1million.

A bowl from the same century was sold for £6million and was described as so rare that many of the world's greatest museum collections lack an example.

Another high-value item was a 15th century blue and white ritual holy water vessel from the Yongle period that was used during ceremonial occasions. It sold for £9.1million.

Farmer: Roger Pilkington. Left, a holy water vessel called the Yaozhou Kundika that was part of the collection.

Carefully curated: This carved Celadon Jade Brushwasher was one of the pieces bought by Mr Pilkington.