An antique used as a table lamp for more than 50 years has sold for a staggering £581,000 after it was revealed to be an incredibly rare 200-year-old Chinese relic.

The 10in tall porcelain figure turned out to be an ornate 'nine dragons' hat stand made for Emperor Dauguang of Imperial China's Qing dynasty.

It is thought that the stand was bought at a country house sale in the 1950s at a time when Chinese artwork was not highly prized.

The couple took it back to their house in North Wales where they turned it into a lampshade complete with cream, frilly shade.

Incredibly it remained there until several years ago when it was sold to the latest vendor, who bought it after realising its heritage.

The seller then took the piece to experts at Christie's auction house who were able to confirm its 200-year-old history.

The hat stand, made between 1820 and 1850, was tipped to fetch £300,000 when it went under the hammer at Christie's yesterday.

But the final price rocketed to almost double the original estimate after a bidding war broke out at the London salerooms. It sold to an unnamed buyer from Asia.

Ivy Chan, an Asian art specialist at Christie's, said: 'This fascinating object was kept in a house in North Wales for over 50 years, where it was used as a lamp all that time.

'It's actually a Chinese hat stand that is 200 years old. The fact that this hat stand ended up in Britain follows a long continued history of pieces leaving Asia.

'The earliest we can trace it to is 1953 when it was bought in a country house sale by a couple from North Wales.

'The fact that they turned it into a lamp suggests that they didn't pay very much money for it and they didn't realise its importance.

'It was actually quite common for Chinese porcelain pieces to be turned into lamps and it is very fortunate that no damage was done to this one.

'It is a miracle it has survived in such good condition. It was a very pleasant surprise when the vendor brought the piece to us.

'The piece dates to the Daoguang period, the early part of the 19th century.. It offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Daoguang court, where clothing was used to symbolise rank and status.

'The type of hat you wore was very important and, when not in use, these beautiful and elaborate accessories were displayed on suitably decorative stands.

'The yellow and green hat stand is decorated with nine dragons, which symbolised divine power. This hat stand was made for someone very important, probably the Daoguang emporer himself.

'It is a beautiful work of art in its own right. To think what was achieved in the 19th century under Imperial patronage is amazing, and this piece really exemplifies the technical ability of the craftsmen.

'This spectacular work of art excited collectors because it is a very rare imperial piece and in great condition given its history.

'There was a great buzz in the saleroom at Christie's when the auctioneer opened the bidding, with bidders on the telephone as well as in the room competing fiercely for the hat stand.

'It has been a real pleasure to work with this beautiful piece and to offer it for sale. It achieved a great result.'