Archer Jeffrey. The Chinese Statue

"The Chinese Statue" is a short story written by the British politician and author Jeffrey Archer.This story takes you from modern times to ancient China where a casual remark from the British ambassador makes him an owner of rare piece of art from China. The statuette, originating from the Ming Dynasty, was bought to London by Sir Alexander who kept it in his family for generations. Each of his heirs - Civil Servants, Army Officers alike - kept the statuette very safely and in great glory, until the latest descendant of Sir Alexander Heathcote, who was forced upon very tough times to sell the statuette.