Asian Vase/Lamp

[yelocrab]

I am gueesing this is Japanese, but not sure. It is a really beautiful piece with very vibrant colors. It seems to be brass, perhaps, with very intricate design painted or glazed in relief. It was my grandmother's. If I was brave enough to clean it, I believe that it would be eye-popping. I am afraid I would damage it. Does anyone recognize the style or origin? I'd like to do more research on this but not sure where to start.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61446574@N05/5597396237/in/set-72157626447764474/

[sapphire]

It's cloisonne, but as to age I really can't help there.

Is there any indication that the enamel that surrounds the lower part of the vase was once covering the entire piece? It's rather unusual for it to have been left 'unfinished'. Is it possible to remove the base and socket without damaging the vase, to look for any marks? I think it would take a hands on inspection by someone familiar with cloisonne to estimate age.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloisonné


An example of a cloisonne vase converted to a lamp (very similar to yours)..

http://www.oneofakindantiques.com/catalog/5007_antique_chinese_cloisonne_vase_lamp_1.htm

[yelocrab]

Thanks for the reply. I researched some of the cloisonne asian vases, but could not find anything quite like this one. There is no indication that there is any loss of the enameled surface across the piece. It is clearly a design element to have the decorated design raised in relief above the undecorated metal. If cleaned, the contrast would be even greater, but the lustre of the undecorated metal below the raised and enameled pattern has dulled over time. The design elements appear intentional and uniform in this case.

[sapphire]

I should have added, if not missing enamel, is there a background 'color' that is not showing in your pictures or that you can find signs of having been there.

Here's an example of two of my eggs, the second one you can see the loss of the 'gilding'......

[sapphire]

Just came across this.....might be helpful to both of us 

http://idcloisonne.com/id20.html

Several 'chapters' dedicated to Chinese/Japanese and periods

[yelocrab]

Really great help. Thanks. I've asked the web site for their opinion. Much appreciated.

[yelocrab]

Just got the skinny on the lamp:

Japanese champleve rather than cloisonne

Early 20th century (to 1920)

Were very popular and, therefore, not particularly rare.

Maybe $100-$150

I like it significantly more than I need $150, so question answered.

[KC]

I can't help but mention....that lots of "Cloisonné" items have been surfacing on here recently and need to make this observation.

Although cloisonné is a beautiful, intricate and an ornate art or enamel on metal...not all cloissone is made by Asians!  It isn't all Chinese or Japanese or whatever "ese"....  Because of it's popularity during several times in history (mostly noted in 1900's) more "economocal ways" of producing the effect were developed and mass produced.  Generally Older pieces have makers marks on them because the artisan took pride in their workmanship.  The sweat shops (unfortunately these did produce many items) produced them and generally held a mark of the exporter or "person" being attributed to the works. Could go on much longer....but in a nutshell....all cloissoné isn't asian made, all cloisonné isn't valuable.....but generally is very beautiful!!!! 

[sapphire]

Glad you were able to get a definitive answer yelo. It's always nice to find out whatever bits of history on the pieces we own.....and yes, lots of times the value is in the piece and it's connections, rather than the $$.

[yelocrab]

Funny thing is that it does turn out to be cloisonne now! The woman who evaluated the lamp sent her original response to me on accident that was meant for another client. Turns out the lamp is open work Chinese cloisonne, mid=20th century. Oops.