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I recently acquired this 12" vase and would like to know something about it if possible.

When I bought it, I was uncertain as to whether it might be a resin or plastic casting. But on close examination, I'm convinced that it is carved lacquer. In the closeup you can see grain from layering in the carved areas. I tested it with a red hot pin in an inconspicuous spot, and while the surface appeared to be affected by the hot pin, the pin did not penetrate more than one or two thousandths of an inch--and no smell. About what I would expect from lacquer.

So is this kind of work commonly done these days? Is this an export or tourist piece? The detail--especially in the geometric background designs is somewhat astonishing if it is done by hand. On the other hand, I'm continually surprised at what comes out of China these days. I can't begin to decide whether it might be new or an older piece. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

Thank you.

This is called Cinnabar. Perhaps you can check more about this in the Internet.
Ernest

Thanks Ernest. That is helpful.

DD

I agree with Ernest that this vase is carved cinnabar. Your photos clearly show the layers of built-up lacquer.

I can't recall seeing an old cinnabar vase with an enameled bottom such as we see on your vase.

The shiny metal is also a bit of a red flag, if old it should have darkened and become patinated.

Regardless of the age of the vase, the carving is very nice and I really like the contrasting colors of the lacquer.

I would guess the age to be mid to late 20th century, and if you didn't pay too much for it, it is a great decorator piece.

Please let us know what you find out about this beautiful specimen.

Cheers
Gman

I agree! A very attractive vase, though not too old. It is without doubt carved lacquer. As you observe, the layers of lacquer are a dead give-away, as are the minute cuts that may be seen in some of the corners. Fakes lack both these characters as well as preserving the casts of small bubbles, created when the molds were taken of the original pieces. These look like tiny balls of lacquer stuck in some of the tight corners of the carving. In the past, red examples were commonly called cinnabar, because the red is the same as that as the natural occurring ore of mercury, also called cinnabar. I am not sure if the latter was ever used as a colourant for the natural resin. Consequently, at least in English, the more generic term "lacquer" is probably more accurate for a multi coloured piece or one that is not red.

Probably more than you needed to know.

Michael

Thanks GMan for your opinion on the vase.

I suspected that it was not too old, but was impressed with the level of workmanship, and of course, the time that must have been put into it. If it is recently made, it must be done with slave labor, I'm afraid.

I bought the vase at a yard sale for only a few dollars, so am quite pleased with the purchase. I've found a lot of similar items on the internet, in a wide range of quality and price. So I will probably never pin down the details on this piece. I guess it is what it is, and I'll be content with that.

Best regards,

DD

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