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Subject:Korean (?) Mother-of-pearl inlaid vase
Posted By: Stan Sun, Nov 12, 2017 IP: 75.68.107.184

I bought a "twofer" at auction and this is the object I wasn't bidding on. It is very thin brass with a very dark brown lacquer with a mother of pearl inlay in the form of a dragon. There are no identifying marks on it.

It has been treated well since any mishandling would dent the thin brass. There are minor losses of lacquer at the base.

From what I can find online, it looks like it was made in Korea and may be worth upwards of $100. My guess is that it is late 20th century and a decorative object.

If anyone can confirm my suspicions or provide more information, I would appreciate your comments.

Cheers,
Stan





Subject:Re: Korean (?) Mother-of-pearl inlaid vase
Posted By: Bill H Mon, Nov 13, 2017

I recollect seeing one or two at estate sales with "Korea" struck into the base, and would suppose anything without an export mark was probably bought in-country at a shopping enclave such as Seoul's Itaewon District, or the American military exchange store at the nearby Yongsan Garrison.

It's my impression that the heyday for such vases probably waned after the third quarter of the 20th century. I visited Seoul in the mid-to-late 80's a couple of times and recall the quality of lacquer wares of all types being much finer and more sophisticated. But while $100 apiece is bit higher than I'm used to seeing in Florida, a vase like this sitting on a brightly lacquered altar with some incense in the air would look right at home.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Subject:Re: Korean (?) Mother-of-pearl inlaid vase
Posted By: Stan Tue, Nov 14, 2017

Bill,

Many thanks for your reply. When I said "upwards of $100" I meant that was about the top price I saw. Most were lower. The form of this vase is more attractive than much of what I saw online.

If I can net $73.09, my usubata will be free. I now have two usubatas. I better take up Japanese flower arranging when I retire.

Cheers,
Stan



Subject:Re: Korean (?) Mother-of-pearl inlaid vase
Posted By: Bill H Thu, Nov 16, 2017

Today I visited one of my favorite antique stores--aren't they all?--and noticed one of these vases in a peony pattern, about 14 inches tall, price tag a hundred dollars. You might get the higher price after all. :)

Bill H.

Subject:Re: Korean (?) Mother-of-pearl inlaid vase
Posted By: Stan Fri, Nov 17, 2017

Thanks for the price point. I try to provide a complete description of anything I present for discussion, but note I forgot to include the size. My vase stands 13" tall - comparable to your sighting.

Cheers,
Stan


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