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Subject:Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Michael Moffett Wed, Sep 03, 2014 IP: 67.165.208.112

Can anyone tell me more about these? I inherited them and Know NOTHING about them! They appear to be layered as when I check them through a loup I see several lines line in a tree trunk.


Link is on Shutterfly, I CANNOT get these pics down to under 500KB for the site requirement.









Link : additional images


Subject:Re: Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Gman Thu, Sep 04, 2014

From your photos it is difficult to tell if the vases are indeed cinnabar, and not some composite material.

The color doesn't look right, and the carving is too square and deep, as if carved by a machine.

Looking at it closeup, you should be able to see the distinct layers of built-up lacquer, perhaps if you had some clear photos showing those layers, I might accept the vases as cinnabar.

Either way, beyond that I would guess 1950 - 1965.

In the attached photo of a 19th century cinnabar vase, you can see the layers of lacquer clearly.
Also note the deeper color of the cinnabar lacquer.

(Sorry about the dust from the packing.)

Cheers
Gman



Subject:Re: Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Michael M. Fri, Sep 05, 2014

I certainly did not think they were 18th or 19th century as they have rather nicer stickers on them. I did the nail polish remover test and my swab came out exactly the same as the one shown on the website. I am simply try to ascertain who manufactured it and when is all. I cannot find any information on the Makers Marks. I have attached CLOSER pictures as you requested. I appreciate your help!!!

Thank You!!

Best Regards!

Subject:Re: Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Gman Sun, Sep 07, 2014

Sorry I cannot help with the maker's marks, etc.

Addressing the carving, this photo of the upper section of one of my vases will give a good representation of the differences between machine carved and hand carved.

I still find it unlikely that your vases are cinnabar lacquer, most likely a composite material not made to fool anyone, but to provide a similar decorative look from a distance, much like the faux ivory pieces we see so often.

Cheers
Gman



Subject:Re: Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Jim Fri, Sep 05, 2014

I agree with Gman, these just don't look right. The carving is rather basic and crude as if to make it easy for machine carving. The colour is much to red without any variation and I suspect they are tourist pieces made recently.

Subject:Re: Cinnabar Vase
Posted By: Michael Scott Mon, Sep 15, 2014

I agree that are newer that's for sure! However I see ones on ebay that are almost identical selling for $300-$700 and I wonder how that can be?

I have FINALLY figured out how to compress my pictures so I will attach better ones to this message. As you can see there IS layering and as I said I get red when I do the Nail Polish test. I have a cinnabar Dragon piece that's MUCH darker and it gives off a DARKER color with this test.

anyways I appreciate the feedback!!

Still would like to know what the bottom symbols mean or who made these.








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