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Hi, I'm trying to decide whether this vase (bought as part of an auction lot) is genuine carved lacquer or not. I read on an "Identify lacquer" site that genuine lacquer will never have saw marks on the base, this does, but also that genuine lacquer will leave colour on an acetone soaked cotton bud, this vase also does that (see cotton bud in foreground). Can anyone help with a bit of expert judgement? Apologies for the pictures I was struggling to get my camera to pick out the detail. I can post further pics if necessary.
Any further information either regarding this vase or for future reference would be most welcome.
Thank you in advance,
Susan

Hi Susan

This looks very much like resin. True lacquer vases such as this are usually laid over a blue coloured material and this vase does not have this. Similarly, the carving is rather crude and the base reminds me of resin. If it is lacquer look at the sides of the carvings and you will see layer upon layer of lacquer where each new costing is laid upon the last. Sorry to disappoint.

Thank you for that, it's all experience so no real disappointment, particularly as the whole auction lot was very cheap and there was another super vase in there.
Now I compare it to a cinnabar box that I have I can see that you are right about the layers.
I will know better in future!

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