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I bought this vase (as a lamp) and I'm wondering if it is genuine Kangxi or a 19th c. copy. The lamp that the vase came from is clearly a 19th c. lamp (hand welded bronze - very beautiful).

Photos can be viewed at....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157624088033212/

I've read that the design of cranes flying among clouds was a sign of eternal life and nobility. Does this suggest that the vase was made by an imperial shop?

The foot ring is polished and you can see the black enamel shows signs of polishing where it meets the foot ring.

Thank you.

The age of the porcelain vase is contemporary with the lamp fittings. Large numbers of vases were imported new around the 1900's many by the major department stores and made into lamps such as this. Still the vase itself is a better quality example but the hole on the bottom has reduced the value. This is not an item made at the imperial factory.

Dear Tim,

I'm afraid that your vase isn't Kangxi and even not 19th. century. The Kangxi gilded black mirrored vases are very rare and have mostly a rouleau shape. There are Guangxu examples known but they still have a different shape as your vase. I think it probably dates from Republic period.

Regards,

Arjan

Kangxi reign 'mirror-black' not true black but dark green over dark blue, can see with strong light from side. Kangxi reign porcelain made Jingdezhen should be pure white with no red-oxidized foot.

Your vase not 'copy' of anything I have seen from Kangxi reign, but mark is copy, not of period.

Electrical lamp more likely early 20th century onward. Vase could be earlier than lamp fixture.

Good luck,
Cal

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