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Hello all,

I would appreciate if you could help me to date approximately the 2 vases I have and say something about their "quality",they dont have any permanent markings.They are done on a brass/messing base and no blue enamel or similar is visible on the inside or bottom.Height is ~34cm.
I plan to sell them and would like to describe them as accurately as possible, I researched the completed auctions on ebay but cant figure out the reason for the huge price differences.
Thank you in advance for any hep!

S

Based upon the photo, I am not entirely sure your vase is cinnabar lacquer...could be resin. I think I see air bubble marks on the lacquer that goes around the shoulder of the vase.

Look under magnification....if you see distinct layers of red lacquer, then it is cinnabar. If there are no layers and/or you see pin holes (bubble bursts created when the resin was drying) then it is resin (plastic).

The quality of the carving is fair (if it is carved and not a resin cast) and I would estimate the piece to be from 1950 or newer.

Authenticity and age are what accounts for the variations in sold prices on Ebay.

Based upon what I see, It's not worth very much..... Just put clear photos and run it as an auction, then see what happens.

Thank you very much for your help. Fortunately it is not a resin vase, I deal with antiquities but had never before a cinnabar item so I was not sure about its age but the mide century confirms the previous owners story as well....

S

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