Lamp vase

Item: Decorative Lamp Vase
Medium: Hand-painted ceramic with crackle glaze, gilt detailing, and brass rim (converted to a lamp)
Dimensions: Approximately 18" tall, 10" wide
Weight: Estimated ~5 lbs
Origin: Likely Japan (based on the mark and decorative style)
Artist/Manufacturer: Unknown; the mark appears to be a mid-20th century Japanese export label
Date Period: Mid-20th century (1950s–1970s)
Condition: Good – intact with visible crackle glaze (intentional), minor surface wear and tarnish consistent with age

Design & Features

This lamp features elaborate hand-painted peonies, cranes, and a peacock with rich gold enamel highlights, a motif often associated with Japanese Kutani or Satsuma-style decorative wares. The raised crackle glaze is a hallmark of export porcelain meant for Western markets in the post-WWII era. The flared brass neck with embossed floral scrolling adds elegance and suggests the lamp was meant as a luxury or collector’s piece.

Valuation

While there is anecdotal evidence that your grandmother may have paid $5,000 for it (perhaps from a boutique gallery), the current market value for similar lamps of Japanese origin with similar decoration is:

• Retail (Decorative/Dealer): $350–$800
• Auction/Fair Market Value: $200–$500
• Provenance-adjusted (if authenticated as pre-WWII or artist-signed): $1,000+

Note: The value could significantly increase if the piece is confirmed to be an earlier Satsuma, or associated with a named kiln or artist. However, if it's a postwar export ware with transfer-printed details and machine-assisted glaze, its collector value is more modest.

Recommendation

For authentication and resale, I recommend the following steps:

1. Professional Appraisal: Seek a certified appraiser (ISA or ASA) who specializes in Asian decorative arts.
2. X-Ray or Ultraviolet Testing: To determine if the gold is hand-applied (versus printed).
3. Lamp Conversion Note: If resale is a goal, consider whether removing the lamp hardware (carefully) and selling as a vase would improve value.