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Lamp vase

By snakeboots, 11 April, 2025
Description

I only know that my grandmother had it for a long time. And she supposedly spent like 5k on it.

Category
Lamps and Chandeliers
Medium
Ceramic
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
18" tall 10" wide
Date Period
Unknown
Weight
5 ponds maybe a little more
History
Unknown
Price Paid (If known)
5000
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user Charley

Charley

2 months 2 weeks ago

Decorative 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.
Average: 5 (1 vote)
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