Help me identify this urn!

By gingersmemories, 19 October, 2009
Description

Multicolored inlayed stone with extensive scroll work engraved in metal urn. Can someone help me try to find the year/period of this piece? I don't know if this is an Asian piece or possibly South American (Aztec, Mayan) Everytime I do research on this piece, I always seem to hit a wall.

Category
Asian Art
Medium
some form of metal, inlayed multicolored stones
Distinguishing marks
can't find any noticeable marks
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
11 1/2" height, approx 8 1/2" width
Date Period
unknown
Weight
5 lbs
History
inherited item from mother who was an avid antiques collector. She only told me "never give this piece away".
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
$50 in 1980 at a tag sale
For Sale?
No
Photos

amadeus88

13 years 11 months ago

 hello,

i have one very similar with some sort of stamp on the bottom, made of copper or bronze... was passed down through family. Did you find any answers?

let me know!

michael marconi

No votes yet

It's most likely Japanese, the stone like decoration is actaully enamel, the technique is called "champleve". here's a link describing the process to create it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champlevé

Here's a link to a similar champleve vase at auction:

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9452017

No votes yet