Japanese vase
Glazed vase 12" high 2.5 round tulip design with makers mark and box with calligraphy naming the maker but unable to translate
Mother bought it but dont know where or when.
Inherited
Yes
Hello William,
I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal,
Considering the photographs, overall pattern, knot density and the colours, I concluded that this is a Japanese Bronze Flower Vase from the period 1926-1985. This mark was used in many decorative pieces throughout 20th century. Your piece is one of them and quite rare. The wooden boxes of these kind are known as "Tomobako" and they've been used in packing artifacts for many centuries. The writing on the box is also a label and an expllonation to what's inside. The writing reads as “Six lobed -copper or bronze- flower vase”. So the calligraphy on the box does not identify the maker but identifies the object. This six lobe were probably made in order to create a very known shape, a gourd shape! This was a known and a popular shape in Asian artifacts.
Lobed Japanese vases are rare and being a bronze piece, yours is rarer. I could only find one more example of this kind. The piece does not have a heavy artistic work behind it but still very elegant in style and design. My guess is that this type of piece might have been made for high-end touristic item purposes in early to mid 20th century. A dark and thick patina was obviously applied to the bronze-copper surface in order to protect the surface and create an interesting colour.
Bronze casted.
Dimensions: 7.1 Inches High and 2.5 Inches of diameter (at base).
Condition: In very good condition without any mentioned cracks or damage.
Provenance: Customer's mother purchased it but the date is unclear.
400-600$.
I'll leave you a link to a very similar, almost the same piece, but the price on this link is very speculative. Considering the past auctions I believe the price I have given is a fair market value.
https://www.averydash.com/products/delicate-lobed-double-gourd-shaped-japanese-bronze-vase
Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
Dear William,
Rather than the calligraphy the mark on the bottom tells me more, this mark was used by a producer which was active between circa 1926 - 1985. I also have a visula example which has the exact same mark and exact same composition but it is bronze. This company may used different materials for different items but it is more likely for it to be metal. You can try to tap with your nails to the surace of the vase, if you hear a shrill and metalic sound it is probably bronze. You can also compare the sound with a metal coin or an itam that you know for sure is metal. Thanks.
Ok I'll try that. I'll get the photos to you soon. Do you have some who can translate the writing? I showed it to a few Japanese friends and they said it was very old script.
Okay, I'll be waiting for you. I'll try to translate and give you more information on the box. Japanese used several different alphabets so that is probably the reason why your Japanese friends could not read it. Even if it's not too old they can be used in a symbolic way.
Thank you once again.
It is made of metal covered with glazing. Actually 7" high 2.5" at base, 2" at top. See new photos including the cloth wrap for the vase
any updates since i added pictures and verified the vase is made of metal?
Dear William,
I’ve found the informations required and I’ve also learned about the writing. Will create your appraisal today. I hope that is fine. Have a lovely day.
Good news! Thanks
i added the picture of the smaller writing inside the box. do we know what that says?
is that the artists signature?
Dear William, it might be but I've consulted my Translator and also checked data bases for this mark and it does not appear to belong someone specific. It is more like a brand mark for the bronze vase, just like the mark underneath the piece.
ok. thanks for all your hard work on this appraisal. Merry Christmas!
You’re very welcome William, it was my pleasure. Merry Christmas to you too!
how do i sell this on your site?
Dear William,
You can put it on sale by choosing our marketplace. Thanks.
can i just edit or do i have to start all over?
You can edit, thanks.
How do I determine its metal? The interior is white. I'll take more detailed photo's with approximate sizes. Does the calligraphy on the box tell us anything about the piece and maker? It also comes with a cloth textile to protect the piece. I'll include a photo of that too.