Overview
This is a hand-decorated wooden vase featuring intricate pyrography—the Victorian art of 'fire writing' or wood burning.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Antique Pyrography (Pokerwork) Wood Vase, c. 1900-1915
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Around the turn of the 20th century, a massive 'pyrography craze' swept through middle-class parlors, fueled by companies that sold plain basswood 'blanks' with pre-stamped outlines.
Maker / Origin
While the specific artist is unknown, the style is synonymous with the Flemish Art Company of New York, which became so dominant that the term 'Flemish Art' became the generic name for pyrography in…
Condition & Value
The wood appears remarkably well-preserved with a strong, intact finish that has protected the burnt design from fading. Value in pyrography is driven by the complexity of the design and the form; vases are generally more desirable than the more common flat plaques or glove boxes.
Research
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