Identification

Hammered Brass Vase with Rope and Tassel Motif

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The item is a hammered brass vase featuring a cast brass rope and tassel motif cinched around the neck. This specific decorative style—combining hammered textures with neoclassical rope/tassel elements—is highly characteristic of Hollywood Regency and mid-century decorative metalware. Such pieces were frequently produced in Italy or India for the Western export market during the 1950s through the 1970s.

Story

This style of hammered brass with cast neoclassical motifs (such as the rope and tassel) was heavily produced for the Western export market from the 1950s through the 1980s. While often attributed by dealers to Italy due to the Hollywood Regency aesthetic, many identical forms were manufactured in India. Without a stamped base or original sticker, it is treated as an unbranded mid-century decorative import.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The vessel shows a visible dent near the bottom left, which directly impacts its decorative appeal and overall value. While the hammered texture helps mask minor surface wear and natural patina, structural deformations push the value toward the lower end of the range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

Mid-century brass decorative arts, particularly those fitting Hollywood Regency and Boho aesthetics, maintain steady but modest demand on platforms like Etsy and Chairish. These pieces are primarily purchased by retail buyers for interior styling rather than serious collector value, meaning aesthetic appeal and condition are paramount. Supply of standard Indian and Italian imports from this era is relatively high, keeping prices accessible and generally capped under $100 for typical sizes.

Value Drivers

Exact form matches across multiple curated platforms establish a clear and highly reliable retail baseline.

Heavy cast brass rope and tassel motif aligns with popular Hollywood Regency decor trends.

Hammered texture provides desirable mid-century aesthetic appeal.

Concerns

Visible dent near the bottom left directly depresses value compared to pristine examples (±30%).

Unverified dimensions — if smaller than the standard 10-12 inches, value drops proportionally.

Unverified base — lack of a 'Made in Italy' or designer mark limits upside potential.

Best Venue

List on a curated vintage marketplace like Etsy or Chairish, targeting buyers looking for Hollywood Regency or Boho decor. Clearly photograph and disclose the dent in the listing to manage buyer expectations, and provide exact dimensions to help buyers gauge scale.

Upside Potential

If the vessel is exceptionally large (e.g., 18+ inches tall) and carries a verified Italian maker's mark on the base, it could appeal to high-end decorators, pushing the value into the $150-$300 range.

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 4 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Etsy
    Mid Century Frederick Cooper Hammered Brass Urn Lamp with Walnut Base, Large 30 Inch MCM Table Lamp, Sold Individually
    Different form; this is a lamp, not a vase.
    $358
  • Lone Fox
    Hammered Brass Vase With Rope and Tassel, 1980's
    Link could not be verified.
    $195
  • Vintage Hammered Brass Planter or Bowl Featuring a Distinctive Rope and Tassel Design.
    Different form; this is a planter or bowl, not a vase.
    $110
  • FREDERICK COOPER BRASS TASSEL FORM TABLE LAMP
    Different form; this is a table lamp, not a vase.
    No price