Preliminary identification

Chinese Cinnabar-Style Lacquer Vase with Brass Rim

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A classic baluster-form vase featuring deeply carved relief work depicting a traditional 'Shan Shui' mountain and water landscape. The vibrant red finish is applied over a brass or bronze substrate, visible at the rim and base, which provides structural weight and durability.

Story

Centuries ago, Chinese emperors prized cinnabar for its 'eternal' red color. This mid-century piece carries that royal aesthetic into the modern home, using traditional landscape motifs to represent harmony between man and nature.

Maker / Origin

While likely produced in a specialized workshop rather than by a single artist, these pieces represent the revival of the 'Tiaqi' (carved lacquer) tradition. Workshops in Beijing and Yangzhou became famous for adapting these ancient, labor-intensive techniques for a global audience in the 1960s and 70s.

Condition & Value

The vase appears to be in good vintage condition with some visible darkening/patina on the exposed brass rim. No major chips or cracks are evident in the red relief work, which preserves its display value. Minor wear to the rim is expected and does not significantly detract.

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

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.