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I'd like to find any information, including approximate value, for this 17" Chinese vase which I purchased in N.Y.C. 33 years ago. The dragon design is on both sides. Thank you.

Back in the mid to late 1980's I was travelling to Taiwan every two months. I was regularly suffering the most dreadful food poisoning, and it was only when I was shown new vases being painted with a diesel mixture, then aged in the sewers, that I realised what was causing it. I wasn't washing my hands properly after handling these vases in the antique stores where they were sold as old.

I suspect this vase is from Taiwan, and as you have had it for 33 years, it was probably relatively new when you bought it. China did not reopen to the West until 1979, so it is unlikely to have come from there.

Regards
Tony

Interesting theory. I did purchase this vase from a reputable dealer and it was not sold as a reproduction. W. & J. Sloane sold furniture and antiques in N. Y. and the vase was purchased for around $1000. I've agreed to bring it to an antiques dealer here in Bangkok who is interested in purchasing it but before I do I thought I'd get some kind of guesstimate of it's value on this forum.

Anyway, thanks for your input and I will post the results of my meeting in a week from now. If it is somehow authentic what would it's value be? I now remember that it came with a note that described it as Qing 1850. Any further comments gratefully accepted and thanks for posting.

With those oddly inverted claws, do not see how could have been made China 19th century. Glazing and colors on base also odd, hope you give it a good careful wash in tepid soapy water.

Good luck,
Cal

Try washing the vase and see if the "yellow" goes away. Has the vase been made into a lamp? There seems to be a plugged up hole in the bottom. I am not yet ready to call this vase as modern as there are some features of it that points to two directions for me. A late Qing Chinese manufacture or a Vietnamese Nguyễn Dynasty manufacture as the dragon strongly resemble the period.

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