2 Asian Vases: Multi Billions or Just Multi Pennies?

These two Asian style vases came from the estate of an Air Force Colonel who was stationed in Korea during the late 1950's and early 60's. He brought back both of these items so they at least date from that time period. The smaller peacock vase looks brass that has been dyed to resemble bronze. It measures about 12 inches tall. The other vase is almost 24 inches tall and made of metal of some sort. Any idea on when/where/why and who would be appreciated!

 

I don't know about the vases, but I once bought 3 Northwest Coast Indian carvings from an Air Force Major in Alaska, brought back from the Pacific Theater in the 60's........of course they were Indonesian fakes......so.....yours may or may not be all that.

 

They certainly look authentic to me. I think they are quite nice. You are wise to get a few sets of eyes on these.

 

Are the peacock and flowers painted on or made of capiz or other type shells? On my monitor they have that shiny, multi color reflection, but can't tell if three dimensional.

 

Yes, they are inlaid with what looks like shell or MOP.

 

Regarding #1... my ol' man's first wife bought this lamp from Neiman's in about 1980...
Not sure it relates, but looks kinda similar.

 

They are both nice decorative items. Both IMO were made during 20th C. Shiny one is the better-crafted of the two. Dull one shows a lot of sloppy work such as poorly-applied handles just for starters. The pair are probably worth what you paid for them as long as it didn't exceed two figures. Neither one would be considered collectible IMO.

 

Thanks. I'm going to leave you to the experts. Will check back for results.

If at a garage sale they had the same price I'd take the peacock because I like it, and pass on the one that looks as though it has been buried for a few 100 years.

Then go back a half hour later and be very unhappy because someone bought the old, dirty, dented one.

Best of luck with both.

 

What do you think about my lamp above... do you think I am wrong about the Neiman's story? That's just what my ol' man told me!!

 

Nothing implausible there. Btw the one on the lamp is same style as OP,s, a slight variation, but better craftsmanship/condition.

 

Where would the lamp wire go? This has no holes in it.

 

Thank you... then I'll keep the lamp. AND my ol' man.

 

Loro, is your lamp base 24" inches tall? That first piece is fairly large at two feet tall (did I get that number correct, Vitry?)

 

It's about 16 inches including the base and top parts. About 12 without the "extras".

 

new or not....the 2nd one is lovely !!

 

The dirty one is begging for a good vinegar soak to get the green off the base. It looks like Chinese brass and it's begging to be cleaned up a bit. No clue on the second one.

 

evelyb, would you please take a look at my lamp, posted above?

 

I think the second is Japanese and a very nice thing. The brass one looks late 19th to early 20th C Chinese.

 

Nice lamp. I'm not seeing any green on that, Loco, so I'd leave bad enough alone. The enamel is fired on, so polishing the brass ought not to hurt it, but... you never know, and I'm not sure what the original surface was supposed to look like. Green on copper is patina, and ends up being a protective coating. Green on brass is corrosion and needs to come off.

 

Thank you!