✅ SOLVED A silver vase... Any clues of its origin??

[tamrock]

A silver vase... Any clues of it's origin??

This is a re-post I'm bringing again to the surface in hope of getting some opinions from some of you brain brainstormer's out there. This mark has me stump'd. I have some antique books that list images of Chinese and Japanese dynasty age marks for ceramic's and some of the marks come close, at least in appearance to the mark on the bottom of this silver vase, but still no cigar. Maybe someone out there will know or have some printed reference of what maybe I have here?. I've comb'd the web for some time now in hopes of a score and I've not found anything yet that has this very same mark.​

The vase has tested with acid as being pure silver for at least 80% or above alloy. The weight is 146.7g and it measures 4-1/2" by 3-3/4". The engraving to me looks kind of Chinese. Under close inspection you will see a hand engrave technique, not like most done with a straight line chisel cut, but instead it's etched out with hundreds of tiny little chisel bites to add this etched design around the whole vase. I have looked high and low for an I.D. for the stamp mark on the base and it could be a mark of the maker of it?. The closest thing I have found on a silver vase like this with a mark that in some ways resembles this mark is a silver vase made in the 1930's in Japan at the link below. The form and shape are very similar and that makes me believe this vase I have could be Japanese?. Japanese Silver Vase - Antique Meiji Period Silverware


Thanks!

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[jamey]

looks more like middle east

 

[worldtalker]

My first thought was Korean.


GOD Bless

Chris

 

[gunntekk1]

looks like korean

 

[DCMatt]

I think it is Chinese... or at least trying to be Chinese.

I've researched these kind of marks on Chinese porcelain. But I've never seen this kind of mark by itself on silver. Also, this mark is "not complete". As best I can tell it is trying to show elements of the Qing dynasty marks, but it only shows a portion of it and there are errors in the portion.

If I was forced to offer an opinion on this piece I'd say it is a fairly modern fake trying to be something it is not. But don't take MY word. I'm just some yahoo on the internet who can use a search engine and shoot off his mouth... errrr... keyboard...

Here is an interesting page RE fake Chinese marks: Seal Marks and Calligraphy

Take the piece to a reputable dealer for appraisal.

DCMatt

 

[Lost&Found]

I've posted on the board and found that the contributors are extremely knowledgeable.

It's worth a try.

Message Board : Asian Art Forums

 

[tamrock]

Sure thing DCM and thanks for the info, I'm fairly certain this item wouldn't be much older then the 1920s. I'll give the AAF site a try L&F. I've never come by that site before. These supposable Asian antiques found in this country sure can be a challenge to pin down what for sure you do have. I do believe 9 time out 10, most old looking Asian items found here in the US are later reproductions.

 

[tamrock]

Lets give a warm welcome to new member from China, Yang Hao

I contacted our new member Yang Hao, who is very well versed not only in his countries language, but our English as well. Heck! I think he may be even better at my own language then I am. Yang is looking into the mark of this silver vase of mine and has found some clues. I have copied his reply below. Yang even has the resources of others in his land that can help also. Thank you!!! Yang & Friends.



So far this vase is looking to be of Chinese origin

The information I have so far is the stamp is written in a script known as 甲骨文 translation is shell bone script. It's a very early form of Chinese writing. your photo should be turned 90 degrees clockwise. I've only had two guesses on what it could say one person said 龙 which means dragon and the other is 肠胃 intestines. But those are only guesses because many Chinese people don't know how to read that script. If I find anymore info I'll let you know.

 

[Yang Hao]

I have done some more research last night and I believe the item is in fact Japanese. The chinese is 五郎三 wulangsan (I don't know what the japanese is). I found some other pieces made by the same family and uploaded them. Although the stamp looks different in the upload photos they characters are the same. Hopefully the Item you have is an authentic 五郎三 because from what I've seen some of their items are priced quite high. As the old saying goes we learn something new everyday and I think many treasure seekers may want to add this to their list of things to watch out for during the hunt.

 

[tamrock]

Your a great asset to have along here on treasurenet. My first insight on where this vase was from when I found it, was that it is Japanese. On the other hand the mark and floral decoration didn't look quite Japanese to me IMO. Overall I know very little of Asian antiques and nothing of the language and characters. Thank you again, GB

 

[Yang Hao]

Thank you very much. Glad I can help. Happy Treasure Hunting