Usabata Ikebana Vase

[topshelfnorthfork]

 With this sort of paper work on my vase, where do I go to have it appraised?

[gracieallen01]

Can you post a photo of the usabata?  At today's rate, the 45,000 Yen is about $420.00, however, it would depend on the quality of the piece(s).  Is it inlaid?  How is the patina?  Is it actually an antique or a tourist piece?  Is it a signed piece?

[topshelfnorthfork]

Thank you for the reply and sorry for the long response time. The Vase in exquisite condition, mild inlay, clean with a beautiful dark patina. The metal content is clearly high bronze with very little iron, and as of age, as the paperwork I posted shows, it was over 100 years old when purchased in 1980. Are there markings I should be looking for to tell the maker or era? If you are willing to help me with this I will happily acquire pictures. Again I apologize for the long response time as the forum is a bit foreign to me

Thanks

M

[topshelfnorthfork]

Also, thank you for converting the Yen for me as if the Vase was $400+ in 1980, purchased in China, I'm happy that there would be general financial growth. 

[gracieallen01 · Accepted solution]

Ah yes, life happens.  😀

It would be interesting to see the Usabata.  In fact, there isn't too much more I can tell you about it - if anything - without seeing what it looks like and details.  As for marks, not too many have a signature, but it is usually on the bottom of the pan.  Any design has to be seen to determine 'quality' of the work.  And so on.  It might be easier to find a shop in your area that could help you out, however, I will be glad to tell you what I can from whatever information/photos you might care to post.

[topshelfnorthfork]

Thank you. You have provided more insight than I had in the past. It was my late mothers and very special to her as a Florist, I want to make sure I have all the information on it I can get. I'm in NYC and a lot of the shops buy as well as "appraise" and we know how that can turn out. Really, just converting the yen on the original receipt for me gave me a good idea of it's probable worth. Also, I did some digging and I can actually have it looked at by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for free. If you would like to see it for your own curiosity I would happily send along some shots. 

M

[gracieallen01]

The Botanical Gardens should be an excellent place to garner an opinion and information.  I appreciate the offer of a photo, but I have a feeling that you have better things to do, but thank you.  You mention that your mother was a florist, then I would suspect that it is one of better quality, as well as in better condition that many I have seen.