Cloisonné Vase is a Thrift Shop Treasure

A couple visiting a thrift shop in Surrey, England, bought a small cloisonné vase for a few pounds, equivalent to about $3.30 in U.S. currency. They suspected the markings on its base might have some meaning and found out that they were the signature of Namikawa Yasuyuki, one of the greatest artists of the “Golden […]

Cloisonné Vases

Q: My husband inherited these two small vases from his grandmother. The vases are slightly over 4 inches tall and appear to be brass underneath with painted glass on top. They sit on small wooden pedestals. Can you tell us where these vases came from, how old they are, and possible value?  A: These are […]

Cloisonné Vase

Q: My husband found this beautiful Japanese-looking vase in a local antiques shop a few years ago. The vendor wasn’t present, so we weren’t able to ask any questions about it. It’s about 8 inches high, no chips or dings anywhere. There are no markings on the bottom. Tiny wires are imbedded around the floral […]

Market Report — Enamels Are Hot

Artistic enameled objects were made for the aristocracy and the church in the Middle Ages, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that enamel was a popular medium used by artists. A Treadway auction offered antique and vintage enameled bowls, boxes and plaques made by the “Boston School” artists, who were among the first to […]