SALE Japanese Meiji period Vase converted to a Lamp

Collectibles : Lamps, Lighting

 

Bittersweet Antiques presents this Meiji period vase that was converted to a lamp, early in it's life. Although I am far from an expert on Japanese marks, and the lamp conversion destroyed most of the mark, the remaining mark contains the symbol for "Dai Nippon" in Japanese characters and on the whole date to the Meiji (1868-1912) period, reflecting the greatly increased nationalism of that period.

This vase portion of the lamp stands 12 and 1/4 inches tall and is clearly hand decorated in a repeating motif that completely encircles the vase. Frankly, I do not know exactly how to describe the decoration; there are a pair of eyes and a stylized face that reminds me of a bull. There are raised arrow shaped portions between the faces that are highlighted in a light blue. Above the repeating pattern on the upper shoulder of the vase is another repeating pattern of raised decoration in white in a blue decorated background. Around the the top is a Greek key type design. The lower 2/3s of the vase has been air-brushed in an almost black color.

The vase sustained some top rim damage early in it's life which is probably why someone made a lamp out of it. The top brass cap covers the rim damage. Other than the hole made in the bottom to accept the lamp conversion, there is no other damage. There is all over crazing that is more evident in the close up pictures than when looking at it in person. The lamp portion consists of a cluster that has 3 pull chain sockets for an early version of a "3 way" lamp. The sockets themselves look to be a latter replacement of the original sockets. The cluster extends the height another 12 inches to a total height of 24 and 1/4 inches for the lamp.

Shipping will be $17.50 for double box packing and delivery by FedEx Home Delivery to the lower 48 states. Other destinations at cost.

Item ID: lamp-Jap vase