HUGE Antique ROYAL VIENNA or NIPPON PORTRAIT VASE, Lamp BLUE UNDERGLAZE MARK OBSCURED, BUT GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC Start Price USD 9.00 Current Price USD 7,150.00 Time Left - Bid Count 27 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 03, 2008 End Time Thursday, July 10, 2008 Location Fairfield, Ohio See more about 'HUGE Antique ROYAL VIENNA or NIPPON PORTRAIT VASE, Lamp' Description Buyer pays $19.50 for professional packing and insured shipping.(That is for U.S. LOWER 48 only. Elsewhere in the known Universe - request quote.) Even before I got home with this astounding piece of porcelain last night, I knew I'd have to dismantle it in the hopes that I could identify the maker, age, etc. I just couldn't wait since it is encrusted with some of the finest gold and enamel decoration I've ever seen. Then there is the full length hand painted portrait of a woman wearing ermine. She's just has to be royalty. How about Queen Louise? . . Then there is the size to consider, and that certainly matters when it comes to 19th Century porcelain vases. As a lamp, it stands a total of 26 1/2" tall. The vase alone is a monumental 18" - rare indeed for Royal Vienna, KPM or Nippon, etc. I just hardly know where to begin, but I guess a close look at the portrait and some of the finest gold work with enamel beading is as good a place as any.. I'd be willing to bet the real porcelain pros know exactly who she is, but I don't. The artistic quality of the portrait is at the highest level, but I don't see an artist's signature. I know someone is going to holler at me for not knowing. That's ok. I'll share their information with you as we go along. (I'll bet she's either a queen or a king's lover. Either way is fine with me.) I've never seen more heavy gold and enamel jewels on a piece, and it has remained in excellent condition. And the robin egg blue ground sets it off perfectly. Here at 341, I have two "Prime Directives:" First: I never, under any circumstances, use a reserve, and everything starts at $9, sometimes even less. Second: I don't clean, repair, or otherwise monkey around with anything. I push enough dust aside to note any flaws, but if I discovered it in some dusty attic, you can look forward to a little dust on it when it gets to your house. If it has a flaw or a wart, I'll tell you about it. So rest easy and have some fun. Why not place a little tiny bid right now so's you don't forget about it later. Top, base, sides - Everywhere you look you'll find intricately hand painted goldwork and thick, rich "jewels." The base has felt to protect your fine furniture, but, of course, I had to cut it to dismantle the lamp. (I'll be shipping it dismantled, of course. It'll be safer that way, for one thing. For another, you'll like want to display the piece as a vase. What ever.) For those days when you just don't care to look at a queen, you can turn it around. There you'll find beautifully hand painted roses - - and more gold, of course. It was mounted to a brass base, and the silk-wrapped cord was still in place. I did not cut it, but I think you'd want to use new wiring if you intend to use it as a lamp. OK . . . So I removed the base and found a professionally drilled hole. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing, except for one thing . . . . . . They drilled right through the blue underglaze mark. Dang! I can see the end of a word. It appears to be "_.rd." But I'm afraid that's it. Regardless, the quality of the porcelain and the artistic merits of both the gold and the portrait makes be certain it's from a very well known factory and likely dates to around 1880-1900. The top cap covered the rim, and years of vibration have worn the gold. This is not a glaring flaw when seen from a normal angle, nor is it difficult to restore if it bothers you. It won't. From either side, it's outstanding. By the way: When I took it apart, I found two clean white satin bags filled with fine sand. They added weight to the lamp for stability. Wasn't that a classy way to do it? If, for any reason, you aren't absolutely thrilled with this exquisite piece of porcelain, just send it back for a full refund including your costs for reshipping. I'll keep it in my personal collection 'til the day they carry me off this little dirt farm feet first. GOOD LUCK Buyer pays $19.50 for professional packing and insured shipping.(That is for U.S. Lower 48 only. Elsewhere in the known Universe - request quote.) All Customs forms will state actual selling price of items shipped internationally. Click here to go have a look at my other auctions. Place a Bid!