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Reproduction Enamel Vase

by Jan
(Pittsburgh)

Hello,
I was selling this reproduction vase on ebay and decided to pull it from the site due to the harassment and eagerness of the buyer for me to send this vase to a third party. I stated that I will not ship overseas. He emailed and found a third part in the U.S It has writing that says:

CHINA PORCELAIN DECORATIVE IS CHINA FOR RICH. NOT FOR FOOD USE, PAINT MAY POISON FOOD, FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

There is a metal stamp in the indentation. I am assuming this is the export stamp. The red lettering suggest a copy of an imperial mark. I think it is from the 1960's or 1970's. I am so curious now to know more.

I would appreciate your help in telling me more about the vase and why this buyer was so eager to get it.

Comments for Reproduction Enamel Vase

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Vase
by: Snap

The warning about lead was added to wares made for export to West, particularly USA department stores, beginning in the 1980s. These were made in the millions, not "for the rich" except if you take into account that at least half of Americans would have been viewed by most Chinese residents as relatively well off.
vase
by: peter

Hi, the fourth picture with the details of the mark on the bottom is not sharp enough to see any writing.

You are probably right with the age of the vase, it does not look antique.

CHINA PORCELAIN DECORATIVE IS CHINA FOR RICH. NOT FOR FOOD USE, PAINT MAY POISON FOOD, FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

Obviously the warning was intended for food related wares. Hardly anyone will eat from a vase. :-)
In some antique porcelain items enamels contained lead and other toxic elements. It is unlikely that items made during the time of this vase would still use the same, the composition of enamels changed already early in the 20th century. But this warning may simply be a requirement from importing countries, which the manufacturer/exporter needed to observe and applied to any and all items.
Well, the English isn't the best.

From its appearance, the vase looks more Japanese. Maybe the marks could shed light on this.

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Reproduction Enamel Vase

by Jan
(Pittsburgh)

Is there any reason he may have been so eager to get the vase?

My camera is not focusing correctly, but I have included another 2 pictures to see if you can discern the marks any better.

Thank you very kindly.

Jan

Comments for Reproduction Enamel Vase

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picture
by: peter

Enlarging such pictures make them just more blurred.

Why do you think it is a reproduction?
If this is not antique it has no specific collection value for antique collectors. If it is a reproduction even less so.

Modern works have only value if they are from famous artists/craftsmen, and if they were not mass produced.

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