Etched Floral Banded Brass Vase
Decorative art, metalware vessel (vase) • Unattributed maker, likely produced in India or the Middle East for the export market
Style & Movement
Decorative export craft, traditional Asian/Middle Eastern revivalist design
Medium & Technique
Brass, spun metal body with lathe-turned incised banding and hand-etched floral motifs
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height approximately 10 to 12 inches, freestanding symmetrical vessel
Subject Description
Bulbous vase featuring a flared rim, a constricted neck with horizontal concentric bands, a rounded shoulder with alternating brass and darkened patinated bands, and a lower body decorated with an etched floral and foliate motif.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, showing standard surface wear, oxidation, and aged patina consistent with age and use
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Acquired through general decorative arts channels, likely part of mid-century home decor imports
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-20th-century decorative metalware mass-produced for Western export markets, combining traditional hand-etching techniques with industrial turning methods
Notable Features
Contrasting light brass and dark patinated bands created through turning and chemical or thermal blackening, paired with delicate hand-etched floral vignettes near the base
Condition Issues
Surface dust, minor tarnish, accumulated residue in the interior, and scattered light scratches to the dark patina
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive metal polishes to preserve the aged dark contrast and patina. Display in a stable indoor environment away from excessive moisture.