Vintage Pair Chinese Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Vases 7” Floral Brass Blue Enamel For Sale

This vintage pair of Chinese carved cinnabar lacquer vases stands at 7 inches tall, featuring intricate floral designs and a beautiful blue enamel finish.

Key Characteristics & Construction

• The Material: Traditional Chinese cinnabar lacquerware is made by applying dozens (sometimes hundreds) of thin layers of natural lacquer tree sap onto a base structure. The bright brick-red color comes from mixing cinnabar pigment (mercuric sulfide) into the lacquer.

• The Core Base: Vases of this era and size are typically built on a sturdy brass or copper metal core. The interiors and bottoms are commonly finished with a smooth, glossy dark blue cloisonné enamel to protect the metal from water and corrosion.

• The Carvings: The main body features deeply carved relief details of traditional peony and chrysanthemum blossoms, which represent prosperity and long life in Chinese culture. The foreground elements are carved on top of a highly precise geometric "diaper" pattern background.

Age and Origin

Based on the dimensions (7” x 4.5”), uniform bright coloration, and structural style, this pair resembles twentieth-century export items, likely dating from the Mid-to-Late 20th Century (c. 1950s–1980s). True antique pieces from the Qing or Ming dynasties generally showcase significantly deeper, multi-layered undercut carving styles and a darker, aged patina on the lacquer.

Handmade in China, these vases showcase traditional Chinese culture and craftsmanship. The rich colors and exquisite details of these vases make them a unique and collectible addition to any home decor or cultural artifact collection.