Antiquesmart

Carved Soapstone

Question: Hi, This was my grandfathers. Just wondering what it is worth. Thank you.

RD Lander Answers: I am afraid your soapstone carving, 20th c, has little value, probably around $50.

RDL

Jade Elephant - What is it Worth?

Question: hi. was wondering what this jade elephant is worth, Grade A I have been told. It is about 3"x 3" weighs about 12-16 ounces'

RD Langer Answers: If it is jade, from $100-150. I would have to examine it.

Japanese Vase with Marking - what is it worth?

Dear Doc need to find out of this is worth anything and possibly how old it might be. Can you help me out please?

RD Answers: Re Vase, probably early 20th century; looks around 7" high. Probably bring $100.-125. at auction. Good luck. RDL

Chinese Temple Jar

Question: Hello Mr. Langer, I would like your opinion regarding  my  Chinese Temple Jar, which is 20 inches tall and 10 inches in diameter.  I purchased it from an antique dealer in Minneapolis in the 1970's -  the only information he gave me was that it was from the early 20th century and had been acquired from a temple.  There is what appears to be discoloration from incense smoke in the interior which also contains a number of paper streamers. 

In my internet research I came upon examples and description of the Fahua technique and because of similarities I wonder if it could possibly be an example of Fahua in very low relief. .  It does not have a smooth surface  - one can feel all of the decoration and outlining with the fingertip.  I also noticed that Fahua is thickly potted, often has a cobalt blue background, commonly has flowers as the
subject which are outlined in black or gray - all of which one sees on this jar. I will greatly appreciate your appraisal and thank you in advance.

RD Langer Answers: Hi, the temple jar you own is quite beautiful. I would estimate it would bring between $1000-1500. at auction.

WWII Japanese Items - What are they worth?

Hello,

My father-in-law had these items. He brought them back from the Pacific Theater. I have been trying to find someone who could tell us what they are and and their value. If valuable they would like to sell them. I would be interested in buying them from my in-laws if the original owners could be located. I would return the photographs to the owner or relatives of the owner. Otherwise I would sell the items for my in-laws. Perhaps you can tell me something about these items or refer me?Any help is appreciated. Thank You.

Items:

One blue covered book 1st photo is of inside page.

One Piece of paper with Japanese writing on both sides. (Photo 2&3).

One apparent post card with writing front & back (Photo 4&5).

4 photographs. 2 have printing on back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RD Langer Answers: I am going to speculate and assert these papers and photos were removed from a Japanese soldier. Further speculation leads me to believe one photo is of his wife/girlfriend, the others family members. To research these in its entirety, I would have to charge you $125.00 per hour. If I bought them from you, I would give you $100., try to locate the family in Japan, and return everything to them. Kindest regards, R.D.Langer

Serpentine Carving of a Phoenix - What is it Worth?

Hello Mr. Langer,
I greatly appreciate your expertise in evaluating this carving. It is of extraordinary size, 22 inches tall and weighs in excess of 50 pounds. It is nicely carved in high relief with phoenix, lion dogs, elephant head handles, etc. The phoenix lifts off revealing a 7 inch deep cavity. There are no markings on the bottom. and it is identical on both sides. The rosewood base is intricately inlaid with fine brass wire.
I have found nothing online comparable in size, so I am guessing it may be quite unusual in that regard. I thank you in advance for your help and advice which will be most welcome.

RD Langer Answers: Your piece of Serpentine: I would estimate an auction value of $800.-$1200.

American Indian Artifacts

Question: I don't have any information on these, but I would appreciate an appraisal if at all possible for any or all of these. If it is possible, could you email me the link to the appraisal if it is posted online.
Thank you very much.

RD Langer Answers: Unfortunately, I cannot appraise nine American Indian  items for you; appraising is iike a work of art; it takes a great deal of time to get it right. You might want to contact America West Archives, 435-586-9497; perhaps they may be able to accommodate your request.

Around The World Cruise Vase

Question: This vase was passed down to me from my great-grandmother. It was a gift she received while abroad on the R.M.S. Franconia “Around the World Cruise” of 1930. I have her log book and journal from the tour around the world. I’m not sure what palace she visited when she was given this vase. The story behind it is so precious to my sister and I. She was given a sightseeing break and visited a palace. She spent some time visiting with a shiek that resided there and he was taken by her humbleness and appreciation for the surrounding beauty of the palace art. He gave her the vase and also a beautiful persian rug. I am interested in learning where this piece originated and what it is appraised at. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

RD Langer responds: The story is interesting but difficult to ascertain.
Your great-grandmother was entertained by a sheik, and given a persian rug and a piece of pottery.  The piece of pottery was made in Japan, and was probably worth $5.00 when your great grandmother received it.   Also, the pottery has a camel, and a pagoda painted on it.  I would guess it was given to every passenger as a memento of their round-the-world trip.  I would keep it in the family, along with the nice story and kind remembrances of your great grandmother.

Jade Carving - What is it Worth?

Question: Hi I have a jade carving that I would like you to value please. When I first bought it it was covered in hard wearing paint. I have since removed the paint to discover that the carving was jade underneath. What baffles me is why would any one want to paint over such a beautiful carving. I have been advised that it may be a burmese jadeite hat ornament from the 1900s. The reason why it may have been painted was to hide the value of the item so that it would’t be confiscated by the communist goverment. Can you give me any more info on it please. No one seems to know much about it. The measurement is 6.5" x 5".

 

 

 

 

 

RD Langer Answers: Hi......I love the piece. It looks to me like $2000.-3000. at auction and possibly considerably more. I suggest you contact Lark Mason at I.Gavel, 212-289-5588. He will want an e-mailed photo. Looks to me you may have a winner. Good luck and keep me advised.

RDL Antiquesmart

Chinese or Japanese Vase - What is it Worth?

Question: Dear R.D. Langer, I would sincerely appreciate your help with a vase that my father has, we took it into a place to have it appraised and not only did it take her weeks to get back to us but we truely believe she is way off base on the appraisal. This originally belonged to my grandfather who had it appraised back in November of 1973, at that time he was given the history on the vase and an appraisal. I can tell you this person we took it to recently appraised it $900 less then what it was back n 1973. I am not convinced this particular vase would have depretiated in value.

The following is the infomation from the original appraisal: 1- vase, 18-1/2" high, Chinese porcelain, Ch ' ng Dynasty, Yung Cheng Period, 1722 - 1735, base with Ch'eng mark, often used during the Yung Cheng Period, club shape, all over cream crackle glased ground, overglased decorations in enamel colors, "Battle Scene with Mountainous Background" deep brown glazed bands of incised wave and dragon patterns, flared lip with brown trim, dragon grips in applique.

Any help you could give would be so appreciated, my father is 82 and was so completely disappointed with how the person I took it too handled this but also upset do to what she charged us just to repeat the information I gave her. 

Thank you in advanced for any input you may have.

 

RD Langer replies: The vase looks to me like Japanese, not Chinese. I cannot identify the mark; it is unknown to me. You may wish to contact Bonhams in San Francisco, ask for the e-mail address of Ms. D. Goddard, e-mail photo.  Let me know what they think. Thanks and good luck. RDL