Vase - Wood/Varnish Work - Vietnam

Beautiful authentic lacquered vase with mother-of-pearl inlay (Sông Bé Son Mài). Vietnam, first half of the 20th century.

Magnificent vintage Vietnamese lacquer vase (Sơn Mài) in deep black lacquer and finely refined with mother-of-pearl inlay. The vase is intricately decorated with a classic Eastern motif of two birds on a blooming branch with bamboo/orchid elements. The mother-of-pearl details have a lovely iridescent gloss that changes with the light.

The vase is in good vintage condition. (small chip in the lacquer layer cf detail photo, but easily concealable)

On the bottom, the vase is originally marked: SÔNG BÉ / HTX SƠN MÀI / 19-5 T.

The production process and materials of this type of Vietnamese vase work as follows:

• The core (Base): The form is traditionally turned from wood or built up with layers of woven bamboo/fabric to keep the vase light and dimensionally stable.

• The lacquer layer (Sơn Mài): The vase is coated with dozens of thin layers of resin derived from the Vietnamese lacquer tree (Rhus succedanea). This provides the deep black, smooth, and protective glossy finish.

• The inlay (Decoration): The birds and flowers are made from mother-of-pearl (sourced from the inner surface of shells such as pearl oysters or sea snails), finely cut to size and inlaid into the lacquer.

A mood-setting eye-catcher for an Asian, vintage, or modern interior!

Shipped professionally and with tracking
Shipping rate includes handling, energy, environmental, island, insurance, administration, and customs costs
Shipping within 24 hours after payment is received