Art of the Flip: Antique Japanese Moriage Vase

Long ago, back at my favorite once a year indoor sale at an old small town mall, I found this vase at a seller’s table.

It was already a few hours into the sale and I just arrived to the event. I was pretty surprised to see this still there after so much time had passed. I was also really happy to spot this treasure! It had a clear price tag of $12. I looked over the whole piece and there was no damage. Wow! The seller told me it must be European, and that I should check out the asian vase he had next to it for $30. Little did he know that I was holding “The” Asian Vase, a 19th century, 1880’s, Meiji Period, Japanese ’wedding cake’ moriage, porcelain pedestal footed, double handled vase, with hand painted floral motif.

The $30 piece he was offering was recently made and commercially sold.

Moriage is hand applied raised enamel.

My $12 purchase turned into a $201.50 sale! What a Score!