MINIATURE VASES BLOSSOM BIG
Q My grandfather left his medical practice, wife and two children in Fort Frances in 1916 to serve in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp. When he returned in 1919 he brought home these two miniature vases. When we moved last year, we asked our grandchildren to choose a couple of items for themselves. My 13-year-old granddaughter chose these vases. Each vase is only about 5 cm high (2 inches). Both have markings on the bottom saying DAUM Nancy. Thank you for your interesting column.
Hugh, Waterloo Ont.
A The Daum brothers operated in the glass factory in Nancy, France their father had obtained in 1875. They made much of their best cameo glass — relief decoration formed by acid cutback of the surface and often hand-finished, as in these vases — circa the 1890s and early 1900s. They had attended the School of Art in Nancy while Emile Galle — the grand master of European cameo art glass — was director there.
For collectors, landscape designs with more than one colour are most sought after, which these have and miniatures are always popular. Your granddaughter has begun collecting at the top with the two vases totalling $2,500 today.
Q This medal belonged to my grandfather, who was a clergyman. The time ‘1920-21 For Oratory’ and his name are engraved on the other side. My dad’s cousin, also a clergyman in Ireland, said regarding the medal that this is a fantastic find and that The Theological Society (The Theo) of Trinity College in Dublin was one of the three college societies — the other two were The Historical Society (The Hist) and The Philosophical (The Phil). To gain the oratory award would have been quite a distinction in those days. It measures 5 cm in diameter (2 inches). It is in a folding box almost 9 cm square (3.5 inches) printed inside with ‘Woodhouse Medalist Dublin.’ Can you supply any more information? Thanks.
Judy, Waterloo, Ont.
A These very scarce sterling silver medals were presented to outstanding individuals in areas including science, mathematics, literature, ethics, history, politics and sports. John Woodhouse earned a medal in 1851 for drawing and was involved in some of the actual medal production. The heraldry of the coat of arms of Trinity College is beautifully executed on the medal face and laden with history represented by the lion passant, harp, a book or bible and the castle front — all surrounded by a wreath. Their average selling price is $175, but this is far surpassed by its value
as a laudable memento of stature.
Q This is a vase with an oriental theme. It is at least from the first half of the 1900s, about 46 cm high (18 inches) and was owned in Leeds County. Regrettably it contains no markings of manufacture or origin. Would you have any insight into it? Thank you.
Rob, Ottawa
A You have a 1920s monumental tankard water pitcher made in Japan. The designs of the heavy hand-applied enamels, with the samurai warrior riding a horse among lily pads and flowers, are done in a ‘Satsuma’ manner. It may be a type of Satsuma that would be confirmed by spotting the intentional fine crackling of the glaze coating the cream-coloured pottery showing on the underside or interior. These were mid-grade products, but the size of this piece gives it appeal and a value of $250.
John Sewell is an antiques and fine art appraiser. To submit an item to his column, go to the ‘Contact John’ page at www.johnsewellantiques.ca. Please measure your piece, say when and how you got it, what you paid and list any identifying marks. A high-resolution jpeg photo must also be included. (Only email submissions accepted.) * Appraisal values are estimates only.*