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    Large Japanese vase was popular import

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    Published: January 15, 2012

    Q:

    S.B., Tampa

    A:

    Similar to cloisonné, the champleve process involves cutting cells in the body of an object; filling them with powdered, vitreous enamel; firing; and polishing. The raised metal between the cutouts form the design.

    Enameled metal objects have been found in Japan that date back to the 7th century. Champleve pieces like this one were sold to tourists and also were popular imports during the first quarter of the 20th century.

    It is worth around $150. Note that some pieces are signed with Japanese characters, which doesn't seem to affect the value.

    Q:

    J.C., Richmond

    A:

    Jamestown was a large furniture center, eclipsed only by Grand Rapids, Mich., and Rockford, Ill. Two Swedish cabinet makers started Swedish Furniture Manufacturing in 1883, and in 1887 changed the name to Atlas Furniture. Clyne Crawford bought Atlas in 1941. In 1983, it was sold to longtime CEO Carl Cappa. Crawford filed for bankruptcy in August 2011.

    The furniture produced by Crawford during the 1950s and early '60s was designed in-house, so there is no connection to famous mid-century designers such as Bill Bertoia, Charles Eames or Hans Knoll.

    This is used furniture with a couple of things going for it. It is solid wood, as all Crawford furniture was — it looks like cherry or maple — and it has a mid-century look, especially the hardware. It must be worth $100 to $150.

    Have a question about antiques? Email a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in jpeg format to baylife@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not compu

     

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