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Cinnabar Considered Damaged As A Lamp

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By JAY MOORE Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 7, 2008

I own a cinnabar lamp that I inherited from my grandparents. I was told that it originally was a vase bought in China during the 1930s and was made into a lamp in the 1960s. What is its age and value?

M.R.

Glen Allen, Va.

Cinnabar is an early Chinese art form. It consists of base material covered with many coats of lacquer, which is carved. Cinnabar is colored in varying shades of red, a concoction that included a good dose of mercury.

This vase was crafted during the first quarter of the 20th century, though Chinese cinnabar was produced as early as 200 B.C. Cinnabar boxes and vases are still being made.

Because this vase was modified and made into a lamp -- it probably was drilled -- it is considered damaged. It would retail for $100.

I believe that what I inherited is an antique settee or loveseat. However, it opens into a bed and I have never seen anything like it. It is damaged; wood is missing on top of the back. What is it worth?

L.M.

During the late Victorian period, this form often was called a fainting couch. Earlier, it was referred to as a Recamier, a style developed in France during the 18th century and named after socialite Juliette Recamier.

Your fainting couch is morphic American patent furniture. Much of the patent furniture made during the last quarter of the 19th century was morphic, meaning it could be transformed into something else. Pieces included wardrobes and chests that converted into beds and foldout fainting couches.

Although you will see some insane prices on the Internet, these pieces are not very popular because they are uncomfortable -- unless you have passed out. In addition, they often need reupholstering, which is costly.

This couch appears to have a walnut frame that needs repair. The upholstery appears to be in good condition, however, many buyers will want to recover it in their own choice of fabric, and so would seek a hefty discount. It would retail for about $195.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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