Wooden vase finish

[Wombat2]

I have inherited an old wooden vase that was a wedding present of my mothers from the 1920's

The finish has bubbled and sort of blistered - is there any way to restore the finish without damaging the picture?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v698/Wombat2/th_IMG_0442.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v698/Wombat2/?action=view&current=IMG_0442.jpg)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v698/Wombat2/th_IMG_0443.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v698/Wombat2/?action=view&current=IMG_0443.jpg)

[ubeaut]

It's possible it may be quite valuable in which case I would leave it alone. I'd say it was shellacked and most likely is heat and moisture affected. It's most likely that the art work is painted with a water based paint or dye but not really sure.

I would get an art conservator to have a look at it for you and see what they suggest. Would hate to see it destroyed by stripping which removed the artwork. Would have been a beautiful piece when new, still is. I think it should be left as it is for now until you can find out as much as possible about it.

Restoring it could put pay to any value the piece may have. Over the years I've seen lots of furniture have it's antique value destroyed by bad and often unwarranted restoration.

Cheers - Neil :U

[Wombat2]

Thanks Neil - I have discovered it is called Pokerwork - it stands 40cm tall and still has the metal insert ( which I gather is rare) Similar items (mainly smaller and polished ) sell around $165 - I'll keep looking for a restorer