This vase was presented with lifting lacquer and several losses. Upon examination, the vase was determined to be made of iron sheeting that was covered with lacquer on the outside and paper on the interior. The vase had been used to hold water and the iron rusted. Lacquer lifted from the surface and some had fallen off.

Analytical analysis was performed, including X-radiography, embedding samples in resin to analyze the layer structure of the lacquer carving, and elemental analysis of the lacquer. The X-ray shows a seam that overlaps with no solder, therefore the water seeped through to the outer layer and caused rust that pushed off the lacquer. Under the microscope, cross-sections revealed a layer structure of at least 30 layers of lacquer that was hand-carved using traditional methods. Ultraviolet light under the microscope indicates the presence of an oil added to the lacquer mixture. Elemental analysis shows the strong presence of mercury and sulfur, which are the components of the pigment “cinnabar,” a natural pigment, or “vermillion,” which is its synthetic form.

Treatment included softening of the lifted lacquer, re-adhesion to the iron substrate, and filling of the losses with a substitute material that was hand carved.