Mid-Century Macau Enameled Gold-Ground Lotus & Peony Vase / Lamp Base

A striking vintage Chinese export porcelain vase featuring an all-over gilded ground and decorated with raised polychrome enameling in shades of soft sky blue, blush pink, lavender, and white depicting lotus, peony, and morning glory blossoms. Body is framed by two gilt ring-and-mask handles.

Originally drilled at the factory during production to be mounted as a table lamp base, it  serves as a statement vessel for dried botanicals or can easily be wired into a custom porcelain table lamp.

• 12.25"H x 8.5"W
• Made in China under supervision of H.F.P. Macau, circa 1970s–1980s
• Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or structural damage. Factory-drilled center hole on the base; decorative use only (not suitable for holding water directly).

Understanding the Base Hole & How to Style It

The factory-drilled hole on the bottom indicates this piece was cast specifically to double as a lamp base body before assembly, or intended as a decorative vessel. Because the hole prevents it from holding water:

• Convert to a Lamp: Mount it onto a carved brass or wood base and insert a standard lamp rod through the center hole to create a custom Chinoiserie lamp.

• Dried / Faux Floral Styling: Display tall faux hydrangeas, cherry blossom branches, or dried pampas grass.

• Stand-Alone Decorative Accent: Place it on an entryway console, mantel, or bookshelf as a sculptural object.

• Fresh Flowers Workaround: If you wish to use fresh flowers, place a slim glass cylinder/liner inside the neck to hold water without leaking through the base hole.