When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Senso Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the lord of the tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chozaemon came with him and established Ohi-yaki ware in Kanazawa. Chozaemon had been the chief apprentice for the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ohi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea ceremony desp...
German 800 silver wine trolly nef, ca 1920. A 3-mast galleon with billowing sales and complicated rigging. Gun ports open and cannons ready to fire. Lots of deck action, too with fighting swordsman and fallen sailors. Holds a special cargo because wood-style hull is a wine trolly. Figurehead spigot with threaded plug, and dolphin side mounts with rotating wheels for cruising across the table. Gives new meaning to the expression “getting sloshed”. Memorable dinner party guaranteed.
Hana...
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau clear glass decanter with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin in Providence. Globular body with high-looping handle, upward tapering cylindrical neck, and helmet mouth. Ball stopper with short plug. Dense and scrolling fruiting grapevine overlay. Scrolled asymmetrical cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Handle and mouth in silver collar as is stopper neck. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Mermod, Jaccard), and no. 36150. Very g...
The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Bizen-ware is known for employing a natural-ash glazing technique that is unique to this type of pottery and which requires extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures. This means that constant attention is required to ensure good results. The tea bowl shown here...
Decidedly masculine in character with straight sculpted edges, a rich palette of color, and a calm steadiness in the hand; this tea bowl was crafted by one of Japan’s great masters, a Mashiko potter by the name of Takauchi Shugo.
A native of Tokyo, Takauchi (b. 1937) took the well-established path of working for a company after graduating from university and it was not until a number of years later—upon visiting the town of Mashiko and being inspired by the works of artists such...
Ramp up your allure with a turn-of-the-century parasol handle. Silver and amber cylinder mounted to cone with enameled stylized vertical leafing branches on green guilloche basket-weave ground. Silver rim with seed-pearl border and cabochon-cut pink hardstone top. For a flirty, twirling come-hither. In a leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining with Parisian retailer’s gilt stamp (Dupuy). Worn marks appear to be those of Georg Adam Scheid; also, French import marks. Very good cond...
Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.
This piece is quite unique for its brown color which may have been produced using a copper glaze under very specific conditions. Typical o...
Exquisitely painted cherry blossoms (sakura) and willow branches (yanagi) on a background of jet-black traditional lacquer.
The craftsman, Wakashima Takao (b. 1935) was born in the north of Japan in the picturesque town of Wajima. The lacquer technique particular to this region (Wajima-nuri) is rather unique in its use of an undercoating incorporating special compounds that make it exceptionally durable over time. Wakashima perfected this demanding technique and, over the course of...
Pair of Retro 14K gold pins. Each: Open and shaped triangle with strapwork scroll bisected by stepped arch. Fluid and snazzy. United States, ca 1940. Hallmarked. The original Tiffany stamp was lost during conversion. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 1 3/8 x D 1/2 in. Total weight: 15.4 dwt. #896
Tsutsu-shaped chawan have a unique and especially attractive shape. They are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat, and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant lines and functional properties.
This tea bowl was fired in the kilns of one of Kyoto’s best known Raku-yaki potters, Sasaki Shoraku III (1944-). The Shoraku line began when the grandfather of the current potter established a kiln...
Sweet 14k white and yellow gold ring with rose-cut diamond in square mount (0.4 carats). United States, ca 1940s. Very good condition.
Size: 7 1/2. #1141
Delightful 18k gold figural pin. Stylized owl with ribbed crown, rose-diamond eyes set in concave disc sockets, sweet wing flaps, and branch-gripped talons. Breast inset with turquoise stone. A symbol of wisdom in the advanced taste. United states, ca 1930. Stamped “750”. Very good condition with great color.
Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 7/8 x D 1/2 in. #873
Beautiful 14k gold flower brooch comprising petals inset with 33 rubies (approx. 3 carats) on white-gold stem encrusted with pave diamonds. The flower is framed by 3 scrolled yellow gold leaves. United States, ca 1940s. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x W 1 3/8 in. #675
Pair of Modern 14k gold clip-on earrings. Each: Strands comprising rope and beads forming semi-abstract scrolled leaf. Snazzy Midcentury style. United States, ca 1960s. Marked. Very good condition with nice finish.
Dimensions: H 1/2 x L 1 1/4 x W 7/8 in. Total weight: 12.8 DWT (20 g). #1145
American crossover cocktail ring in 14K white and yellow gold, ca. 1970. Double-headed with juxtaposing turquoise beads and pave diamonds (3.4 cts). Excellent condition.
Approx. size: 6 1/2. #5040
Sugimoto Sadamitsu (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age. Originally a resident of Tokyo, at the age of 33 he moved to Shigaraki and started creating high-quality tea-ware implements, most notably, fine tea bowls in the style of early Raku masters. A devotee of Zen and a lover of tea, Sugimoto is able to create tea bowls that are not just attractive, pleasant to hold in the hand, and a joy to drink from; but tha...
Unlike many of the pieces in the genre of Kyo-ware, this tea bowl is decidedly demure in appearance. Milky, flowing glaze pools in places along a backdrop of ivory and coral pink sides, contrasting nicely with the rough, unrefined clay of the base. In the center of the kodai is a decorative swirl pattern reminiscent of the yin and yang.
The potter, Kanpu Kawanabe (1873 - 1947) was born into a family of weavers but went on to be trained in many of the arts related to tea ceremony. A...
A gypsy style three strand necklace with faux stamped silver coins, balls,spacers and glass coral. 32"
This piece is described on the box as a Hikidashi Kuro Chawan. In Japanese hikidashi means “a pull-out drawer” and the term first came into use at Mino kilns in the 16th century to describe individual pieces that were pulled out of the wood kiln at the peak of firing to gauge if the batch was ready. The rapid cooling of such pieces often creates dramatic effects, with the most noted being rich varieties of deep black. Today this practice has fallen out of use and and only a handful of master...
Crafted by one of the most well-known potting families from the Meiji period (Ito Tozan), this black Raku tea bowl displays a glossy sheen and gentle swells rippling through the clay body. The shape of the this tea bowl is known as “tsutsu” in Japanese and is regarded as being especially attractive. Tsutsu bowls are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant li...
Art Deco 950 silver ice bucket. Made by Tetard Freres in Paris, ca 1930. Trapezoidal with applied rim and two rectangular supports mounted to stained-wood. Sides gently convex with fashionable skyscraper motif. Fully marked with Minerva head and maker’s mark. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x W 6 5/8 x D 5 3/4 in. Gross weight: 24 troy ounces. #BN222
This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time bl...
Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku. Th...
Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...
Antique Chinese porcelain cricket cage of a gourd form. Its lid has reticulated air vents, enamel peonies and Chinese characters and gilt edge details. The cage front has enamel scene of a young boy and girl having tea in a field of flowers, with an inscription on the backside. Red four character mark on base.
Size: 4.75" L x 2.75" W x 1.75" H
Antique Kurdish chanteh bag (camel bag). Made of wool and woven in two connected panels. The front panel (facing out on the camel) is woven with star protection motifs and surrounded with a running hooked motif along the border. The back of the bag is woven in a stripe pattern. Circa 1900.
Size: 40" high x 29" wide
Beautiful Chinese scroll painting of three koi fish swimming underneath a patch of lotuses. Very bright coloration used with bold contrast. Vibrant natural colors. Great movement and fine attention to detail. Signature and chop of Zhao Dao Ang (1905-1998).
Size: (entire scroll) 41.5" L x 24" H (artwork only) 32.25" L x 19.5" H
Charming Original photograph of smiling village children by the famous photographer, Si Cho Ko. From Taiwan, Si Cho Ko has traveled and exhibited extensively including the National Art Museum of China in 2007.
Si Chi Ko is the first Taiwan photographer to hold a photograph exhibition in the Chinese mainland. He brought over 80 pieces of art works, reflecting his passion towards life, love of nature and also the loneliness from the bottom of his heart.
This photograph is signed in pen by...
Here is a rare complete set of nine lithograph/prints including one of Senator McGovern during his presidential run that year as well as eight others signifying campaign issues.The content page lists the artists with a small box picture of their work/issues.
It is noted that the prints are issued in offset lithography in a numbered edition of 375, and signed in print by each artist with the EXCEPTION of the McGovern print.Each Measures 16" x 19.5" They include: 1)McGovern by Paul Giovanopolis, ...
"...A simple and attractive account of the Great events of the Old and New Testaments.." published in 1879 by the Henry Bill Publishing Co., Norwich CT.Introduction by Rev. Alvin Bond,D.D. Illustrated with engravings and maps.There are 584 pages along with 10 plus pages of recommendations.
The engravings are in wonderful condition with the exception of the first one which has foxing...and there is some foxing especially in the front.The leather cover is worn and the spine section is missing(see...
Antique Korean chest made with beautiful burl hardwood front panels. Four drawers run along the top section, while both have central doors with decorative brass plating. The interior is lined with old paper. 19th Century original condition and finish.
Size: 52" total height (23" H per section) (stand 6" H), 35.5" L, 16.5" D
Antique Chinese three section desk with attractive brass tone handles, nicely complimenting the warm finish of the wood. Simplistic in design, with eight medium drawers and one long drawer along the topmost section. Great full size for modern day use.
Size: 31.5" height, 53.75" width, 30" depth
Charming rectangular Shakudo brooch with gold and silver detail featuring a laughing man. The brooch is braced by a 12K gold mount. Made in Japan. Meiji era, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with fine patina.
Dimensions: H 7/8 x L 1 7/8 in. #1119
A delightful Shakudo brooch featuring a laughing face with exaggerated features including large copper lips as well as copper rope detail. Made in Japan. Meiji era, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with lovely patina.
Dimensions: H 3/4 x L 1 3/4 in. #1118
Pair of Neoclassical-style decanters, ca. 1980. Globular body in white campher glass. Scroll handle with foliate cap is silver plate as is mouth collar and hinged over, which are in form of ram’s head. Fun and fanciful. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/3 x W 7 x D 5 in. R&M
Ca 1940 A heavy, solid sterling choker and bracelet by Jensen USA designer, Laurence Foss( 1920-2014). It features hand applied, raised sterling leaves with beading. The choker weighs 63 grams, is approximately 16" in length and just shy of 1/2" in width. Both the bracelet and choker are marked with the LF logo, sterling, 450. The bracelet weighs 29 grams and is 7"x 1/2".
Antique ukiyo-e woodblock print of an anxious person in a brown checkered kimono, with light blue trim and obi with black flowers, assisting a rather bored looking woman in a gorgeous, long black kimono with pink and blue blows, blue trim, and a pink under kimono and obi. By artist Ichiyosai Toyokuni Okada.
Size: (entire frame) 21.5" height, 17" width (artwork only) 14.75" height, 9.5" width
Antique ukiyo-e woodblock print of a woman with a look of frustration on her face, wearing a black kimono, decorated with light pink and blue sakura blossoms, and a salmon pink under robe. Behind her are several cottages with trees and mountains, and stylized signatures in the top right corner and middle left side. Ukiyo-e is a genre of woodblock print that was popular during the 17-19th centuries in Japan. The print is set behind glass in a large frame, and the back of the frame lists artist: ...
Beautifully carved soap stone figure of sage Fulushuo, he leans on an elaborately carved staff and hold the peach of longevity, on an intricately carved dark stone stand on which are carved a bat and a deer, also symbols of happiness and longevity, wonderful expression, stone of a lovely orange and green, Republic Period (circa 1910-1930).
Total size: 20 3/4" high x 8" wide x 5 1/2" deep.
French frame with gilt-bronze mounts, ca. 1900. Rectangular and white-painted wood frame with carved reeding and applied gilt bronze mounts. Gilt-bronze laurel wreath and ribbon mounted to top. With glass, lining, and brocade-lined back and hinged support for vertical display. Tiny corner losses. Otherwise good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 8 ¾ x W 5 ¾ in. Window: H 5 ¼ x W 3 ¾ in. BJ261
Gilt and polychrome bronze frame with exotic fronds, ca. 1910. Rectangular with colored and etched fronds, flowers, bamboo, and grape bunches. Exciting Japanese-inspired design. With glass, silk lining, brass back and hinged support for vertical display. Support is marked ‘MV’ with hammer. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 12 x W 7 in. Window: H 7 ½ x W 3 ¾ in. AR427
A small oil on canvas with period frame. The frame measures 11" x 13". Signed in the lower right corner.
American Edwardian 14 kt white gold lorgnette inset with diamonds and sapphires. Get in touch with your inner dowager. To be deployed at the next meeting. In silk-lined case. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 1 3/4 in. #1018
English Victorian diamond, 18k gold, and enamel eye brooch, ca 1880. Oval enamel plaque with flowers on peach ground. Bordered with rose-cut diamonds. Gold edge has engraved zigzag pattern.
Dimensions: H 1 x W 1 3/4 in. #878
Antique accessories have unique style and flair. This pair of art deco–style silver wine coolers features straight sides, reeded rims, and faceted corners. They also have ring handles and triangular mounts, making them distinct among antique wine coolers. Chill wine as you entertain guests at cocktail parties and other gatherings. You don’t want to miss this excellent pair of art deco–style silver wine coolers from our collection.
Excellent condition. Dimensions: H 12 x W 8 1/2 x D ...
French gilt-bronze triptych picture frame. Beaded and guilloché borders. Central panel has scalloped top. Curvilinear side wings. Floral silk ground. Seven windows total: 2 circular windows (diameter 3 1/2 in.), 2 circular windows (diameter 2 1/2 in.), 2 oval windows (H 3 x W 2 1/2 in), and 1 oval window (H 5 x 4 in.). Enough room for the whole family.
Frame dimensions: Height: 10 3/4 in. Width: 17 3/4 in. AX125
A striking 14K Gold Three Tiered Chain Necklace featuring Oval shaped Semi Precious Stones of varying sizes. These stones include Chrysophase, Citrine, Moonstone & Amethyst. The graduating gold chains measure 18 inches, 19 inches, and 20 ½ inches respectively and all connect to a rectangular bar clasp at the nape of the neck. American. Circa 1930’s. Excellent Condition.
An antique American Edwardian delicate filigree platinum bow pin decorated with a center round diamond and inlaid with small diamonds throughout the bow.
A small circular pendant of diamonds with a center drop diamond hangs from the bow.
American, circa 1900 approx. 1 carat of diamonds total. Excellent condition, the pin measures 2" in length.
Swiss brooch, ca 1880. Oval enameled plaque in gold frame; rim comprises applied scrolls heightened with enamel and inset with pearls.
The plaque depicts the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle set on an island in Lake Geneva, with Mont Blanc in the background. Chillon was a source of inspiration to the English Romantics, especially Lord Byron whose Prisoner of Chillon was inspired by its use as a prison during the 16th-century Wars of Religion. Byron’s evocation of tormented solitude is ...
A fine pair of 19th century clambroth glass candle holders. Stout but elegant baluster turned sticks with broad, stable feet. Fine and practical decorative accents. The reference to clambroth says it all - the milky glass almost translucent (more so toward the foot - see second illustration) with opaque bubbles throughout. Good condition. These are probably pretty early and likely not common to fetch a pair. Would be a refreshing "stand in" for brass in period interior. They are tall at height 1...
Ca 1940 An exquisite bracelet created by Foss during the time he worked for Georg Jensen USA. This is truly a "must have" for any Foss collector. Marked 416A. 7-1/4" x 5/8" ~ 24.3 grams
Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, is commonly paired with Usobuki in Kyogen theater. This is a rare and old pair of Okame and Usobuki ceramic figures. We have the original receipt from Things Japanese 20 years ago. We are asking the same price as the price on the receipt from 20 years ago. 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
European 15k gold stickpin, ca 1880. Mounted with carved intaglio cameo, depicting a left-facing Classical female head. The color is reddish brown. It is in a gold frame mounted to a twisted shaft. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x D 5/8 in. #112
This pretty brooch with stones mounted in silver-topped 18k gold has been designed in the shape of a flower.
The petals have been formed from 5 incised citrines in a warm smokey yellow-brown color which surround a cut diamond in the center.
The stem of the flower and the petals' border are all highlighted by inlaid old European and rose-cut diamonds.
The back has been marked with a French guarantee stamp.
The brooch measures approximately 1 3/4" X 1 1/4" and was made Circa:1880.
It is a lov...
Ca 1892 An ornately stamped gilt metal blue chalcedony (dyed agate) bracelet in original condition with detailed crimped frames and expandable panels all accented by flowerheads and small opals. The stones' facets and tables show light wear; one stone has a small chip on a table facet, another has a small section missing adjacent the setting (please refer to pictures). Hidden box clasp and safety chain. There is some darkening to the metal. A lovely piece sold as is. 7 -1/4".