Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be familiar with the traditional storehouses in Japan (kura) with their thick plaster walls used to store valuable items—sometimes for hundreds of years—safe from humid air, insects, and the like. On occession, after the passing of a parent or relative, these storehouses are opened up and the art pieces and valuables inside ar...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Snowy Miyajima
Date: 1936.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 7.75 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Printer: Yokoi. Carver: Harada. This combination of seals indicates an early postwar edition.
Reference: TK-DH-25 in Koitsu catalogue.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has one tape remnant at top right. Slight fading.

A simple silver bangle with niello marked Sterling. The width is a tad over 1/16"~ inner diameter 2-5/8".

Elizabeth II sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in Birmingham in 1963. Traditional Georgian cartouche with molded curvilinear rim. Fully marked including phrase “Made in England”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/8 x W 10 1/8 x D 10 1/8 in. Weight: 22 troy ounces. #BY062

Pair of German Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, ca 1830. Each: Socket mounted to leaf flange in turn mounted to baluster shaft on raised round foot on square base. Fluting, gadrooning, acanthus leaf, and leaf-and-dart ornament. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 10 1/8 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weighted. #BY091

Plique à jour enamel and gilt sterling silver bowl. Made by David Andersen in Norway, ca 1925. Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprised of warrior’s shields. Oval form for stealthy gliding. Planks with filigree rinceaux. Stylized Arts & Crafts ornament. Translucent green, red, yellow, and purple. Marks include maker’s stamp. Excellent condition with strong and intact color.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 5/8 x D 3 1/4 in. #BY195

English Modern sterling silver box. Tall and rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and double-scroll tab. Box interior cedar-lined with open leather-lined bottom. Cover interior gilt. Worn marks including maker’s stamp for Arthur & John Zimmerman, a Birmingham maker active from the 1920s to 1940s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 1/4 x D 4 7/8 in. Gross weight: 33.7 troy ounces. #BV990

American Edwardian Classical sterling silver tray, ca 1910. Rectangular well with curved corners, tapering and paneled shoulder, and molded serpentine rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp (Bailey, Banks & Biddle) and no. 1088. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 18 1/4 x D 11 7/8 in. Heavy weight: 44 troy ounces. #BY133

Lovely Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Oval window in same surround. On front acid-etched ornament in form of fluid flower heads and tendrils between scalloped borders; sides plain. Two charming ball supports. With glass, silk lining, and burgundy velvet back and hinged easel support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including stamp for IN Deitsch, a New York maker active from ca 1904 to 1915, and no. 118. Very good condition with strong definition.

Dimensions: Frame: H...

Set of 4 George II cast sterling silver candlesticks. Made by James Morison in London in 1756. Each: Spool socket with detachable bobeche and round bowl on knopped and flanged half-fluted shaft; raised foot on curvilinear six-shell base with engraved coat of arms. Stylish midcentury Georgian. Fully marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 9 1/4 x W 5 1/8 x D 4 1/8 in. Total weight: 64 troy ounces. #BY116

Handsome European stone trinket box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Shoulder and base chamfered. Cover hinged, inset, and chamfered. Silver-plated mouth and cover rims. Cover has cabled border and filigree scrolled tab. Stone mottled red. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x W 4 x D 2 1/2 in. #BX269

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

A flip calendar with a tiny woodblock print of a torii gate and a litho of The Teahouse Jiji-ga-chaya at Meguro by Hiroshige.
Date: 1934
Overall size: 5.25 x 2.5 inches.
Christmas greeting on back.
Condition: Excellent.

George II sterling silver salver. Made by Richard Rugg in London in 1755. Round with cast serpentine shell-and-leaf rim and 3 leaf-capped volute scroll supports. Well center has lozenge with engraved interlaced script monogram in leafing and flowering scroll support. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 12 in. Weight: 28.5 troy ounces. #BY099

Pair of Edwardian Modern sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Ovoid with faceted upward tapering haft on raised foot. Socket tapering with detachable bobeche. Dramatic ribbing on socket and foot. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, and no. A4298. Very good condition with a few pings on shaft and foot.

Dimensions: H 10 3/8 x W 4 7/8 x D 3 5/8 in. Weighted. #BY106

Edwardian Classical sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Oval well with tapering sides and wavy, scrolled rim. Chased and cast scrolls, flowers, leaves, and scallop shells. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 14367, and director’s letter C (1902-7). Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x W 12 3/4 x D 9 7/8 in. Weight: 22.6 troy ounces. #BY173

Charles W. Bartlett
Title: Kobe
Date: 1915
Board size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Medium: Watercolor on paper.
Signed "C.W.B", titled, dated, and dedicated in pencil.
Condition: Painting is laid down to board. Paper toned in places.
Note: As signed, the work was painted in 1915, the year Bartlett arrived in Japan, and was subsequently presented as a Christmas gift in 1936.

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

Charles W. Bartlett
Fruit Sellers, Madura, India 1923
Date: 1923
Paper size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Sealed CWB and titled. Signed in pencil and dedicated "Love from the Bartletts".
Medium: Etching hand-colored with watercolor.
Condition: Toned.
Note: This example has a double image.

George V sterling silver salver. Made by Lionel Alfred Crichton in London in 1925. Round with beaded serpentine rim and four hoof supports. Fully marked including phrase “Made in England”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x W 16 1/4 x D 15 in. Weight: 51 troy ounces. #BY201

Edwardian Classical sterling silver bread tray. Made by Graff, Washbourne & Dunn in New York, ca 1900. Ovoid well with lobed ends and tapering sides; alternating scrolls and leaves applied to rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 551. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/8 x W 14 5/8 x D 9 1/4 in. Weight: 13 troy ounces. #BY103

Pair of English Neoclassical sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1928. Each: Two leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket, wrapped around a central socket. Arms set in single socket mounted to tapering shaft on raised foot. Each socket tapering with detachable bobeche and wax pan. Faceted and reeded. Applied acanthus leaves on sockets and foot. Leaf-and-dart borders. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 212...

Pair of English Neoclassical sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1930. Each: Two leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket, wrapped around a central socket. Arms set in single socket mounted to tapering shaft on raised foot. Each socket tapering with detachable bobeche and wax pan. Central socket has cover with acorn finial. Faceted and reeded. Applied acanthus leaves on sockets and foot. Leaf-and-dart borders. Converts to candlestick. Fully marke...

Edwardian Classical sterling silver bowl. Made by Redlich & Co. in New York, ca 1900. Tapering sides and flared rim; applied and pierced rim with cast leafing scrolls and flowers. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Cowell & Hubbard) stamps and no. 3982. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 10 3/8 in. Weight: 11 troy ounces. #BY088

German Modern 800 silver box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides and crisp corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab; cover top gently curved and inlaid with shagreen in geometric pattern. Cedar-lined interior. Open leather-lined bottom. Marks include maker’s stamp (Wilhelm Binder). Good condition with some wear and rubbing to shagreen.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/2 in. Gross weight: 28.6 troy ounces. #BX428

American Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in plain, flat, and narrow surround. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) display. Marked “Sterling / 83”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 x W 8 in. Window: H 8 3/4 x W 6 3/4 in. #BT093

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Title: Tokaido Numazu (Numazu, from the Processional Tokaido, a series on the arrival of the 14th shogun)
Date: 1863. First edition.
Size: 14.75 x 10 inches.
Publisher: Iseya Kanekichi (Isekane)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Right margin has holes and pen mark. Light soling.

Edwardian Classical sterling silver trinket box. Made by Howard & Co. in New York in 1901. Oval with straight sides and flat hinged cover. Leafing scrollwork applied to sides and cover top, which also has centrally mounted cherub’s head. Reeded rims with applied leaf border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, year, and no. 1465. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x W 6 3/8 x D 4 7/8 in. Heavy weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BX686

Pair of Francis I sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton. Each: Central socket on spool base to which are mounted two reeded wraparound branches, each terminating in single socket. Branches have short leaf and flower band. Branch plug set in socket mounted to baluster shaft; raised foot. Low relief ornament with leaves and fruit and flower clusters. Sockets bellied and shaft and foot fluted. Foot and bobeche rims scrolled. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pat...

Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, ca 1910. Oval window in same surround; on front engraved ivy leaf garland with spiky tips and reeded stems. Sides plain. Two delightful ball supports. With glass, silk lining, and burgundy velvet back and hinged-easel support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 9 7/8 x W 7 1/4 in. Window: H 8 1/4 x W 5 7/8 in. #BX906

Pair of American Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1910. Urn socket on baluster shaft on domed foot. Plain bobeche and knop. Allover floral repousse and leaf-and-dart foot border. Traditional form with historic regional ornament. Marks including Baltimore retailer’s stamp (F. Bucher & Sons). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x D 4 5/8 in. Weighted. #BY077

American Colonial sterling silver bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1948. Curved and tapering sides, flared rim, and stepped foot. For serving or presentation with lots of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date code, and no. 41660 as well as phrase “P. Revere / Reproduction”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x D 9 in. Weight: 23.6 troy ounces. #BX965

George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by Ernest Wilfred Sanders & Henry Arthur Mackenzie in Birmingham in 1933. Rectangular window with curvilinear upper corners in plain and flat rectangular surround with wide lower rail. With glass, silk lining, and stained wood back and hinged easel support. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 1/2 x W 8 in. Window: H 8 7/8 x W 6 7/8 in. #BX905

Elizabeth Keith (1887-1956)
Noh Actor Shigeyama in Green Costume
Date: 1935-36.
Size: Approximately 19.5 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Signed "Elizabeth Keith" in pencil.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Notch in lower margin. Tape residue at left, bottom left, and top back margins.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Spring Evening
Date: Pre-1936.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 14.75 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shotei seal at right.
Reference: Shotei #M-12. Watanabe #212.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has paper residue.

Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1952. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.

Dimensio...

Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.

Dimensio...

Pair of Victorian Classical sterling silver bowls. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Round with plain well and curved and fluted sides. Turned-down lobed rim. Four ball supports Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 10374 (first produced in 1889), and director’s letter M (1873-91). Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x D 5 3/4 in. Total weight: 7 troy ounces. #BX708

Charming Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval window in same flat surround. On front acid-etched daisy chain with dense leaf and flower arrangement; tubular cartouche (vacant). Sides plain with tooled linear borders. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back and hinged easel support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16401A, and director’s letter m. Excellent condition with strong defin...

Francis I sterling silver bowl. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Quatrefoil well and wide flared mouth with wavy scrolled rim. Chased and embossed fruits. A nice piece in the classic French Renaissance pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, no. X569, and date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 11 5/8 in. Weight: 20.4 troy ounces. #BX690

Unusual American Modern 18k gold chain, ca 1980. Small yellow gold links interspersed with large tooled ovals with central wraparound band as well as thick and solid rose ovals. With clasp. Very good condition.

Length: 32 in. Weight: 21.7 dwt/33.8 g. #1232

George V sterling silver box. Made by Henry Matthews in Birmingham in 1930. Rectangular with straight sides. Corner posts on ball support. Cover flat and hinged; on top horizontal engine-turned bands bordered by plain and wraparound engine-turned bands. Sides same with plain borders. Box interior wood-lined and partitioned. Open leather-lined bottom. Fully marked. Good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x W 7 x D 3 3/4 in. Gross weight: 23 troy ounces. #BW000

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including make...

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Round and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including mak...

American Modern ring with cabochon tiger eye in 14k yellow gold setting; brilliant-cut diamond on each shoulder. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 8 1/2. Weight: 10.5 dwt (16.3 g). #1223

Modern sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1937. Round with curved and fluted sides. Rim flat and applied with incised band. Short foot ring with same. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 22392 (first produced in 1937), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 9 1/4 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX604

With pottery shards from excavated kilns dating back to the 5th Century, Mino-ware is one of the oldest and most revered pottery traditions in all of Japan. Though the piece featured here does not fit neatly into any of the typical categories of Mino pottery such as Kiseto, Setoguro, Oribe, or Shino; the shape and overall feel of this piece unmistakably places it within this pottery tradition.

Exceptionally well-proportioned and utterly unique, this tea bowl displays a ...

Kawase Hasui
Uji Bridge (aka Bridge on a Starry Night)
Note: But are the stars fireflies? The Uji Bridge and River are known for fireflies.
Date: 1930s.
Size: Koban. Approximately 7.75 x 5.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui's oval seal at lower left.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-24.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Midcentury Modern sterling silver monteith bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved sides and reeded curvilinear rim; raised and spread foot. Stylish for serving and presentation. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and postwar pattern no. 23881. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 9 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 30 troy ounces. #BP797

German 800 silver picture frame, ca 1920. Oval window in chased and tooled surround comprising flower heads and leaves. Textural with irregular rims. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back with hinged easel support. With loose-mounted ring. For portrait (vertical) display. Marked with Hanau maker’s stamp Vereinigte Silberwarenfabrik. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 5/8 x W 5 3/4 in. Window: H 5 1/2 x D 4 in. #BY044

Traditional Georgian-style sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1950. Each: Spool socket with detachable bobeche on knopped and flanged shaft; foot square. Gadrooned rims. Fully marked including stamp for Prill Silver Co., Inc. a New York maker active from 1930s-1970s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 35 troy ounces. #BX825

Traditional Georgian-style sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1950. Each: Spool socket with detachable bobeche on knopped and flanged shaft; foot square. Gadrooned rims. Fully marked including stamp for Prill Silver Co., Inc. a New York maker active from 1930s-1970s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 34 troy ounces. #BX824

Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design. England, ca 1880. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 4 1/2. Weight: 2.1 dwt (3.2 g). #1221

Silberiris glass vase by historic Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Globular with pinched shoulder and ruffled turned-down quatrefoil rim. On front overlay in form of loose and fluid blooms on entwined and whiplash stems. Back plain. Glass iridescent yellow, green, blue, and purple. Shimmering turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau. Pontil mark. Excellent condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 4 3/4 in. #BX856

Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973)
Water Hyacinth (Mizuaoi)
Date: 1950s. Later edition.
Size: Oban. 16.0 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left. Carver and printer seals at left margin.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Osuga Yuichi (b. 1939)
Japanese Bellflower (Kikyo)
Date: ca. 1970s or later.
Size: Oban. 15.875 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left.
Carver: Monju. Printer: Sugimoto
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Upper left margin edge has vertical crease.

Toko Shinoda (1913-2021)
Title: Discovery
Size: Approximately 14.125 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1980s or earlier.
Edition: 33/35.
Medium: Lithograph with red and black sumi-e brushstrokes.
Condition: Slight toning to former matte edge.

Ohara Koson (?)
Three Birds (Gallinules) (Matsumoto catalog name)
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.75 x 3.625 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Sealed "Yamagishi," which may be the carver Kazue Yamagishi (1891-1984).
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 420)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design. Not found in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland) but similar to the artist's gallinule...