If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a set of sake cups he describes as “Ou-tekko” (pyrite) and “Ammonite” (same in English - a kind of sea fossil). Part of a series he has been developing, the ancient Ammonite fossil has been the inspiration behind his latest creations. Pyrite, meanwhile refers to the metallic patterning on the outer surface of the clay body. Truly uniqu...
American Art Nouveau inkwell with engraved silver overlay, ca 1886. Bellied and faceted; short neck in silver collar and hinged and faceted silver cover. Overlay in form of dense and connected leafing and flowering branches. Glass is clear. Marked “Sterling Silver” and patent date “Jan. 5 86”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x D 3 1/4 in. #BT470
Turn-of-the-century cut-glass perfume bottle with sterling silver stopper. Globular with short and faceted neck and shoulder, and everted rim. Star, fern, and diaper ornament. Globular stopper with dense repousse-style flowers and ferns on stippled ground. Marked “Sterling” with stamp for James R. Armiger Co., a Baltimore maker that began working under that name in 1896. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 6 7/8 x D 3 5/8 in. #BM943 & BM944
Magnificent American Classical coin silver tureen. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Curved ovoid bowl on stepped oval foot mounted to four beaded and round supports. Cover domed. Bowl rim has bold beading bordered by applied guilloche. On each end is cast satyr’s head with flamboyantly ribbed horns and slack jaw holding loose-mounted ring. Also cast is cover finial, a gentle herbivore quadruped standing on tooled grassy mound. Marked with maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps a...
Victorian Modern sterling silver and glass decanter. Made by Edgar Finley & Hugh Taylor in Birmingham in 1884. Clear glass cylinder on round and spread base. Flat girdle with applied chevron and stud. Rim collar same with triangular spout. Cover hinged with canted sides and ball finial. Mortis and tenon-style bracket handle. Very good design. Fully marked. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 9 3/8 x W 6 7/8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BS955
Large turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass cologne bottle with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence. Globular with everted rim. Ball stopper with short plug. Loose and interlaced silver scrollwork with flower heads in open and symmetrical pattern. Shaped cartouche (vacant). Glass color deep green. Marked and numbered D946. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BT155
Pair of Japonesque sterling silver open salts. Made by John C. Moore for Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with open rectangular bracket handles and straight foot. Engraved overlapping seals decorated with modish motifs, including fan, bug, vase, and bamboo. Foot decorated with acid-etched spirals and lunette-form flower heads, and pierced leaves. Union Square mark (1870-5) with pre-1875 pattern no. 3007 and order no. 901. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x W 4 5/8 x D 3 3/8 in. Total w...
Lovely 14K gold and sapphire pin. Pierced floral wreath interspersed with 6 square-cut sapphires. United States, ca 1930s.
Diameter: 1 1/2 in. Weight: 3.9 dwt (6.1 g). #1182
English Egyptian-Revival 18K gold brooch with scarab, ca 1870. Winged sun with fluted and stepped form. Entwined and scaly serpent forms round and open center, inset with rotating double-sided carnelian scarab: On front is a carved beetle; on back the Roman God Mercury. Fine condition with beautifully toned patina.
Overall dimensions: H 7/8 x W 2 5/8 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 9.5 dwt. #1180
Gorgeous American Retro 18k yellow gold link bracelet, ca 1940s. A dense and interlocking design comprising 3 rows of rectangular links bordered by narrow ones. Satin finish. Fluid and slinky with a nice hang. Marked “750” and maker’s stamp. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 3/16 x L 6 5/8 x W 1 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 63.1 dwt. #1176
American sterling silver inkwell, ca 1880. Four gently curved sides on corner block supports. Cut ornament including scrolls, flowers, and chevrons. Sterling silver neck collar with imbricated leaf borders. Hinged bun cover same; top has chased garland, ribbon, crisscrossing horns of plenty, and laurel wreath surmounted by crown engraved with interlaced script monogram. Marked “Sterling” and Shreve, Crump & Low stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 x W 2 1/2 x D 2 1/2 in. #BS209
...
Conceived by 20th century master ceramicist Kawai Kanjiro—here an abstract depiction of flowers is used to adorn an exquisite “henko” shaped vase. The glaze used is known as “tetsu-yu” for its use of iron compounds to achieve this distinctive look. Though many pieces by Kanjiro remain today, this exact combination of style, shape, and glazing is uncommon, making this a must-have work for serious collectors. Interestingly, though it may likely not have been intentional, the abstract sym...
Seated in meditation with open and compassionate heart, this bodhisattva is on a spiritual journey, postponing his own salvation in order to remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment. In contrast to some images of the Japanese Bodhisattva (Bosatsu), often depicted as austere and inward looking, here, Kimura depicts the Bodhisattva as playful, carefree, and decidedly ornate. The inverted image of white contrast dye on black silk also makes for a striking composition.
A mas...
Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted over seven decades. The piece shown here then would be from an earlier period and is evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the one he is most well-known for. As any experienced potter will tell you, tenmoku ...
An exceptional, pierced yellow gold slip-on bangle with floral design. For a smaller wrist, the inner diameter is 2-3/8" and it weighs 8 grams. It appears to be hollow and shows light wear on the inside band with a few very faint scratches and a very, very tiny indentation. Marked 14kt along with the Sloan hallmark.
Over 400 years ago the first Takatori potter known as “Hachizan” was brought to Japan by the powerful Kuroda clan and was tasked with establishing a kiln in the town of Fukuoka. Since that time, the Takatori lineage has produced many fine works and gained a reputation across Japan for their skill at producing porcelains of thin construction, using many layers of glaze, and with a variety of unique colorations.
Born in 1907, the 11th generation Takatori potter (Seizan), along wit...
The artist who produced this piece, Wataru Motomura, prides himself in living a traditional life in the eastern hills of Kyoto—long known for its rich clay and idyllic pastoral lands. Though the form of this vessel appears innovative and modern, the techniques and materials used to produce it have been around for many hundreds of years. Taking inspiration from the varied pottery traditions of his native Hyogo, Motomura is also known to use clay and methods from the Shigaraki region and many of...
Turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau green plasss perfume bottle with engraved silver overlay. Globular with short neck and everted rim in collar. Ball stopper. Overlay in dense and dynamic flower head pattern with interlaced and overlapping petals and pointille florets. Marked “Sterling Silver Deposit 46”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 6 1/2 x D 4 in. #BT172
A truly unique work of Shino pottery developed among the company of some of Japan’s most respected and influential potters of the last century. Defying conventions of form and genre, this exceptional mizusashi looks like it could have emerged from the ground fully formed, the result of geological processes lasting millennia. The creator of this fine work is none other than Tsuboshima Dohei, a true master of the ceramic arts.
Born in 1929, at the age of 17 Tsuboshima took an appre...
Turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau green glass silver overlay perfume. Ovoid with flattened ball stopper. Semi-abstract flower heads with curvilinear stems overlapping 2 thin hoops. Neck spool form with silver rim collar and thick knop, and subtle faceting. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 9 x D 5 in. #BT174
Large turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau green glass perfume bottle with engraved silver overlay. Globular with short neck and everted rim in collar. Ball stopper. Overlay in dense and dynamic flower head pattern with interlaced and overlapping petals and pointille florets. Marked “Sterling Silver Deposit 67”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 7 3/4 x D 5 in. #BT173
Large turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau green glass perfume with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence. Globular with everted rim. Ball stopper with short plug. Loose and interlaced silver scrollwork with flower heads in open and symmetrical pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. D946. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 7 3/4 x D 4 3/4 in. #BT154
Early red glass silver overlay perfume. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1886. Globular with short neck and flat everted rim. Ball stopper. Dense and engraved overlay with scrolls and flowers. A concentrated design with small reveals of the glass. Scrolled cartouche engraved with scrolled monogram. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, patent year 1886, and no. S684. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 6 1/4 x D 3 1/2 in. #BT177
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver bowl. Made by Meriden Britannia (part of International) in Meriden, Connecticut. Oval well surrounded by wide and irregular shoulder with scrolled and whiplash eddying water—a whirlpool made more dangerous by the beckoning Lorelei. Well has engraved script monogram D. Fully marked and numbered C2884. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/8 x W 9 3/8 x D 6 1/2 in. Weight: 6.5 troy ounces. #BT077
Art Nouveau sterling silver and clear glass inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bellied and lobed clear glass base with short inset foot and carved and engraved stylized flowers. Short neck with sterling silver collar and hinged ball cover with stylized flowers and scrolls in ogee frame, and bead-and-reel rim. Collar and cover interior gild washed. Fully marked 14515 (first produced in 1900) and director’s letter T (1892-1902). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x D 6 in. #BT14...
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...
Jumbo big game-era safari flask. Made by George Unite in Birmingham in 1888. Glass body. Upper part encased in leather with cut-away vertical windows. At bottom detachable sterling silver cup engraved with armorial. Sterling silver collar with hinged and cork-lined ball cover engraved with same. The alpha model. Holds enough booze for everyone around the campfire. Fully marked. Very good condition with some handling wear from all those big sweaty hands.
Dimensions: H 11 x W 5 x D 2 1/2 in. #B...
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...
Turn-of-the-century American Craftsman sterling silver porringer. Bellied bowl on inset foot ring. Finely faceted hand hammering with "disco ball" shimmer. Plain open tree handle. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp for A. Stowell & Co., who were active in Boston from ca 1865 to 1904. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 1/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/4 in. Weight: 8 troy ounces. #BT004
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...
Pretty Edwardian inkwell. Made by Foster & Bailey in Providence, ca 1910. Rectangular clear glass base with chamfered corners, wraparound acid-etched garland, and star cut to underside. Ovalish well with short neck in sterling silver collar with hinged and domed cover. Cover top has enameled flower basket and garland on white wavy and chevron ground with ornamental blue lunettes. Fully marked. Very good condition with strong color.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in. #BS636
Victorian sterling silver scent bottle, 1889. Ovoid with short neck and threaded ball cover. Allover repousse with flowers and scrolls. A peacock on one side, a dove on the other. Pretty and portable. Worn marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 1 7/8 x D 1 in. Weight: 1.5 troy ounces. #BR502
Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s master Hagi potters.
Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano’s greatest d...
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...
Beautiful Art Nouveau sterling silver and Favrile glass jam pot, ca 1910. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Cylindrical with straight sides. Glass greenish-gold with patches of blue and red. Pontil mark. Silver collar with flat hinged cover that opens by lowering the arched swing handle. Fine and functional. Glass signed “L. C. Tiffany Favrile”. Silver hallmark includes pattern no. 15111 and director’s letter m. Very good condition with nice shimmer.
Dimensions: H (with handle) 6 1/2 x...
Greek Revival sterling silver footed bowl. Made by Grosjean & Woodward for Tiffany & Co. at 550 Broadway in New York. Bowl wide and shallow with flat fretwork rim. Ornament applied to exterior: Medallions inset with male youth heads surrounded by leaf-and-berry branches. Bowl underside center has petal lobing to which are mounted two side handles with stylized leaf-caps on split volute scroll terminals. Cylindrical support flowing into domed foot with chased leaf-and-berry bunches alternating wi...
Sweet American Edwardian sterling silver picture frame, ca 1910. Rectangular window with scalloped border and shaped surround with concave sides and bottom arched top, and double-scroll corners. Acid-etched leafy-scroll and shell ornament. Reeded rim with bunches of pretty forget-me-nots. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged support. For portrait (vertical) display). Marked “Sterling 3208”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 13 5/8 x W 10 in. Window: H 8 3/4 x W 6 in....
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
Edwardian cut-glass water pitcher with sterling silver collar. Curved body with cut geometric and plant ornament and faceted c-scroll handle. Collar has band of volute scrolls with flowers and leaves. Fully marked including stamp for Adelphi, a New York maker active ca 1890-1915. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/2 x W 7 1/2 x D 4 1/2 in. #BR112
Japonesque sterling silver inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1882. Drum form with curved shoulder, short neck, and hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover. Leaves and tendrils and butterflies, too, applied to honeycomb hand-hammered ground. Bonus bug (a modish beetle) on cover. Interior glass lined. Fully marked including pattern no. 6771 (first produced in 1882), director’s letter M (1873-91), and phrase “Sterling-Silver”. Excellent condition and patina.
Large dimensions: H 4...
American Colonial sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany in New York, ca 1965. Bowl has curved sides and straight circular foot. Spare historic design that works equally well in Modern interiors. Hallmark includes pattern no. 19750 and phrase: Reproduction / Original by / Joseph Conyers / Boston / about 1700. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x D 9 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BQ855
Classical sterling silver bird bath compote. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Shallow bowl with turned-down rim and raised foot. Two cast bird figures with voluminous plumage and flamboyant crowns perch on bowl rim, ready to cluck and flap and flutter. Stylized and raised ornament on rim, including leaf-and-dart and dentil. Fully marked with pre-1875 pattern no. 3739 and directors’ letter M (1873-91). Very good condition with deep patina.
Overall dimensions: H 5 1/4 x W 11 1/4 x D 9 3/8 ...
Regency Revival sterling silver tea caddy. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. at 550 Broadway, New York. Rectangular with straight sides and curved corners. Sloping rim and hinged and overlapping double covers with cutout scrolled rims. Stationary bracket handle. Fretwork rims. Handle same with beaded borders. Engraved on sides are floral garlands and oval frames with interlaced monogram. Covers have armorial frames (vacant) and flowers, and stylized floral border. Partitioned interior for holding two ...
George V sterling silver jewelry box. Made by Levi & Salaman in Birmingham in 1913. Octagonal with straight sides and hinged and domed cover. Cover inlaid with star-form floral garland. Box interior velvet lined. Box underside leather lined. Fully marked. Good with attractive velvet wear.
Dimensions: H 2 1/8 x W 4 3/8 x D 4 3/8 in. Gross weight: 5.4 troy ounces. #BN234
Rare mixed metal pitcher with lots of bugs. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1880. Globular with drum-form neck, small lip spout, and c-scroll handle. Modish insects—dragon fly, grasshopper, and butterfly—creep and dart among fluid and interlaced grass stalks applied to hand-hammered sterling silver ground heightened with floral engraving and copper inlay. A superb integration of Japonesque and Craftsman. Interlaced script monogram engraved to underside. Fully marked including pattern n...
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...
Beautiful hand-hammered sterling silver and mixed metal perfume. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1880. Baluster with double-scroll side handles and threaded cover. Vertical stylized vegetation and darting insects (butterflies and dragonflies) applied to honeycomb ground. With chain for hanging on a lady’s chatelaine. A small-scale confluence of Japanese inspiration and Arts & Crafts technique. Hallmark includes pattern and order numbers, director’s letter M (1873-91), and phrase “St...
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
Modern sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Tapering sides and flared rim. Short and straight foot. Spare and fluid. Hallmark includes pattern no. 16667F, director’s letter m (1907-47), and wartime star (1943-45). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x D 9 1/8 in. Weight: 28 troy ounces. #BQ772
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
Art Nouveau clear glass decanter with silver overlay. Made by Black, Starr & Frost in New York, ca 1920. Oval bowl with flat foot, cylindrical neck, and everted rim. Ball stopper with conical mount, spool neck, and short plug. Dense ornament with stylized leaves in whiplash frames overlapping with intersecting lines. Stylistically transitional incorporating both the curvilinear and geometric. Scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Foot in silver collar as are neck and rim...
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"
Pretty Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Mauser in New York, ca 1900. Rectangular window and wide border engraved with scrollwork, foliage, and pendant bow-tied flowers. At bottom are 2 torches, a motif rich in metaphorical possibilities. Top has shaped cartouche (vacant). With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including no. 1520. Good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 13 3/4 x W 10 5/8 in. Window: H 10 7/8 x W 7 ...
This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, ...