The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...
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...
This rare Fred Davis bracelet features Amethyst cabochon stones set in links of ornate silver repousse. Circa 1930, it is included in the book Mexican Silver on page 27, plate II-11. Measures 6 3/4" long by 1" wide and weighs 46.5 grams. Hallmarked "FD, Silver Mexico" and is in good condition with a lovely patina. A beautiful and rare find.
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".
Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Round with curved sides. Well guilloche enamel (two red, one blue). Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 2 1/2...
Vietnamese silver box, late 19th century. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged. Box sides have embossed blossoming branches, bamboo, and bird; engraved leaves and flowers at corners. Cover top has embossed slithering, scaly dragons with horns and talons in same frame; blossoming branches at corners. Ground stippled. Maker's mark for Guang Qing Yong. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 6 1/4 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 18.4 troy ounces. #BW325
Special tha...
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
English Georgian Classical sterling silver ewer, 18th century. Girdled ovoid bowl and scrolled helmet mouth with beaded and flowering strapwork rim; cast double-scroll handle with Venus, her torso undraped offering grapes to recumbent Cupid. Satyr head applied to spout exterior. Chased leaf borders. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.
Overall dimensions: H 9 3/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 4 in. Weight: 21.4 troy ounces. #BR833
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
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...
This unique and rare Bracelet by Hector Aguilar is featured in the book Silver Masters of Mexico on page 40, plateI-55 and is known as the "Chain with Dome" bracelet. Measures 8 1/2" long with the chain portion measuring 3/4" wide. The dome section functions as the clasp and measures 1 1/4" wide. Hallmarked with the joined HA, Made in Mexico, Sterling. Very nice condition with no damage noted. An wonderful bracelet by this important Taxco master.
Known as the "Ornamental Squares" design, this bracelet by Hector Aguilar is features in many book and is one of his most iconic designs. This one is exceptional with it's longer 8" length. Crafted in his favored 940 silver it measures 1" wide and weighs an impressive 108.1 grams. Secure clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the joined HA, 940, Taxco and the eagle stamp 9. Light age related wear with a lovely rich patina. A superb bracelet in a hard to find longer length.
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.