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

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay is covered in feldspar glazing, has a classic ferrous abstract painting across the front, and shows nice age—most likely from early to middle Edo.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. Later, with the advent of large-batc...

A beautiful old Kyo-ware tea bowl slightly elongated on one end producing an interesting and unique effect. The collector who furnished the box labeled it as being by the legendary potter Ninsei (17th C.). Though the potter’s mark suggests this could be the case, there is no way to confirm for certain other than by its age and undeniably elegant craftsmanship. Believing it to be quite precious, the previous owner bestowed it with the poetic name "Ibitsu" which means "warped" or "cu...

Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278

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.

As can be seen here, this piece is of the green variety and looks to be from the mid-to-early Edo period as can be determined ...

Going back over 1,300 years, Seto-ware has the distinction of being Japan’s oldest pottery tradition still active today. Made from the rich clay and silica of the region of production, Seto porcelain in particular has been highly prized throughout the history of Japan. The piece shown here can be described as Seto-guro (Black Seto) and is an excellent example of this type of pottery. The writing on the box describes it as being from Muromachi, so well over 400 years old. The form and compositi...

Set of 4 Victorian sterling silver place card holders. Made by Saunders and Shepherd in Chester in 1899. Each: A rifle is propped against a shilling coin dated 1899, the year war broke out in South Africa between the British and Dutch colonial settlements. The rifle is the famous Lee-Metford, which was by then a tad old fashioned, but still considered reliable by British as well as Dutch troops, who made use of captured specimens. Open lunette base with vertical support. Fully marked including d...

Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to come by in Japan at the time. Later, during the Muromachi period, Seto potters established kilns in Mino thus starting the period known as ko-Seto, or “old Seto.” These pieces were distinctive as they were produced in small batches and with great care. Later in Edo, the large-kiln style of production or “ogama” was introduced ushe...

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...

George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by Docker & Burn Ltd in Birmingham in 1923. Rectangular window in flat cutout curvilinear shaped surround. A simplified postwar Edwardian design. With glass, silk lining, and wood back and hinged easel support. Very good condition. Wear and warping to wood.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 1/2 x W 8 1/2 in. Window: H 8 x W 6 in. #BY909

With a base of dazzling red ochre clay, a technique known as “san-giri,” pioneered by the progenitor of this generational potting family and now widely used among Bizen potters, is employed here to bring out stunning mustard yellows, mossy greens, charcoal blacks, along with a range of subtler hues.

The potter, Konishi Tōko II (1927 -2018) was second daughter to Konishi the first. After graduating from women’s college she assisted her father at the family kiln, e...

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

Victorian Georgian Queen sterling silver soup ladle. Made by John and Henry Lias in London in 1839. King-shaped handle has engraved armorial with sword-bearing lion rampant and motto “Courage”. Deep ovoid bowl. A substantial and traditional piece made shortly after young Victoria ascended the throne. Stylistic continuity in the new reign. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Height: H 13 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 12 troy ounces. #BV250

Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair. This piece meanwhile is entirely intact and even has its original box. Details about t...

Pretty English Modern sterling silver vase, 1937. Straight and tapering sides with curved bottom; overhanging mouth has wavy curvilinear rim with applied reeding. Stepped and domed foot; foot underside wood lined. Fully marked including Birmingham assay stamp, Boodle & Dunthorne maker’s stamp, and phrase “Boodle & Dunthorne / Liverpool”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x D 2 3/4 in. Gross weight: 7 troy ounces. #BY886

Set of 7 Francis I sterling silver nut dishes. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. 1951-52. Quatrefoil well, lobed sides, and scrolled rim. Embossed fruits and leaves. Nice pieces in the classic pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. X569. Three have 1951 date symbol and 4 have 1952 date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 3 3/8 in. Total weight: 11 troy ounces. #BZ119

George VI sterling silver box. Made by WH Manton in Birmingham in 1938. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Cedar-lined and partitioned interior; wood lined underside. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x W 7 1/8 x D 3 3/4 in. Gross weight: 18 troy ounces. #BZ609

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...

Also known as "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life,” here in this pre-Edo Buddhist painting we see Amida and his two assistant bodhisattvas, Seishi on the left (associated with wisdom and strength), and Kannon on the right (associated with compassion and mercy), descending from the Western Pure Land to welcome newly deceased believers into the realm of paradise. In this practice known as raigō, the faithful are transported via the small lotus pedestal the Kannon holds in his...

Set of 6 Midcentury Modern sterling silver seafood scallop shell plates. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Straight and tiered flutes, scalloped rim, and 2 ball supports. The hard-to-find size for the new era of small dinner parties. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 42677. Four have date codes from 1940s and ’50s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x W 6 x D 6 in. Total weight: 31 troy ounces. #BY776

A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface of an artwork before firing. The exact details of this process seem somewhat murky as it appears to be a well-guarded secret among potters. After some research we were unable to identify the potter; and, although there is a signature on the bottom that appears to read “Raishō,” we could find no potter by this name. R...

Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korean potters brought to the shores of Japan during its colonial expansionism of the late 16th century. A favorite of the Kuroda lords of the time, its production and use was closely guarded until later in the 19th century when the domain system was abolished, freeing it up to be more widely used. Though Takatori-ware has been admired by many...

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

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...

Plymouth sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1909. Tapering and paneled ovoid body, reeded helmet mouth, capped scroll bracket handle, and stepped oval foot. A fine piece in the classic pattern. Fully marked including maker's stamp, pattern name, no. A2788, date symbol, and volume (3 3/8 pints). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 3/8 x W 9 3/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 24.7 troy ounces. #BY636

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  

Rare sterling silver punch ladle. Made by Spratling in Taxco, Mexico. Round hand-hammered bowl with curved spout. Mount has tooled bands and applied rope band and is inset with tapering stained-wood handle. An early piece by this maker. 1940s marks. Very good condition with beautiful patina.

Dimensions: H 13 x W 3 3/4 x D 1/4 in. Gross weight: 5 troy ounces. #BR829

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

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

Japanese Modern silver box on stand, ca 1930. Rectangular with curved corners. Box has straight sides and cover top is gently raised and has applied gilt medallion with dramatic dragon in low relief. Box and cover interior lined with stained-wood. Stand has wide and tapering shoulder and flat well border with open stained-wood bottom. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Box: H 2 1/2 x W 6 1/2 x D 4 3/4 in. Stand: H 7/8 x W 8 1/8 x D 6 3/8 in. #BX437

Royal Danish sterling silver gravy boat on stand. Made by International in Meriden, Conn. Boat bellied with helmet mouth, banded scroll handle, and oval reeded foot. Stand ovalish with pierced acorn motif at ends. Desirable pieces in the classic pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. G39. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Boat: H 4 x L 7 x W 3 5/8 in. Stand: H 1 1/4 x L 9 x W 5 1/4 in. Total weight: 17 troy ounces. #BW897

Created by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Bizen pieces like the one seen here originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and have a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Known for employing a natural-ash glazing techniques that require extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures, constant attention is required to ensure good results. Here Isezaki can be seen pushing the bounds of tradition Bizen orthodoxies in interesting and creative wa...

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

Austrian Biedermeier silver gilt casket, 1846. Bellied, lobed, and rectangular. Hinged cover same and concave with raised center and swing-mounted scroll bracket cast handle with flowers. Hardstone mounts including porphyry and lapis lazuli as well as cabochon jewels. On front two turquoise cabochon beads of which one a push button for opening cover. At ends carved intaglio heads, one a Classical soldier and the other a philosopher. Corner paw supports. On exterior the gilding is deeply toned; ...

American Edwardian 3-piece carving set, ca 1910. This set comprises knife, fork, and sharpener. Each: Ribbed and irregular ebonized horn handle; sterling silver mounts with low-relief leafing scrollwork and asymmetrical scrolled frame (vacant); end has engraved monogram. Blade, shank, and rod stainless steel. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Knife: H 14 in. Fork: 10 1/2 in. Sharpener: H 13 in. #BY531

George IV sterling silver bowl. Made by Elder & Co. in Edinburgh in 1831. Round with tapering sides and raised round foot. Scalloped frames with chased leaf and flower border on stippled ground, surmounted by open fruiting grapevine border; cast flower and leaf rim. Elegant Scottish Regency Classicism. Fully marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 10 3/4 in. Weight: 18.6 troy ounces. #BX610