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...

Pair of Modern Georgian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Blackinton in North Attleboro, Mass., ca 1940. Knopped baluster shaft on domed foot. Reeding. A voluptuous interpretation of a traditional form. Fully marked and numbered A100. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 x D 5 1/4 in. Weighted. #BT087

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 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

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...

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...

Chrysanthemum sterling silver dinner set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1890.

This set comprises 145 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 24 dinner forks (7 1/2), 12 salad/terrapin forks (6 3/8), 12 seafood forks (6), and 12 ice cream forks (5 5/8); Spoons: 10 teaspoons (5 5/8), 12 round gumbo spoons (7 3/4), 12 bouillon spoons (5 1/2), 10 grapefruit spoons (5 3/4), and 6 tablespoons (8 1/4); Knives: 12 dinner knives (10 1/8), 12 lunch knives (8 7/8), and 11 butter spreaders (5 3/4).

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...

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...

German sterling silver place card holders. This set comprises 8 holders in 3 designs. One holder features an elegant courtly couple executing a cozy minuet. Three holders feature spirited country jiggers. Four holders feature entwined Bacchic babes, and are gilt. Marked “Sterling” and “Germany”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 1 1/2 x D 1 in. Total weight: 2.7 troy ounces. #BQ399

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

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

Nautical sterling silver and enamel cigarette case. Made by Thomae in Attleboro, Mass., ca 1960. Rectangular and hinged. Signal flags enameled on front. Gilt interior. Hallmarked. Very good condition with intact color.

Dimensions: H 3 1/8 x W 4 3/8 x D 1/4. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BQ946

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

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

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...

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...

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"

Elegant Edwardian sterling silver and crystal vase. Made by Durgin (later part of Gorham) in Concord, NH. Sterling silver base comprising pierced cylinder on urn mount terminating in upward tapering shaft on raised foot with reeded rim. Crystal vessel with wavy petal rim and bellied bowl terminating in cone encased in tapering cylinder. Pretty acid-etched flowers with cut stems and petals. Silver marks include maker's stamp, Chicago retailer’s stamp CD Peacock, and no. 55. Very good condition...

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...

Art Nouveau glass and sterling silver inkwell. Made by Gorham in Providence. Rectilinear clear glass block bulbous well. Sides have carved ornament: Fluid scrollwork and stylized flowers. Short neck in sterling silver collar surrounded by squarish same mount and hinged cover. Engraved interlaced script monogram and interlaced scrolls, flowers, and leaves. Hallmark includes no. D788. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. #AW242

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...

Lovely sterling silver keepsake box. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed. Cover top has engraved border with dense and overlapping flowers and leaves. Stained-wood bottom, lining, and partition. Cover interior has rectangular tablet (vacant). Hallmarked “sterling silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 7 x D 3 3/8 in. Gross weight: 11 troy ounces. #BQ281