With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi” or what we might call in English a “tribute piece.” Such pieces are typically made by all Raku potters, regardless of the kiln and tradition, and seek to emulate famous works from the early masters over 400 years ago—in this case, a tea bowl created by the brother of the second Kichizaemon, Tanaka Somi, born sometim...

Danish Biedermeier Gothic Troubadour silver hunting horn on stand, 1855.

Horn has two applied bands with leafing scrollwork and cast green man applied to front. At top a third band with mandolin-strumming maidens and coat of arms-bearing pages in cloister colonnade. Cover domed with leaf-mounted cast figural finial in form of winged Classical man in drapery and helmet pouring wine into a cup. Tail cap has acanthus leaf border with cast owl finial. Gilt-washed interior.

Shaped stand with stra...

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...

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...

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 ...

Rare Chrysanthemum sterling silver soup tureen. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Lobed and oval bowl with scalloped and turned down scalloped rim. Bracket end handles and four splayed volute supports. Cover dulbe domed with bracket finial. Dense and textural cast ornament in form of alternating flower heads and leaves applied to rim and cover shoulder. With dense profusion of same applied to feet and wrapped and mounted to handles. A big, drool-inducing centerpiece made soon after this histori...

Modern double picture frame. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Two vertical (portrait) rectangular windows in horizontal (landscape) rectangular surround. Sterling silver borders and sides. On front red guilloche enamel in shade of throbbing scarlet. For a hot twosome. With beveled glass, red lining, and same velvet back with hinged easel support. Marked “Cartier Sterling 925 Italy”. Very good condition with strong intact color. Velvet wear and discoloration.

Dimensions: Frame: H 3 1/2 x W ...

German 800 silver lady’s shoe, ca 1920. Plain sole and low heel, and loose-mounted c-scroll strap. Chased leafing and flowering scrolls on stippled ground. Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x L 7 3/4 x W 2 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 6.8 troy ounces. #BZ641

Set of 6 Belle Epoque cast 950 silver candlesticks in Louis XVI style, ca 1910. Made by J. Gruhier in France, ca 1910. Each: Spool socket with stepped and detachable bobeche. Tapering paneled shaft with stippled and elongated egg-and-dart; domed foot on octagonal base. Gadrooning and reeding. Substantial and elegant. Fully marked including Minerva head and maker’s stamp. Five have retailer’s stamp for Boin-Taburet, a Paris firm associated with adapting and reproducing historic French wares. ...

Traditional German gilt sterling silver stirrup cup, ca 1950. Conical bowl mounted with cast stag head—a furry, gaping beast with flexed-back ears and big antlers. Marked. Very good condition with nice toning.

Overall dimensions: H 6 1/4 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 in. Weight: 10.5 troy ounces. #BZ595

Tall Classical sterling silver wine ewer. Made by Moore for Tiffany & Co. at 550 Broadway, New York, ca 1855. Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised round foot; cast high-looping fruiting grapevine handle. Foot rim encircled with same. Chased and engraved outsized leaves and squiggly tendrils, and bunches in relief. Irregular round frame (vacant). Early marks (1854-70) including maker’s stamp and retailer’s stamps, and pre-1860 pattern no. 488. Very good condition with deep patina.

Over...

Pair of tall Edwardian Neoclassical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1908. Fluted columnar shaft on stepped square base. Composite Corinthian capital with detachable, concave, and chamfered bobeche. Beading. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. A3208, and date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 5/8 x W 4 1/8 x D 4 1/8 in. Weighted. #BZ394

Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1917. Each: Fluted column and composite Corinthian capital. Bobeche detachable with chamfered rim. Stepped and square base. Beading. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. A3207, and date symbol. Very good condition with some pings.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Weighted. #BZ434

Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1916. Each: Fluted column and composite Corinthian capital. Bobeche detachable with chamfered rim. Stepped and square base. Beading. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Berry & Whitmore) stamps, no. A3207, and date symbol. Very good condition with some pings.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Weighted. #BZ433

German Cold War-era parcel gilt sterling silver globe. In c-scroll frame mounted to cast dolphin support in turn mounted to round foot. The world as it used to be with Us and Them (The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) as well as a selection of secondary players. South America is made up of Brazil and Argentina and the Middle East of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Anybody missing? Sure, but a great icebreaker nonetheless for office peace talks, and source of reflections on the transience of power. L...

George III sterling silver sugar basket. Made by Hester Bateman in London in 1784. Ovoid bowl with c-scroll swing handle and raised foot. Pierced colonnade and rinceaux as well as ovals inset with paterae. Engraved garland. Beading. Cobalt glass liner. With tongs: U-form with acorn jaws, bright-cut ornament, and engraved armorial.

Basket fully marked. Tongs marked with sterling standard mark and maker’s stamp. Very good condition with deep patina. Basket rim has minor chip.

Dimensions: H (...

Victorian Classical sterling silver compotes. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Round solid well; sides have pierced leafing scrollwork and turned-down rim applied with cast leafing scrollwork and buds that suggest the influence of Chrysanthemum; raised foot with cast scroll and flower border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 8743 (first produced in 1885), and director’s letter M (1873-91). Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 9 3/8 in. Heav...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Square window in wide and flat surround with incised honeycomb pattern on front; edges plain. With glass and velvet lining and back with hinged easel support. Italian marks (1944-68) with Fratelli Cacchione maker’s stamp. Very good condition. Velvet wear.

Dimensions: Frame: H 6 x W 6 in. Window: H 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. #BY900