During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and often adorned with intricate designs—as can be seen here with a cherry blossom motif and a what appears to be a pine-cone for a gripper—they became an essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony. These kettles were prized not only for their practicality in boiling water bu...

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Rectangular with straight sides and leaf-and-dart base rim. Cover flat and hinged with same as well as leaf-and-flower border. Cover top has central heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath; leaf and flower border. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe from the Ancien Regime do-over years. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 18...

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Rectangular with straight sides and leaf-and-dart base rim. Cover flat and hinged with same as well as leaf-and-flower border. Cover top has central heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath; leaf and flower border. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 1819. Very good condition with nice ton...

A pair of blue topaz earrings. The pear shaped stones measure 1/2" x 3/8" while the setting measures 3/4" x 5/8". The butterfly clutches are marked 14k.

Pair of German 800 silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. Each: Swan with ovoid body, upturned tail, and scaly-s-scroll neck terminating in in closed bill. Imbricated feathers and hinged plumy wings that can be opened to suggest flight. Hollow gilt-washed interior for holding treats. German marks including Hanau maker’s stamp (Gebrüder Neumann) and American importer’s stamp (Buchholz & Zelt). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 3 1/4 in. Wingspan: 8 1/2 in. Total weight: 1...

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 ...

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia of Chinese artistry. With its distinctive deep red glaze, reminiscent of brilliant sunsets, red chili peppers, and festival colors; its presence creates an enchanting visual allure. The bowl's form is elegantly simple, with a gently flared rim that invites contemplation. Crafted with precision and care, this piece reflects th...

German 800 silver figural bird spice box, ca 1900. A raven with hunched shoulders, tucked-down wings, and spindly legs; detachable head downturned with pensive eyes and long pointed beak. A brooding desk ornament guaranteed to ensure stately solitude. Marks include Hanau maker’s stamp (Neresheimer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 x W 6 1/2 x D 3 3/4 in. Weight: 18 troy ounces. #BZ289

Art Nouveau glass claret jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Cylindrical with small lip spout and spread base; c-scroll handle in silver collar. On underside cut-to-clear star. Overlay in form of entwined and scrolling fruiting grapevine with pendant bunches and leaves. Asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R326. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 ...

German 800 silver figural bird spice box, ca 1900. A hen with neat feathers and firmly planted talons. Detachable head tilted to side with intent glass eyes and small crown. A sweet barnyard helpmate with funny, flouncy tail. A desirable table ornament from all angles. Hanau marks. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x L 9 x W 4 1/4 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BZ290

Art Nouveau Craftsman glazed earthenware whiskey jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati in 1893. Globular with short neck; silver collar round mouth with lip spout flowing into c-scroll handle. Painted ear of corn with exposed kernels on shaded brown green ground. Overlay in form of entwined grapevine and berry branches with succulent fruit and outsized leaves.

The painter was Harriette Rosemary Strafer (1873-1935), who began working at Rookwood Pottery in 189...

Gorgeous Titania glass vase by historic maker Loetz with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Upward tapering sides with gently flared mouth. Sides concave and corners chamfered. Overlay in form of vertical leafing scrollwork mounted at corners and joined on sides by double arches. Glass is mottled and iridescent white shading to green with exposed patches of the solid cobalt blue interior. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/8 x W 3 3/4 x D 3 3/4 in. #BZ193

Pair of pretty Austrian Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, 1863. Each: Tapering socket with turned-down rim and overhanging base mounted to knopped baluster shaft on domed and curvilinear foot with stippled flowers at corners. Fluting and lobing. Perfect for reading Goethe by candlelight. Marks include dated Viennese assay stamp indicating 13 loths (that is 812.5 silver) and maker’s initials IC. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 5/8 x D 5 3/4 in. Weighted. #BY787

Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Conical mouth and neck, and bellied bowl. Overlay in form of dense leafing scrollwork and flowers; asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R387. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 x D 4 in. #BZ165

Classical coin silver christening mug, ca 1850. Baluster bowl with high-looping leaf-capped s-scroll handle and round stepped foot. Large scrolled frame (vacant) surrounded by rural idyll with house and barn set in bosky landscape. In foreground a hunter takes aim at a fox. No vermin allowed in paradise. New York retailer’s stamp (Ball, Black & Co.) and star and eagle associated with Hartford production. Very good condition with nice patina.

Overall dimensions: H 5 x W 5 x D 3 1/8 in. Weight...

Set of 4 European gilt 935 silver and glass figural Buddha place card holders, ca 1925. Each: Contemplative and cross-legged figure of the Zen-man himself in molded glass. For a Siddhartha serene dinner party. Colors are green, blue, orange, and clear. Chamfered rectangular base and u-form back support. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 7/8 x D 3/4 in. Case: H 1 1/2 x W 5 3/4 x D 2 5/8 in. #BY940

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chōzaemon came with him and established Ōhi-yaki in Kanazawa. Chōzaemon had been the chief apprentice to the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ōhi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea cere...

Modern carving pair with knife and fork. Made by Christofle in France, ca 1970. Tapering easy-grip silver-plated handles. Knife blade and 3-tine shank are stainless steel. Handy for the holidays and all the days in between. Marked. Good condition.

Dimensions: Knife: H 12 3/4 x W 1 1/2 x D 1/2 in. Fork: H 10 1/8 x W 1 1/8 x D 1/2 in. #BX127