Rare Japonesque mixed metal tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1878. Square with curved sides and straight edges. Two birds soar and glide. One is viewed from below and the other from above (that is, from bird’s eye). An original and jokey design incorporating the exotic flattened Japanese perspective. Feathers are gold, and beaks, eyes, and wispy, dangly talons are copper. Crescent frame engraved with calligraphy-style presentation dated 1879. Ground hand hammered. Corner leaf-and-sc...

A beautiful example of Ohi inspired Raku-ware; the body of this stylish tea vessel is a mix of a dark black gradating to charcoal grey with undertones of reddish maroon. A hasami-no-ato mark can be seen where the tongs were used to remove this piece from the kiln, and the potters mark can be seen near the foot of the bowl. Simple and refined, perfect for collectors and practitioners of tea alike.

Born into a generational line of tea-ware potters from Kanazawa, Fumiaki Kaihatsu (b. 1...

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl from the Shinragi kiln in Korea. Pieces like the one seen here are baked in a traditional wood-fired “climbing kiln” at a temperature of over 1,300 degrees for 5 days. Fashioned after classical works held in museum collections, the motifs are timeless and captivating.

In excellent condition, this piece is 5.5 in...

Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extreme precision to combine sheets of differing types of clay, culminating in a unique visual effect. While many of his pieces are ringed with swirls of colors, this one is more modern and subdued. With quite a lot of character, this lovely vase will draw attention without being overpowering.

Born in Nagano, Kosei Matsui (1927-20...

Sensitive and endearing 800 silver animal figure. Made by Buccellati in Italy. A chimp with raised arm, big funny ears, and expressive face sits on amethyst crystal base with joined feet. A playful primate with tensile hands and feet, and shaggy wire fur. Marked “Buccellati Italy 800”. Excellent condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H (with base) 13 x W 8 1/2 x D 8 in. #BU120

Ca 1910 A beautiful, transitional Art Nouveau-Art Deco ring by Newark jewelry designer, M.B. Bryant ( 1858-1931). The smooth bezel set stone measures 1/2" square and the ring is a size 6.5. In excellent condition, the pictures tell all. Marked 14k along with the Bryant stamp.

Chrysanthemum sterling silver 5-light centerpiece candelabrum. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Sizable baluster shaft on raised squarish foot with corner volute supports. Four scrolled arms, each terminating in single socket, joined by applied leaves and surrounding central raised socket. Flowers and leaves wrapped around shaft and arms and applied to foot. Massive and sculptural. A hard-to-find solo stick in the fashionable Japonesque pattern that was first produced in 1880. Fully marked inc...

Very large Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in flat surround engraved with dense and fluid scrolls and flowers. Top rail center is vacant. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged support. For portrait (vertical) display. An eye-catching showcase for an important forbear. Fully marked including no. 720 and stamp for IN Deitsch, a New York maker who was active from ca 1904 to 1915. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 17 x W 14 1/2 in. Window: H 14 x...

A beautifully crafted vase from a studio potter in the hills of Iga, a few hours drive east of Kyoto. Iga-ware has quite a long history—by some accounts dating back to the 7th and 8th century—with the major kilns being established some time around the end of the 16th century. Similar in many ways to Shigaraki pottery, the glaze is the result of kiln ash being vitrified and melted on to the surface of the clay body at extremely high temperatures during firing, which can last many days. To add...

Exotic mixed metal tea caddy. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Sterling silver ginger-jar with squat and tapering sides, short neck, and snug-fitting cover. Copper ornament with irregular scrollwork. Fully marked including pattern no. 11975, director’s letter m, and phrase “Copper and Silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 3 3/8 in. Weight: 5.6 troy ounces. #BT602

If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a sake set he describes as “Ou-tekko” (pyrite) and “Ammonite” (same in English - a kind of sea fossil). Part of a series he has been developing, the ancient Ammonite fossil has been the inspiration behind his latest creations. Pyrite, meanwhile refers to the metallic patterning on the outer surface of the clay body. Truly unique pieces...

If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a set of sake cups he describes as “Ou-tekko” (pyrite) and “Ammonite” (same in English - a kind of sea fossil). Part of a series he has been developing, the ancient Ammonite fossil has been the inspiration behind his latest creations. Pyrite, meanwhile refers to the metallic patterning on the outer surface of the clay body. Truly uniqu...

Magnificent American Classical coin silver tureen. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Curved ovoid bowl on stepped oval foot mounted to four beaded and round supports. Cover domed. Bowl rim has bold beading bordered by applied guilloche. On each end is cast satyr’s head with flamboyantly ribbed horns and slack jaw holding loose-mounted ring. Also cast is cover finial, a gentle herbivore quadruped standing on tooled grassy mound. Marked with maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps a...

Victorian Modern sterling silver and glass decanter. Made by Edgar Finley & Hugh Taylor in Birmingham in 1884. Clear glass cylinder on round and spread base. Flat girdle with applied chevron and stud. Rim collar same with triangular spout. Cover hinged with canted sides and ball finial. Mortis and tenon-style bracket handle. Very good design. Fully marked. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 9 3/8 x W 6 7/8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BS955

Large turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass cologne bottle 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. Shaped cartouche (vacant). Glass color deep green. Marked and numbered D946. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BT155

Lovely 14K gold and sapphire pin. Pierced floral wreath interspersed with 6 square-cut sapphires. United States, ca 1930s.

Diameter: 1 1/2 in. Weight: 3.9 dwt (6.1 g). #1182

English Egyptian-Revival 18K gold brooch with scarab, ca 1870. Winged sun with fluted and stepped form. Entwined and scaly serpent forms round and open center, inset with rotating double-sided carnelian scarab: On front is a carved beetle; on back the Roman God Mercury. Fine condition with beautifully toned patina.

Overall dimensions: H 7/8 x W 2 5/8 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 9.5 dwt. #1180

Gorgeous American Retro 18k yellow gold link bracelet, ca 1940s. A dense and interlocking design comprising 3 rows of rectangular links bordered by narrow ones. Satin finish. Fluid and slinky with a nice hang. Marked “750” and maker’s stamp. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 3/16 x L 6 5/8 x W 1 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 63.1 dwt. #1176  

Turn-of-the-century French Rococo gilt bronze and pink guilloche enamel picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with beading and leaf-and-dart ornament. Window bordered by diaper with applied flowers and leaves, and open block corners over wraparound pink guilloche enamel. Floral wreath and ribbon crown with torch and quiver. With glass, silk lining, and hinged wire support. Very good condition apart from a few lines in enamel.

Dimensions: Overall frame: H 19 1/8 x W 13 3/4 in. Wind...

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...

Seated in meditation with open and compassionate heart, this bodhisattva is on a spiritual journey, postponing his own salvation in order to remain on earth to help others achieve enlightenment. In contrast to some images of the Japanese Bodhisattva (Bosatsu), often depicted as austere and inward looking, here, Kimura depicts the Bodhisattva as playful, carefree, and decidedly ornate. The inverted image of white contrast dye on black silk also makes for a striking composition.

A mas...

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 ...

An exceptional, pierced yellow gold slip-on bangle with floral design. For a smaller wrist, the inner diameter is 2-3/8" and it weighs 8 grams. It appears to be hollow and shows light wear on the inside band with a few very faint scratches and a very, very tiny indentation. Marked 14kt along with the Sloan hallmark.

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...

Classical sterling silver trophy cup. Traditional amphora urn with high-looping side handles and stepped and raised foot. Cover domed with engraved bands and acorn finial. A nice cup with lots of room for engraving. Marked “Sterling / By / Fina”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 x W 8 x D 5 1/8 in. Weight: 28.5 troy ounces #BT261

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).

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau clear glass decanter with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin in Providence. Globular body with high-looping handle, upward tapering cylindrical neck, and helmet mouth. Ball stopper with short plug. Dense and scrolling fruiting grapevine overlay. Scrolled asymmetrical cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Handle and mouth in silver collar as is stopper neck. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Mermod, Jaccard), and no. 36150. Very g...

Jumbo big game-era safari flask. Made by George Unite in Birmingham in 1888. Glass body. Upper part encased in leather with cut-away vertical windows. At bottom detachable sterling silver cup engraved with armorial. Sterling silver collar with hinged and cork-lined ball cover engraved with same. The alpha model. Holds enough booze for everyone around the campfire. Fully marked. Very good condition with some handling wear from all those big sweaty hands.

Dimensions: H 11 x W 5 x D 2 1/2 in. #B...