Pair of Chinese export silver mustard pots, ca 1890. Each: Cylindrical with fixed and entwined ratan-style handle; cover chained with inset and engraved diaper top. Applied wraparound horned and taloned dragon. For piquant condiments. Marks include stamp for Tien Shing, who was active in Hong Kong in the third-quarter of the 19th century. Very good condition. One pot has a detachable clear glass liner.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 1 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.3 troy ounces. #BZ583

Modern sterling silver trompe-l’oeil box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Book-form with curved and raised spine. Front board hinged. Butler-finished edges. Box interior gilt. Untitled with lots of room for engraving. A novelty keepsake receptacle for telling a very personal story. Marked on spine base “Tiffany & Co. Makers Sterling 25190”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 7/8 x W 7 3/8 x D 1 1/4 in. Heavy weight: 36.2 troy ounces. #BY365

Set of 8 American Modern sterling silver matchbox holders, ca 1920. Retailed by Udall & Ballou in New York. Rectangular with open ends; sides have cutout tubes. On each is applied enameled dog. Five breeds represented. On back engraved block presentation: “J.G.R. / FROM / M.A.P.” In original leather-bound case with fitted velvet, silk, and gilt-stamped retailer’s stamp. A great canine collectible. Very good condition. Scottie has minor enamel loss on tail.

Dimensions: H 3/8 x W 1 7/8 x D...

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...

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowledge, skill, and dedication of one of Japan’s top traditional craftsman. Its tapered polished sides have a beautiful texture and luster that compliment perfectly with the hand-crafted custom lid adorning the top. Truly an exceptional artwork fused with the aesthetics of tea culture that gives it a sense of stability, calm, a...

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1901 to 1902. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Two each in two coats of arms. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet. All fully marked including date letters 1901 (2) and 1902 (2). Design no. 454426 and retailer’s stamp (“Rowell / Oxford”). Excellent condition with strong and intact color.

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

Set of 6 German 800 silver figural open salts, ca 1920. Each: A swan with erect neck and down-turned bill and pointy tail; body hollow. With fluted and scalloped frosted glass liner. Fully marked including maker’s stamp attributable to Martin Mayer. Numbered 2 (1), 42 (2), and 88 (3). Very good condition. One liner has bottom crack.

Dimensions: H 2 x L 2 1/4 x W 1 1/4 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.5 troy ounces. #BZ325

Set of 8 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1902 to 1909. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Each coat of arms different. Symbols include lions, ravens, eagles, and swords. All fully marked. Date letters vary: 1902 (1), 1905 (1), 1906 (2), 1907 (1), and 1909 (1). Two have indistinct marks. Six have design no. 454426. Retailer’s stamp (“Rowell / Oxford”). Excellent condition with st...

Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver and crystal decanter. Made by Gorham in Providence. Ovoid crystal bowl with cut and engraved ornament: Beaded horse shoe in curvilinear strapwork frame, and stylized thistles. Sterling silver helmet mouth in shaped mount with raised grain heads and entwined tendrils; high-looping reeded handle. Flattened ball stopper with same and short clear glass plug. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. D1170. Excellent condition.

Dimensions:...

An interesting contemporary Hagi piece resting on a split-foot (wari-kodai) and a unique glaze patterning that somewhat resembles layers of flower petals. A creation of Morishige Tetsuyo, a native of the famous potting town of Hagi who later studied in Kyoto and eventually took up a position at the family kiln “Renkozan” with tutelage from both his father and grandfather. This particular piece is from a series he began in 2009 aptly named “Kaben” (The petal series). Actively displaying b...

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...

Using local materials and traditional methods, the creator of this work Masahiko Imanishi, has brought a distinctively modern interpretation to the classical form of the tsutsu chawan. At the same time, he somehow manages to maintain the simple rusticity that Tanba-ware is renowned for. Stretching back over 800 years, Tanba is counted as one of Japan’s 6 ancient kiln sites and is known for making large pots with red ferrous clay and natural ash glazes with a distinctive greenish tinge. More re...

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 f...

English gilt sterling silver & agate fruit set. This set comprises 24 pieces: 12 knives and 12 forks. Each: Tapering and chamfered rectilinear handle in mottled and translucent agate. Colors vary. Gilt sterling silver blades with 2 armorials (knives) and 4-tined shanks with 1 armorial (forks); stippled and scrolled mount. In stained-wood case with fitted velvet.

Fully marked with London assay stamp. Eight knives have William Theobalds maker’s stamp and 1833 date letter. Four knives have Wil...

Set of 12 American sterling silver mint juleps. Each: Straight and tapering sides, beeded rim and foot, and applied cast horse head. A great way to celebrate Derby Day with a dozen of your nearest and dearest. Marked “Sterling / Trees”. Benjamin Trees was active in Lexington, Kentucky from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 2 7/8 in. Total weight: 55 troy ounces. #BZ708

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1906 to 1908. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Same design comprising yellow cross and birds on cobalt ground. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet. Case has retailer’s stamp (Army and Navy Co-Operative Society) All fully marked including date letters 1906 (3) and 1908 (1). Design no. 454426 and retailer’s stamp (“Ro...