A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface of an artwork before firing. The exact details of this process seem somewhat murky as it appears to be a well-guarded secret among potters. After some research we were unable to identify the potter; and, although there is a signature on the bottom that appears to read “Raishō,” we could find no potter by this name. R...

At various times over the long history of tea practice in Japan, Korean-ware has come into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics from the neighboring country were brought to its shores. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people); and, older pieces such as this are quite prized today as relatively few from this era have survived in good condition. While it is possible this piece is of Japanese origin, its apparent age would make it more likely to h...

George V sterling silver bun warmer. Made by Roberts & Belk Ltd in Sheffield in 1927. Egg-form. Cover has flat oval top with radiating facets and lobed bands; hinges have vasiform mounts. Bracket end handles. Perpendicular tab has ring inset with ball finial. Four tapering hoof supports. Pierced detachable tray set in solid detachable tray. Reeding and beading. For a fun Downton Abbey-style buffet breakfast. Fully marked. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 8 3/8 x W 13 1/8 x D 9 3/4 in...

Takahashi Shotei
Shrine by the River
Date: 1930s. This edition early postwar.
Size: 5.5 x 3.625 inches
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top margin edge has slight browning.

Here we have a beautiful scroll with a mounted letter penned by famed Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) who is known as one of the 4 great haiku poets of Japan along with the likes of Bashō, Buson, and Shiki. As one might expect, Kobayashi’s life was one of turbulence punctuated by several tragedies including the death of his mother at an early age and a lengthy legal battle with his step-mother over the family inheritance after the death of his father. Through it all Kobay...

An excellent offering from Higaki Ryota of Katsura Kiln, this piece displays a classic and iconic shape coupled with a beautiful Kase-guro glaze said to be used over 400 years ago by Chojiro. The color of this tea bowl changes quite dramatically, taking on the characteristics of its environment; light and cheerful in direct and bright lighting, more austere, deep, and reflective in standard tea room lighting. Perfect for those venturing into the world of Raku tea-ware or for those lo...

Six Victorian Classical sterling silver goblets. Made by Charles Stuart Harris in London, 1884-9. Medici urn bowl with bellied bottom and flared rim. Spool shaft with flange flowing into raised foot. Chased and engraved garlands and two leaf and cattail wreath frames of which 1 vacant and 1 with applied coat of arms. Super fancy and capacious for ceremony or dining. Very much the special occasion set. Fully marked including date letters 1884 (2), 1886 (1), 1888 (1), and 1889 (2). Excellent cond...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase by historic maker Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Cylindrical with bellied top and bottom, and short inset neck. Overlay in form of open and horizontal pattern with stylized leaves and scrollwork. Glass is Titania pattern with shaded streaky green in vertical leaf arrangement. Silver marked “Sterling”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 7 x D 3 1/4 in. #BV932

American Modern sterling silver flask, ca 1920. Rectilinear and curved; cover hinged, threaded, and cork-lined. Front engraved with a camel, a paragon of drought survival, standing on parched ground with scattered shoots of greenery. In background are palm trees and pyramids. Drink up to survive the desert—physical or metaphorical. Back vacant for engraving. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition with strong definition.

Dimensions: H 7 x W 5 x D 7/8 in. Weight: 9 troy ounces. #BX740 ...

Large Japanese Meiji silver chalice, ca 1890. Oval bowl with irregular rim on tall cylindrical shaft flowing into raised and scalloped foot. Spout hammered ground. Double walled. Applied iris and chrysanthemum flowers and blossoming branches. Wire stem with flower head and bud wrapped around shaft. Mount Fuji-form mono plate (vacant). No cliché left behind. A wonderful ceremonial vessel for the advanced export market. Japanese marks and “Kuhn & Komor / Sterling”. Kuhn & Komor was a Hungari...

This lot includes eight marked Gorham sterling 4780 nut dishes . Two are mongrammed on the bottom( one of those has very faint etched numbers). 4" x 2-1/2" Total weight 6.8 ozs.

A collectible Scandinavian gold and amethyst pin by Kippittan Kulta of Finland. The pin is stamped with the anvil mark 585 Finland and measures 2 1/4" x 1-1/4". Weight 3.6gr.

Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Pheasants and Maple Tree
Size: Approximately 5.25 x 3.25 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Shoson seal at lower right
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: AS.15 in Crows, Cranes, and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Two sterling silver flower head bowls. One is collage-style with 3 graduated layers of fluted, striated, and irregular petals and beaded center. The other has fluted and irregular petals with collage-style center comprising 2 graduated and scalloped layers. In cloth-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining silver-stamped “Gianmaria / Buccellati”. Both marked “Gianmaria Buccellati” with post-1967 Italian mark for Bolognese maker Clementi di Giovanni Mantel. Excellent condition.

Dim...

Lilian May Miller (1895-1943)
The Little Shrines on Quiet Hills
Date: 1927.
Size: Approximately 5.625 x 3.75 inches.
From the book, Grass Blades from a Cinnamon Garden.
Monogrammed within the image.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight toning.

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Mandarin Ducks
Date: 1930s.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15.75 x 7.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Reference: Koitsu catalog no. TK-DH-76.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Back top margin has tape residue.
Note: An usual subject for Koitsu.

Belle Epoque Classical 950 silver wine bottle holder. Made by Odiot in France, ca 1890. Open body comprising two rectilinear supports mounted to round bowl with straight sides. Conical neck with adjustable screws. Leaf-capped double-scroll handle. Meandering fruiting grapevine on stippled ground. Perfect for enjoying a special vintage. Note: The bowl is smallish, so the best fit is going to be one of the really old bottles down in the cellar. Fully marked with Minerva head and maker’s stamp....

Pair of George III sterling silver gravy boats. Made by William Bond in Dublin in 1794. Each: Ovoid with helmet mouth and gadrooned rim. Leaf-capped double-scroll handle mounted to scrolled end. Three scallop-shell mounted leaf supports. Engraved armorial. Gorgeous Georgian Neoclassicism from across the Irish Sea. Fully marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Overall dimensions: H 6 3/4 x W 8 3/4 x D 4 3/4 in. Total weight: 39.7 troy ounces. #BW160