Tokoname pottery has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the town of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this pottery tradition has flourished due to the region's abundant red clay deposits. The history of Tokoname pottery can be traced to the 12th century when the art form was greatly influenced by Chinese ceramics, specifically, by the Yixing clay pottery tradition. Over the centuries, Tokoname pottery evolved to develop its unique style characteri...

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...

The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

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...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Snowy Miyajima
Date: 1936.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 7.75 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Printer: Yokoi. Carver: Harada. This combination of seals indicates an early postwar edition.
Reference: TK-DH-25 in Koitsu catalogue.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has one tape remnant at top right. Slight fading.

Vietnamese silver box, late 19th century. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged. Box sides have embossed blossoming branches, bamboo, and bird; engraved leaves and flowers at corners. Cover top has embossed slithering, scaly dragons with horns and talons in same frame; blossoming branches at corners. Ground stippled. Maker's mark for Guang Qing Yong. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 6 1/4 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 18.4 troy ounces. #BW325

Special tha...

Pair of German Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, ca 1830. Each: Socket mounted to leaf flange in turn mounted to baluster shaft on raised round foot on square base. Fluting, gadrooning, acanthus leaf, and leaf-and-dart ornament. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 10 1/8 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weighted. #BY091

Handsome European stone trinket box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Shoulder and base chamfered. Cover hinged, inset, and chamfered. Silver-plated mouth and cover rims. Cover has cabled border and filigree scrolled tab. Stone mottled red. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x W 4 x D 2 1/2 in. #BX269

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

Known as the "Ornamental Squares" design, this bracelet by Hector Aguilar is features in many book and is one of his most iconic designs. This one is exceptional with it's longer 8" length. Crafted in his favored 940 silver it measures 1" wide and weighs an impressive 108.1 grams. Secure clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the joined HA, 940, Taxco and the eagle stamp 9. Light age related wear with a lovely rich patina. A superb bracelet in a hard to find longer length.

A flip calendar with a tiny woodblock print of a torii gate and a litho of The Teahouse Jiji-ga-chaya at Meguro by Hiroshige.
Date: 1934
Overall size: 5.25 x 2.5 inches.
Christmas greeting on back.
Condition: Excellent.

Charles W. Bartlett
Title: Kobe
Date: 1915
Board size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Medium: Watercolor on paper.
Signed "C.W.B", titled, dated, and dedicated in pencil.
Condition: Painting is laid down to board. Paper toned in places.
Note: As signed, the work was painted in 1915, the year Bartlett arrived in Japan, and was subsequently presented as a Christmas gift in 1936.

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...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

Charles W. Bartlett
Fruit Sellers, Madura, India 1923
Date: 1923
Paper size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Sealed CWB and titled. Signed in pencil and dedicated "Love from the Bartletts".
Medium: Etching hand-colored with watercolor.
Condition: Toned.
Note: This example has a double image.

Classical coin silver baby cup. Made by Eoff & Connor, a partnership active in New York from 1833 to 1835. Bellied bowl with drum-form neck, flared rim, and capped s-scroll handle; raised and stepped foot. Shaped frame (vacant) with chased scrolling leaf surround, and leaf and flower bands. Foot has cast egg-and-dart border. Handwork visible on interior. Lovely with strong regional association. Marks include “J.H. Connor” and “G. Eoff” stamps. Very good condition with nice patina.

Over...

German Modern 800 silver box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides and crisp corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab; cover top gently curved and inlaid with shagreen in geometric pattern. Cedar-lined interior. Open leather-lined bottom. Marks include maker’s stamp (Wilhelm Binder). Good condition with some wear and rubbing to shagreen.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/2 in. Gross weight: 28.6 troy ounces. #BX428