We are delighted to present to you this remarkable pair of candlesticks in the shape of Athenian women, real jewels inspired by the drawings of the illustrious artist Jean-Charles Delafosse. These 18th century candlesticks harmoniously combine functionality and aesthetics, offering a unique experience. Each candle holder, in addition to being a magnificent candle holder, is also a refined perfume burner. The combination of these two functions makes them versatile and elegant pieces, bringing a ...

Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute. Nakazato's work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Karatsu-ware, known for its earthy tones an...

Not to be confused with the Olympic medalist, this Tomita Hiroyuki (b. 1977) is a talented potter pushing the bounds of an otherwise conservative field where many ceramic forms are carried forward for centuries and sometimes millennia. Beginning his artistic endeavors in the field of metal casting, he soon met and became a student to Ijuin Mariko who introduced him to the world of ceramics. In 2007 he opened his own workshop and since that time he has been actively creating and exhib...

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing a soft and gracefully executed red glaze, this Raku tea bowl exudes a sense of ease, tenderness, and tranquility. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in texture, the tea bowl's surface adds to its unique and organic feel. Made by one of the true veterans of Japanese pottery, these are some of the finest Raku tea bowls you will find in all of Japan.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important...

Japanese bamboo crafting, known as "Takezaiku," is a traditional art form that involves the skilled manipulation of bamboo to create various functional and decorative objects. Craftsmen trained in this art carefully select bamboo of appropriate size and quality, then use specialized tools to cut, shape, and join the bamboo pieces. Techniques such as splitting, bending, weaving, and binding are employed to achieve intricate designs and durable structures. Bamboo crafting encompasses a...

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...

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...

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 ...

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

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

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

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

Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can incorporate centuries of experiential knowledge and technique into producing new and interesting forms are oh so valued. Though this Bizen jar fits into the category of mizusashi, a vessel central to tea ceremony that holds fresh water, it seems to transcend this narrow category and stands as an independent art object all its own....

Japanese inlay ceramics (zōgan) are created by making incisions on the surface of a clay body which are then filled with various colored clays, creating a pattern. After the pattern is finalized, an overglaze is applied and the piece is sent to the kiln to be fired. As can be seen here, the results are quite striking and produce unique patterns that cannot be replicated through painting alone. Inlaying as a technique is thought to have originally derived from practices in metal and ...

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...

Father to internationally known Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (the 8th generation Sanzaemon potter), though he never achieved the same level of notoriety as his son, his pieces have a grace and elegance all their own as demonstrated here with this charming tea bowl. With its milky crackled glaze and split foot (wari-kodai) showing the rich clay this piece was fashioned from, it possesses strong character and has a calming presence, bringing a sense of stability. Perfect for those deepen...