George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by Ernest Wilfred Sanders & Henry Arthur Mackenzie in Birmingham in 1933. Rectangular window with curvilinear upper corners in plain and flat rectangular surround with wide lower rail. With glass, silk lining, and stained wood back and hinged easel support. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 10 1/2 x W 8 in. Window: H 8 7/8 x W 6 7/8 in. #BX905
Elizabeth Keith (1887-1956)
Noh Actor Shigeyama in Green Costume
Date: 1935-36.
Size: Approximately 19.5 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Signed "Elizabeth Keith" in pencil.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Notch in lower margin. Tape residue at left, bottom left, and top back margins.
Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Spring Evening
Date: Pre-1936.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 14.75 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shotei seal at right.
Reference: Shotei #M-12. Watanabe #212.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has paper residue.
Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Round with well, gently tapering shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20221 (first produced in 1923) and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1/2 x D 15 in. Weight: 42.4 troy ounces. #BY130
Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1952. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.
Dimensio...
Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.
Dimensio...
Elizabeth II sterling silver box. Made by Padgett & Braham Ltd in London in 1963. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Interior cedar-lined and partitioned. Open leather-lined bottom. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x W 9 1/2 x D 5 3/4 in. Heavy gross weight: 39 troy ounces. #BV987
Charming Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval window in same flat surround. On front acid-etched daisy chain with dense leaf and flower arrangement; tubular cartouche (vacant). Sides plain with tooled linear borders. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back and hinged easel support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16401A, and director’s letter m. Excellent condition with strong defin...
Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Oval with deep well, wide shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20182 (first produced in 1923), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 18 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 50 troy ounces. #BY134
Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Oval with deep well, wide shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20182 (first produced in 1923), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 18 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 53 troy ounces. #BY135
Unusual American Modern 18k gold chain, ca 1980. Small yellow gold links interspersed with large tooled ovals with central wraparound band as well as thick and solid rose ovals. With clasp. Very good condition.
Length: 32 in. Weight: 21.7 dwt/33.8 g. #1232
George V sterling silver box. Made by Henry Matthews in Birmingham in 1930. Rectangular with straight sides. Corner posts on ball support. Cover flat and hinged; on top horizontal engine-turned bands bordered by plain and wraparound engine-turned bands. Sides same with plain borders. Box interior wood-lined and partitioned. Open leather-lined bottom. Fully marked. Good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 x W 7 x D 3 3/4 in. Gross weight: 23 troy ounces. #BW000
American Modern ring with cabochon tiger eye in 14k yellow gold setting; brilliant-cut diamond on each shoulder. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.
Size: 8 1/2. Weight: 10.5 dwt (16.3 g). #1223
Modern sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1937. Round with curved and fluted sides. Rim flat and applied with incised band. Short foot ring with same. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 22392 (first produced in 1937), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 9 1/4 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX604
Francis I sterling silver teapot. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Bellied ovoid body on domed foot, high-looping leaf-capped scroll handle, and leaf-capped s-scroll handle; cover hinged and domed with leafing-scroll quatrefoil finial. Strapwork frames (vacant) on front and back between cornucopias and pendant ribbon-tied flowers. Rims irregular with applied leaves and scrolls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, no. 570A, and phrase “Hand Chased”. Very good conditio...
Kawase Hasui
Uji Bridge (aka Bridge on a Starry Night)
Note: But are the stars fireflies? The Uji Bridge and River are known for fireflies.
Date: 1930s.
Size: Koban. Approximately 7.75 x 5.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui's oval seal at lower left.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-24.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Midcentury Modern sterling silver monteith bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved sides and reeded curvilinear rim; raised and spread foot. Stylish for serving and presentation. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and postwar pattern no. 23881. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 9 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 30 troy ounces. #BP797
Traditional Georgian-style sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1950. Each: Spool socket with detachable bobeche on knopped and flanged shaft; foot square. Gadrooned rims. Fully marked including stamp for Prill Silver Co., Inc. a New York maker active from 1930s-1970s. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 35 troy ounces. #BX825
Traditional Georgian-style sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1950. Each: Spool socket with detachable bobeche on knopped and flanged shaft; foot square. Gadrooned rims. Fully marked including stamp for Prill Silver Co., Inc. a New York maker active from 1930s-1970s. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 34 troy ounces. #BX824
Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design. England, ca 1880. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.
Size: 4 1/2. Weight: 2.1 dwt (3.2 g). #1221
George III sterling silver epergne. Made by Thomas Pitts in London in 1774.
Reeded and beaded oval frame; at base swags threaded through fixed rings with pendant oval vase medallions, overlapping four split-mounted leafing supports terminating in pierced and scrolled oval feet. Four reeded and scrolling leaf-capped and -wrapped arms, each terminating in oval basket, mounted to frame base alternating with four reeded and scrolling leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in round basket, mounted to ...
Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973)
Water Hyacinth (Mizuaoi)
Date: 1950s. Later edition.
Size: Oban. 16.0 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left. Carver and printer seals at left margin.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Osuga Yuichi (b. 1939)
Japanese Bellflower (Kikyo)
Date: ca. 1970s or later.
Size: Oban. 15.875 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left.
Carver: Monju. Printer: Sugimoto
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Upper left margin edge has vertical crease.
Toko Shinoda (1913-2021)
Title: Discovery
Size: Approximately 14.125 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1980s or earlier.
Edition: 33/35.
Medium: Lithograph with red and black sumi-e brushstrokes.
Condition: Slight toning to former matte edge.
Ohara Koson (?)
Three Birds (Gallinules) (Matsumoto catalog name)
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.75 x 3.625 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Sealed "Yamagishi," which may be the carver Kazue Yamagishi (1891-1984).
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 420)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design. Not found in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland) but similar to the artist's gallinule...
English Modern sterling silver cigar box, 1919. Rectangular with plain straight sides. Cover hinged with tapering tab; top gently curved with engine-turned wave ornament bordered by fretwork, and centrally mounted gold ring inset with word “CIGARS”. Interior cedar lined and partitioned. Underside leather lined.
Fully marked including Birmingham assay stamp and mark for WC Griffiths, a silversmith and retailer. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 3/8 x W 10 1/8 x D 5 3/4 in. Gross weigh...
Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with stepped rim. Smart and functional with nice heft. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 21252, director’s letter m (1907-47), and wartime star (1943-5). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1/2 x D 10 in. Weight: 16.2 troy ounces. #BX445
Ide Gakusui
Berries
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Gakusui signature and seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Woodblock print is tipped along the top edge to original 7 x 4.75-inch blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Tsuchiya Koitsu
Sparrows
Publisher: Doi. Issued by Odawara Shoten.
Date: 1940. This edition likely post-2000.
Print size: Koban. 8 x 5.75 inches.
Koitsu catalog no.: Similar to TK-DH-90.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Victorian sterling silver letter opener. Made by George Neal & George Neal in London in 1900. In form and with dimensions of a 12-inch ruler. Tapering point for getting underneath the fold. A stylish and useful desk novelty. Fully marked. Very good condition. Weight: 2.5 troy ounces. #BW008
Traditional sterling silver Revere bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved and tapering sides, flared rim, and stepped foot. For serving or presentation. Lots of room for engraving.
Fully marked including maker’s stamp and postwar pattern no. 23617. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 7/8 x D 7 3/4 in. Weight: 14.2 troy ounces. #BX699
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...
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.
Edwardian Modern Regency sterling silver basket. Made by the Sweetser Co. in New York, ca 1910. Faceted octagonal bowl with straight and tapering sides on spool support mounted to raised and faceted octagonal foot; fixed curvilinear handle. Engraved ornament with fluted and paterae curvilinear borders forming frames of which four vacant and the others inset with garlands, scrollwork, and vases. Handle has pendant flowers and oval frames inset with paterae. Fully marked including maker’s stamp ...
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.
Edwardian Regency sterling silver jewelry box. Made by William B. Durgin in Concord, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and hinged drop-front. Cover hinged and flat. On sides, wraparound garland held-up by sweet bare-bottomed cherubs. Cover top encircled with same (center vacant). Reeded rims. Interior velvet-lined. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 1809. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 9 3/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Heavy gross weight: 40.6 troy ounces. #BX652
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.
Two pairs of German 800 silver 2-light candelabra. Made by M. H. Wilkens & Söhne in Germany, ca 1890. Each: tapering pillar on raised foot with spread c-scroll supports. Garland-entwined figure mounted to pillar top. On two, a bosomy, drapery-clad caryatid; on other two, a naked atlantes. Soft youthful flesh that contrasts with the statuary pillar. Each figure holds a stem with two open and scrolled branches terminating in single socket. Fluid and dynamic Art Nouveau mixed with frothy Rococo. ...
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
George V sterling silver covered urn. Made by Mappin & Webb in Sheffield in 1917. Oval bowl mounted to lobed knop on domed foot. Cover double-domed with acorn finial. Leaf-wrapped and mounted scroll bracket side handles with cast leaf-and-berry ornament. Bowl rim has dense flower rondel border. Bold and fluid leaf-and-dart borders embossed on bowl bottom and foot top. Smaller and more controlled version of same on cover. Striking and traditional Neoclassicism in supersized proportions. Enough ro...
English Victorian Modern sterling silver smoking box 1885. Rectangular with straight sides. Scroll-bracket handle mounted to central panel between two hinged covers. On one in blue enamel “Cigars”; on other “Cigarettes”. Cedar lined. Felt-lined underside. Fully marked including London assay stamp and maker’s initials “T.W”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 7 3/4 x D 6 1/2 in. Gross weight: 28.3 troy ounces. #BX649
English Georgian sterling silver salver, 1727. Square with molded rim and curvilinear corners. Engraved armorial in well center. Rests on 4 corner hoof supports. Substantial with nice heft from the year the first Hanoverian king George I died and was succeeded by his son George II. A really nice piece of native craftsmanship from the early years of the German ascension. Worn marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 13 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 61.7 troy o...
Romantic Edwardian Art Nouveau sterling silver frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Heart-shaped window in same and curved surround flowing into bracket feet. Acid-etched leafing scrollwork and flowers. At top shaped cartouche vacant for engraving a lovey-dovey message. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 14282, and director’s letter C (1902-7). Excellent condition with stro...
George II sterling silver salver. Made by Robert Abercromby in London 1741. Molded scroll and shell rim and 4 scroll-mounted hoof supports. Armorial engraved in well center. Great heft and balance. Fully marked. Very good condition with period patina.
Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 12 3/8 in. Weight: 28.7 troy ounces. #BX211
Also known as "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life,” here in this pre-Edo Buddhist painting we see Amida and his two assistant bodhisattvas, Seishi on the left (associated with wisdom and strength), and Kannon on the right (associated with compassion and mercy), descending from the Western Pure Land to welcome newly deceased believers into the realm of paradise. In this practice known as raigō, the faithful are transported via the small lotus pedestal the Kannon holds in his...
Although reports vary, it is generally thought that Zeze-yaki had its heyday in the late Momoyama to early Edo period under the influence and patronage of legendary artists/ men of tea, Honami Koetsu and Kobori Enshu. It was also counted among the seven best kilns selected by Enshu Kobori (1579-1647), a tea master and military commander of that era. In the mid-1600s the tradition died out for a time after the destruction of the kiln by fire. The kiln was later resurrected on two occa...
This elegant work of Karatsu pottery has an unglazed foot, showing the rich ferrous clay from which it is constructed, and displays splashes of ferrous pigment on a backdrop of ashen glaze with a milky white overglaze. The triangular shape and large proportions make for a very distinctive work of e-Karatsu or “painted” Karatsu.
Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters...
Paul Jacoulet
The Wandering Buddhist Priest, Korea (Le Bonze Errant, Corée)
Date: 1948.
Edition 165/350. (Fewer than 50 impressions from this edition were produced.)
Print size: Approximately 18.5 x 14.375 inches.
Publisher: Self-published by the artist.
Carver: Maeda. Printer: Honda.
Signed, and sealed with the "peach" seal. PJ watermark.
Reference: No. 95, The Prints of Paul Jacoulet (Miles).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top ba...
Japanese Modern silver box on stand, ca 1930. Rectangular with curved corners. Box has straight sides and cover top is gently raised and has applied gilt medallion with dramatic dragon in low relief. Box and cover interior lined with stained-wood. Stand has wide and tapering shoulder and flat well border with open stained-wood bottom. Marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Box: H 2 1/2 x W 6 1/2 x D 4 3/4 in. Stand: H 7/8 x W 8 1/8 x D 6 3/8 in. #BX437
Belle Epoque Rococo soup tureen on stand. Made by Tetard Frères in Paris, ca 1910. Ovoid bowl with tapering sides and curved bottom with fluted and turned-down leaf handles. Sides have projecting volute scrolls inset with leaves. Leaves stippled and irregular. Sides have curvilinear panels applied with leaf and berry garlands with central branches forming wreaths. Raised oval foot. Cover domed and paneled with fluted top on which is mounted a cast finial in form of two embracing cherubs, their ...
The pottery style know as “nerikomi” or sometimes “neriage” in Japan is a technique where various colors and consistencies of clay are stacked together and then cut through to reveal a unique pattern. Here we see a beautiful execution of this approach by potter Wakasugi Naomi (b. 1974) who spent many years perfecting the technique. Wakasugi typically uses Shigaraki clay and porcelain clay from Kyoto in her works and says that when she first started out very few people were ma...
A key figure in the Japanese folk craft movement of the 20th century, Fujita Kyohei is credited with helping to develop a thriving glass-working community within Japan. Best known for his “dream” or “Liuli” boxes—very colorful and skillfully crafted boxes that often incorporated gold and silver leaf into their designs. Here we see a piece that would likely have been crafted earlier in his career but that demonstrates his masterful technique even then. In 1972 Fujita, along ...
The craftsman who fashioned this piece, the 9th Ohi Chozaimon (1901-1986), is the most widely recognized and most accomplished of the now 11 generations of Ohi potters. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture at the start of the 20th century, he took up the family craft and, at the age of 26, became the head potter. Raku tea bowls made by Ohi 9 are some of the finest you will encounter, comparing favorably to even tea bowls made by the main Raku lineage in Kyoto. The lightness of the clay, the s...