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...

Classical coin silver christening mug. Made by Tifft & Whiting in North Attleboro, Mass., ca 1850. Straight and tapering sides with beaded rims. Three names and 3 birthyears (1851, 1877, and 1908) engraved in leafing scrolled frame. Leaf-capped s-scroll handle. Maker’s stamp and phrase “Pure Silver Coin”. Good condition with attractive period wear and nicely sunk engraving.

Overall dimensions: H 3 1/4 x W 3 3/4 x D 2 1/2 in. Weight: 2 troy ounces. #BR811

Midcentury Modern brooch. A cluster of lapis lazuli berries mounted to irregular and striated 14k gold leaves. United States, ca 1960s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: L 2 1/4 x W 1 1/2 in. Approximate weight: 12.7 dwt. #1208

Turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque 950 silver and mother of pearl fruit set. Made by Gustave Veyrat in France. This set comprises 24 pieces with 12 forks and 12 knives. Each: Mother of pearl handle with ornamented mounts and lobed oval terminal with bead. Silver is gilt and mother of pearl is tinted brown. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet.

Fully marked with maker’s stamp and Minerva head. Case lining has gilt stamp for Monte Carlo retailer. Very good condition with nice...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass perfume with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence. Globular with short neck and everted rim in silver collar. Ball stopper. Open and whiplash overlay with linear borders, and round cartouche (vacant). Silver has maker’s stamp and no. D939. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 3 in. #BW284

Deceptively simple and notoriously difficult to apply with the calligrapher’s brush in one fluid, arching stroke; the symbol of the ensō has long been associated with strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and non-being of the universe. A closed ensō (such as the one featured here) is more closely associated with the idea of transcendent perfection, while an open ensō represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world. Though the monk who created this piece, Hasega...

Art Deco bronze urn: $44,000, reduced to $38,000 This Art Deco bronze figurative planter (jardiniere), circa 1920, measures 55" in height, 36" across (elbow to elbow), 18" deep.  caste bronze, 150-250 lb. This work was the combined effort of two French sculptors; Pierre Lenoir and Marcel Guillard (1896 - 1932). It is believed two castes of this sculpted urn were made.  Pierre Lenoir (1879 - 1953) was a French sculptor and medallist and was one of the Breton sculptors born in the 1880s ...

Pretty Italian Classical 800 silver keepsake box, ca 1940. Rectangular. Cover flat and hinged with tapering tab. Sides fluted and engraved with flowering and leafing branches. Cover top has heraldic cartouche (vacant) surrounded by leafing scrollwork on stippled ground. Partitioned interior. Marked "800" with stamp for Roberto & Armando Dabbene in Milan. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x W 8 1/4 x D 4 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 22 troy ounces. #BW335

1960's Chinese green and white jadeite carving of lotus and bamboo on a custom wood stand. A frog is perched on one of the lotus leaves and a bamboo stalk in the background serves to hold calligraphy brushes or fresh flowers. In excellent condition, it measures 7.25" high, on stand 8.75" high, 5.5 across, and about 3.5" deep.

Unusual 14k gold chain necklace, comprising faceted oval links. No clasp. Custom made. United States, ca 1980s. Very good condition.

Length: 37 inches. Weight: 57.1 dwt. #1204

Painted lacquerware in Asia is thought to have more than 3,000 years of history; originating in China and then later spreading to South East Asia, Korea, and Japan. One reason this craft has taken centuries to perfect is that the sap of the tree used is highly toxic and irritating to the skin and to the lungs. Even minor contact with the raw materials can cause serious issues, making collecting and refining it quite labor intensive. Additionally, once collected it takes on average 3-5 years for ...

European silver ornament, ca 1920. Single plain hollow stem sprouting 3 flowers with ripe, splayed petals and prominent stamen surrounding 3 tight and tall buds. Pretty and hopeful. Appears to be unmarked. Silver tests 800. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 19 3/4 x W 6 X D 6 in. Weight: 4 troy ounces. #BW189

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...

Fresh and pretty turn-of-the-century Austrian Art Nouveau 800 silver casket. Rectangular with curved sides. Cover hinged and raised with scroll tab. Chased and engraved wrapround ornament with entwined and whiplash tendrils and flower heads. Rococo scrolled corner supports. Gilt-washed interior. Marks include maker’s stamp HS. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 5 3/8 x D 4 in. Weight: 13 troy ounces. #BW139

European silver flagon after the antique, late 19th century. Tapering bowl with curved front and back Tapering sides and curved front and back on spread and ribbed rectangular foot. Rectilinear neck with flat top. Round and domed cover with same ribbing and finial chained on both sides to ribbed rings loose-mounted to applied Classical satyr’s heads. Engraved Renaissance figures on front and armorial on back; leafing scrollwork and birds. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimens...

Turn-of-the-century French gilt bronze picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with raised leaf-and-dart, imbricated leaf, and beaded borders. Red guilloche border and applied and pierced flower baskets, cornucopias, bouquets and shells. Ribboned and leafing rinceaux crown. With glass, silk lining and hinged easel wire support. For portrait (vertical) display. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H (overall) 12 1/8 x W 8 7/8 in. Window: H 7 1/8 x W 5 in. #SW13

European silver and enamel cigarette case, ca 1920. Rectangular, curved, and hinged. On cover, a horse’s head appears in an entryway, with two protective borzoi dogs standing guard. Stable drama against a semi-abstract background of brick and stone, and bluish ground. Gilt interior. Engraved monogram on back. Marked “900”. Very good condition with strong color.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 3 1/8 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 4.6 troy ounces. #BV461

Turn-of-the-century French gilt-bronze picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with raised beaded, leaf, and guilloche borders and scallop shells applied over ribbon border in pink guilloche enamel. Wreath-and-ribbon crown. With glass, silk lining, and hinged easel wire support. For portrait (vertical) display. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H (overall) 14 3/4 x W 11 in. Window: H 9 x W 7 in. #SW16

Stunning American Edwardian platinum brooch, ca 1900. Barbell form with cylindrical pipe opal. Ends encrusted with rose-cut diamonds. Excellent condition.

Length: 2 1/8 in. #1197

Austrian Rococo silver candle snuffer, 1827. Hinged with flower-head mount and flat vertical blade that fits into rectangular box with curved and lobed top. Ring handles on s-scroll mounts. Three baluster supports. Marks include year and alloy, which is 13 loths (that is 812 silver). Very good condition. Dimensions: H 6 1/2 x W 2 1/4 x D 1 5/8 in.

With: Austrian Rococo silver stand, 1847. Waisted rectangle with dynamic scrollwork surrounding plain and lobed well. Marks include year and initial...

Turn-of-the-century French gilt bronze picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with raised leaf-and-dart, imbricated leaf, and beaded borders. Red guilloche border and applied and pierced flower baskets, cornucopias, bouquets and shells. Ribboned and leafing rinceaux crown. With glass, silk lining and hinged easel wire support. For portrait (vertical) display. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H (overall) 12 1/4 x W 8 3/4 in. Window: H 7 1/8 x W 5 in. #SW14

Here is an exceptional early creation by Georg Jensen USA designer, Laurence Foss. It features square lapis stones accented by sterling floral panels with a hint of goldwash at the buds. Signed L/F Sterling, it measures 7" x 5/8" and weighs 38.1gr.

A concave sterling bangle signed Hans Hansen Denmark 925S. For a smaller wrist and hand, it measures 2-1/4" ( inner diameter), is 1/4" wide and weighs 29.2gr.

Going back over 1,300 years, Seto-ware has the distinction of being Japan’s oldest pottery tradition still active today. Made from the rich clay and silica of the region of production, Seto porcelain in particular has been highly prized throughout the history of Japan. The piece shown here can be described as Seto-guro (Black Seto) and is an excellent example of this type of pottery. The writing on the box describes it as being from Muromachi, so well over 400 years old. The form and compositi...

A bezel set turquoise pendant marked Sterling F.L. Begay for Francis L. Begay~ Navajo/Dine. It measures 1-7/8" x 1-1/2". The smooth oval stone measures 5/8" x 3/4". 17.6gr.

Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to come by in Japan at the time. Later, during the Muromachi period, Seto potters established kilns in Mino thus starting the period known as ko-Seto, or “old Seto.” These pieces were distinctive as they were produced in small batches and with great care. Later in Edo, the large-kiln style of production or “ogama” was introduced ushe...

A very versatile and innovative artist, Sakata Jinnai produces pieces such as the vase seen here in his easily recognizable trademark style. Many of his pieces are earthy and primal in compositions, often inlaid with gold or partially painted in “makie” using various lacquers for dramatic effect. Waves and contours also feature prominently in his work; inspired, he says, by cosmic energies and architectures of the universe. Sakata very actively exhibits his pieces and looks for interesting c...

Currently in its 5th generation, the Miura Chikusen line of potters has continued to produce high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki porcelains used in sencha for well over 150 years. The piece seen here is by the third generation potter and has the rare distinction of being endorsed by Sokuchusai, a former Head Tea Master of Omotesenke in Kyoto. Simple and elegant, a section of bamboo stands out in contrast to the white crackled porcelain glaze. If you are looking for a representative work by o...

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft.

With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone ...

Turn-of-the-century Chinese silver mustard pot. Round and bellied bowl with plain concave neck, thin scroll handle, and spread foot. Modish floral ornament in form of chased and applied water lilies and pads heightened with engraving on stippled ground. Chinese marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/8 x W 3 1/4 x D 2 3/8 in. Weight: 2 troy ounces. #BV330

Austrian 800 silver 4-piece coffee and tea set on tray, ca 1920. This set comprises coffeepot, teapot, creamer, and sugar on tray.

Each: Tapering hexagonal body on raised foot. Handles high-looping stained-wood. Covers stepped with stained-wood finial (pot covers side-hinged). Spouts v-form. Tray has oval well with tapering sides and flat shoulder. Fashionable geometric forms from postwar Mitteleuropa.

Pre-1922 marks. Excellent condition. Teapot handle has minor irregularity.

Dimensions: ...

Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278

A student of Itaya Hazan, one of the most sought after potters in the world of Japanese art, the ceramicist who crafted this fine vase displays here a high degree of mastery, both in form and glazing technique. For the collector who has always wanted a Hazan but has never been lucky enough to chance upon one, this may be a worthy acquisition. Although much of Inoue’s work is quite different in style to that of Hazan’s, you can find a number of pieces where the influence is unmistakeable—th...

An often overlooked implement in tea ceremony, here we have the humble kogo (incense box) with an image of a sleek and flowing dragon. Commonly thought to represent strength, freedom, good luck, and magic, dragons are a popular theme in the artwork across Eastern cultures. Interesting to note, the dragon here is portrayed in the Korean style with four claws, with dragons in China typically having five claws and dragons in Japan typically having three. Fashioned by one of the few great female Jap...

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft. With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone looking for a ...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of this branch, he is sometimes referred to as Tamam...