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...

Ohara Koson
Siberian Blue Robin (Nightingale)
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 9.75 x 9.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1912.
Koson signature and seal at lower left.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Reference: K26.3 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Note: This print is very rare. We've noticed another example in the Rijks Museum collection.
Condition: A conservator has repaired tears at three corners. The artist's name is noted i...

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 ...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Hirosaki Castle
Series: Eight Scenes of Cherry Blossoms
Date: 1935.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: Abe catalog #192.
Condition: Pencil note at top margin. Paper lightly toned.

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.

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Mallards and Lotus
Size: Large toku-oban. Approximately 17.125 x 12.25 inches.
Date: pre-1936. First edition.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. First and only edition with Watanabe D seal in right margin.
Shoson signature and seal lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: S7.1 aand cat. 145 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland). Watanabe cat. #O-51.
Condition: Excellent with full...

Koei Hashimoto
Dove on Plum Tree Branch
Date: ca. 1930
Size: Oban. 17 x 11 inches.
Publisher: Likely Sato Shotaro.
Signed and sealed by the artist at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: The back has pen ink scribbles. Light creasing primarily in margin. Light foxing on back.

William Seltzer Rice (1873-1963) Italian Boat
Date: Likely 1913-1915.
Paper size 7.75 x 5.5 inches.
Print size: 4.75 x 3.875 inches.
Signed and titled in pencil.
Medium: Woodblock print.
Condition: Lightly foxed, primarily outside the image area. Margin blanks (see additional photos for full margins). Tape on verso.
Note: We could find no other reference to this title by the California artist and believe that this could be the only known color example. Howeve...

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

Ted Colyer (b. 1947)
Winter '84
Size: 16.5 x 16.5 inches. Sheet size: 18.5 x 18.5 inches. Matte size: 21.75 x 21.75 inches.
Date: 1984.
Signed, dated, and numbered by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Hinged at top back with tape to circular matte.
Canadian native Colyer studied Japanese printmaking under Toshi Yoshida.

In excellent condition, this bird-shaped, or “torigata” vase is a beautiful example of Iga pottery from last century. A master of form, material, and technique, the potter Furutani Michio (1946-2000) wrote several books later translated to English on the construction and use of the “anagama”—an earth-dug, wood-fired, small-batch kiln traditionally used in Japan—celebrated for the extraordinary results that often emerge from its fires. Winner of a number of awards during his lifetime ...

Ito Sozan
Geese in Moonlight
Date: pre-1936.
Size: Tanzaku. 15 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Artist's signature and seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has pencil note and slight residue at top.

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 ...

Shin-Bijutsukai Japanese Design Magazine, vol. 28
Compiled by artist Furuya Korin (1875–1910).
A monthly magazine (1902-06) featuring the work of talented design artists.
First published 1905. This Yamada Unsodo-published edition dates to 1906 or later.
Contains 20 full-page, original woodblock-printed designs.
Publisher: Kyoto Unsodo.
Size: 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
Medium: Woodblock-printed book bound with silk ties.
Condition: Some wear at front and back cov...

Children on Stilts in Snow
Artist's seal not read.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Size: 4.75 x 3.25 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge to original card.
Condition: Excellent.

Ide Gakusui
Bamboo Grove
Size: 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Gakusui seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Woodblock print is tipped along its top edge to a blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Dancing Girls Enjoying Cool Breeze On River Kamo
Date: 1919.
Size: Approximately 7 x 4.5 inches.
Hasui signature and seal at lower right.
Publisher: Yoshusha.
Edition: First.
This marginless print was issued as seen here tipped along its top edge into the 1919 first edition book, "Sights of Old Capital" by Aisaburo Akiyama. The book is included and also contains a Hiroshige woodblock print and a woodblock printed dedication page.
...

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at Nezu Gongen Shrine
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower left, indicating a lifetime edition produced between 1946 and 1957.
Reference: Hotei #345.
Condition: Slight toning as seen in margin. Tape residue at top back margin.

Hiroshi Yoshida
Wisteria Garden
Date: 1935. This edition mid-century.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.75 inches.
Signed and sealed in Japanese in the image. Titled and signed in English at lower margin.
Reference: Abe catalog #199.
Condition: Excellent. Two original pinholes at top margin.

Biho Takahashi (Yoshikuni) (1873-)
Bee and Pink Hollyhock
Date: 1900-1910.
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 9.75 x 9.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Chipped corner and light creasing.

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...

Okuhara Seiko (1837-1918; female)
Cherry Blossoms Under the Full Moon
Date: 1900s-1910s
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Unsigned. Signed examples exist.
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 9.75 x 9.5 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight toning. Left and right edges bumped.

Hiroshi Yoshida
Horse Turnback (Umagaeshi)
Series: Ten Views of Mt. Fuji
Date: 1928.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.25 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image and lower margin.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating self-printing by the artist.
Published by the artist.
Reference: Abe #52.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Margin has light toning and creasing.

Kawase Hasui
Spring Rain at Gokokuji
Size: Oban. Approximately 16 x 10.75 inches.
Date: 1932.
This edition 1948-50.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Katsumura (same carver as first edition). Printer: Ito.
Doi publisher's watermark at upper left corner margin.
Artist's signature and seal at upper right.
Condition: A surface dot on the base of the lantern. A few light margin creases. Back top corners have two small bits of paper residue.
- A wonderful e...

Pair of magnificent French Neoclassical 950 silver 7-light candelabra, ca 1880. Each: Six leaf-wrapped s-scroll arms each terminating in single leaf-and-dart socket, mounted to central socket on shaft set in petal mount on knopped and tapering shaft; raised foot on 3 bracket-mounted feet. Imbricated leaf wreaths and garlands, fluting, beading, and pendant flowers. Two oval medallions with armorials for Bernard de Lassus, a mountaineering baron, who divided his time between the remote peaks of th...

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

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Iidabashi, Daytime in Tokyo
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.5 x 8.0 inches.
Date: 1940.
Later edition (ca. 1970s-1980s) with impressed pencil signature.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition. Faint toning visible in margin.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Peddler in the Snowy Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.875 x 7.0 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Artist's seal at lower right.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
No. 509 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. C-29 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Puppies and Banana
Artist: Unidentified. This print is also known to have the unread artist's seal in our enlargement #3.
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.675 x 3.5 inches
Date: ca. 1910.
Publisher: Matsumoto (No. 416).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Figure at Temple
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Tanzaku. Approximately 13.25 x 3.125 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso)
Artist's seal at lower right.
Reference: No. 1591.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Woodblock print is attached along its top edge to original card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

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

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

Takahashi Shotei
Morning Fog
Date: Early. Not known.
Size: Approximately 7.25 x 4.825 inches.
Shotei seal lower right.
Reference: S-126 in Shotei catalog.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight crease lower left corner. Pencil note on back.
Note: Shotei.com notes that this print is probably pre-earthquake due to its rarity.