Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creativity and the organic world. Now several centuries old, this piece continues to serves not only as a functional display piece, but also as a symbol of the enduring leg...

Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku. Th...

Here we have a beautiful scroll with a mounted letter penned by famed Japanese poet Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) who is known as one of the 4 great haiku poets of Japan along with the likes of Bashō, Buson, and Shiki. As one might expect, Kobayashi’s life was one of turbulence punctuated by several tragedies including the death of his mother at an early age and a lengthy legal battle with his step-mother over the family inheritance after the death of his father. Through it all Kobay...

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...

Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korean potters brought to the shores of Japan during its colonial expansionism of the late 16th century. A favorite of the Kuroda lords of the time, its production and use was closely guarded until later in the 19th century when the domain system was abolished, freeing it up to be more widely used. Though Takatori-ware has been admired by many...

This elegant necklace by Los Castillo features thick links in the shape of Leaves done in heavy sterling silver repousse. Very well made with links connected by a pin rivet to give the piece movement. Measures 15" long, 3/4" wide and is nice and heavy at 98.4 grams. Hallmarked Los Castillo Taxco, Sterling Made in Mexico, 329 and the eagle 15. It has a secure box clasp and is in good condition with a lovely patina. One of the nicest (and heaviest) examples of this design we've seen.

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...

This scroll contains a sutra written as [寿至蓬莱不老僊], pronounced in Japanese as “Jyu-Ita-Hōrai-Furō-Sen.” Originating from Chinese, the characters “蓬莱” refer to the mythical land of “Penglai,” home to the immortals. According to legend the trees that grow here cure all disease; there are rice bowls and flasks of wine that never go empty; and its great castles are built entirely out of gold and silver.

The brushwork is done by a Rinzai sect m...

This fine Modernist Bracelet by Antonio Pineda features open work links with two panels overlapping creating a unique design. Measuring 7 1/2" long by 1 1/8" wide and it weighs a heavy 126.6 grams. It has a secure box clasp with an attached safety chain and shows only light age related wear and tarnish. Hallmarked with the Antonio Crown, Taxco, JVL and the eagle 208. There is no mark for the silver content but it has been tested to be at least 925 silver. A superb statement bracelet with great s...

Set of 11 English Victorian dinner knives, ca 1880. Each: Tapering and chamfered rectilinear agate handle with bead terminal and silver-plated blade. Agate red and mottled in varying shades. Blades marked “Joseph Rodgers & Sons / Cutlers to Her Majesty”. Very good condition. Blades have some spotting and discoloration.

Height: 9 in. #BV864

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...

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

A rarely seen design this elegant bracelet by the famous Antonio Pineda has a unique design with links in a curved, open work design. It measure 6 7/8" long by 7/8" wide and weighs 49.8 grams. In good vintage condition with only light wear and tarnish, it has a lovely deep patina. With a secure box clasp and attached safety chain. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, 970, Made in Mexico and the eagle 17. A lovely bracelet with a great design that you'll wear for a lifetime.

American Edwardian 3-piece carving set, ca 1910. This set comprises knife, fork, and sharpener. Each: Ribbed and irregular ebonized horn handle; sterling silver mounts with low-relief leafing scrollwork and asymmetrical scrolled frame (vacant); end has engraved monogram. Blade, shank, and rod stainless steel. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Knife: H 14 in. Fork: 10 1/2 in. Sharpener: H 13 in. #BY531

Set of 4 Federal-style sterling silver mint julep cups. Made by Spaulding & Co. (part of Gorham) in Chicago, ca 1920. Each: Straight and gently tapering sides and molded rims. A wonderful way to relax and reflect on the founding years of the Republic. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 351, and phrase “Antique Reproduction / Originals of this Cup Were Made / About 1820 by C. Guiteau / for the Fairfax Family / of Virginia”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 3 in. Total ...

Japonesque mixed metal napkin ring. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Hand-hammered sterling silver ring applied with cooper ornament: A man in pointy hat is seated on the ground, smoking while a small dog approaches from behind, interrupting the opium-induced serenity. Above is a darting butterfly. Engraved name “Edward Hegeler”. Hegeler (1835-1910) was a German-born American industrialist and publisher. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 675, and date letter. Very good conditi...

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...

Set of 13 American Modern sterling silver place card holders, ca 1950. This set comprises 12 place card holders and 1 menu holder. Each: Cast figure of recumbent whippet with gracile limbs and imperious pointy head mounted to oval base with applied gadrooned rim. The place card holders have a ring clip and the menu holder has a heart clip. Mondaine novelties guaranteed to raise the tone of one’s dinner parties. Marked “UV [in circle] Sterling”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: Place card...