Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver water pitcher. Designed by Alphonse La Paglia (d. 1953) for International Silver Co. in Meriden, Conn. Baluster with helmet mouth. Capped high-looping handle with volute-scroll terminal mounted with Blossom-style seeding pod. Open foot ring inset with stylized flower and bead border. An original American design that pays homage to Danish master Georg Jensen. Marked “International / Sterling / La Paglia Designed / 118”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 9 ...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver water pitcher. Made by International Silver Co. in Connecticut. Baluster with asymmetrical oval mouth; stepped and round foot ring with flat beading. High-looping handle wrapped with abstract leaves; scroll terminal inset with Jensen-inspired seed-spilling pod on wire stem. The influence of the master applied to a traditional form. Marked “International / Sterling / La Paglia Designed / 208”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x W 8 x D 5 3/4 in. Hea...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

Pair of Edwardian Georgian sterling silver covered serving dishes. Made by John Round & Son Ltd in Sheffield in 1904. Each: Rectangular with chamfered corners and tapering sides. Cover raised and chamfered with twist-lock ring handle. Handle, covers, and rim gadrooned with scallop shells and leafing scrolls. A gorgeous twosome—make that foursome because the covers convert to bowls. Fully marked. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 6 1/4 x W 13 x D 9 1/2 in. Heavy total weight: 115 t...

Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed displaying rich clay. Created by Shibayama Toshiya, this is an example of contemporary Japanese ceramics at its finest.

A native of Nagoya Shibayama (b. 1959) is exceptionally versatile, working in styles such as Seto, Shino, Karatsu, and Shigaraki among others. A practitioner of tea himself, Shibayama is known for crafting ...

George V sterling silver bowl. Made by Lionel Alfred Crichton in London in 1912. Curved with flared rim and stepped foot. Cast lion’s head side mounts in leafing-scrolled frames with loose-mounted rings. Four cast lion couchant supports with extended forepaws. Allover spot hammering. Engraved interlaced script monogram. A beautiful Edwardian Classical centerpiece. Fully marked. Excellent condition with nice shimmer.

Overall dimensions: H 9 1/4 x W 13 x D 11 3/4 in. Heavy weight: 85.4 troy o...

Crafted by one of the most well-known potting families from the Meiji period (Ito Tozan), this black Raku tea bowl displays a glossy sheen and gentle swells rippling through the clay body. The shape of the this tea bowl is known as “tsutsu” in Japanese and is regarded as being especially attractive. Tsutsu bowls are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant li...

Victorian sterling silver baby cup. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1890. Straight and gently upward tapering sides and scroll-bracket handle. Applied cast oval medallions that depict not austere Roman patricians and their virtuous helpmates but sailor-suited boys and kitty-clutching girls. A sweet rejuvenation of the influential Medallion pattern. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. A7822. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x W 4 1/8 x D 2 3/4 in. Heav...

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl from the Shinragi kiln in Korea. Pieces like the one seen here are baked in a traditional wood-fired “climbing kiln” at a temperature of over 1,300 degrees for 5 days. Fashioned after classical works held in museum collections, the motifs are timeless and captivating.

In excellent condition, this piece is 5.5 in...

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up. The Chōtō series that launched his career proved to be wildly popular and today a number of pieces are held by museums around the world including: Brooklyn Museum; Hyôgo Museum of Ceramics; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Minneapolis Institute of Art; Musée National de Céramique, Sè...

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...

Pair of traditional Georgian sterling silver 4-light candelabra. Made by Asprey in London, 1992-3. Each: Four capped and curvilinear arms each terminating in single faceted socket with same wax pan and baluster pendant. Arms mounted to tall and faceted baluster finial set in girdled and knopped baluster shaft on square, stepped, and chamfered foot. A stylish step back in time by a noted maker.

Fully marked including date letters for 1992 (bases) and 1993 (arms). Excellent condition.

Dimensi...

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

In Japan, famous for its generational potting families, only a handful have made it all the way through to the 14th generation—the Nakazato line being one of them with over 400 years of history. Handcrafted by the current 14th potter in the renowned Karatsu tradition, this piece displays subtle, earthy tones and organic textures reminiscent of nature. Blending elements seamlessly, a canvas is created that complements the beauty of the floral elements in glossy contrast across the s...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity 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 creati...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

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...