A beautiful and very old Hagi tea bowl; showing signs of long use and appreciation. The gold repairs add to the overall composition and highlight the important role this piece played in someone’s tea practice. Though still functional to be used as a ceremonial implement, this would fit much better as a treasured display object.

In excellent condition this tea bowl is 5.1 inches in diameter at its widest point (13cm), and stands 3.1 inches tall (8cm). It comes with a pe...

A beautiful old Kyo-ware tea bowl slightly elongated on one end producing an interesting and unique effect. The collector who furnished the box labeled it as being by the legendary potter Ninsei (17th C.). Though the potter’s mark suggests this could be the case, there is no way to confirm for certain other than by its age and undeniably elegant craftsmanship. Believing it to be quite precious, the previous owner bestowed it with the poetic name "Ibitsu" which means "warped" or "cu...

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope patterns etched into or painted on its surfaces that typically contains hues of indigo, mustard, hazel, ochre, and sometimes greens. The creation of Mugiwara pottery involves a process of hand-building or wheel-throwing clay pieces—typically serving dishes, vases, and teaware items—and then meticulously applying a straw-r...

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...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

As can be seen here, this piece is of the green variety and looks to be from the mid-to-early Edo period as can be determined ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair. This piece meanwhile is entirely intact and even has its original box. Details about t...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sake flask, it was recovered from the estate of a tea-practitioner who reportedly cherished it as a vase that would hold colorful flowers and various grasses throughout the seasons.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of a researcher by the name of Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986) we can be assured that this vase is a...

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

Pair of Edwardian Georgian sterling silver candlesticks, 1927. Retailed by Black, Starr & Frost in New York. Each: Bellied socket with detachable bobeche; tapering shaft on raised foot. Faceted with lined frames. Foot has applied trapezoidal mono plate. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, Gorham date letter, and no. 4/15. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 3/4 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 in. Weighted. #BY621

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 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...

Fairfax sterling silver tea tray, ca 1920. Retailed by Black, Starr & Frost in New York. Rectilinear with chamfered corners and shaped ends with cutout oval handles. A beautiful piece in the Art Deco pattern that was made by Gorham and Durgin. Marks include retailer’s stamp and pattern no. 04. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x W 25 3/4 x D 16 1/2 in. Weight: 104 troy ounces. #BY477

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...

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 ...

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...

American Edwardian 14 kt white gold lorgnette inset with diamonds and sapphires. Get in touch with your inner dowager. To be deployed at the next meeting. In silk-lined case. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 1 3/4 in. #1018

Winthrop sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1922. Curved sides and gently tapering shoulder with reeded rim; stepped foot ring. Acid-etched ornament. In well is patera comprising beaded rondel (vacant) radiating leaf-and-dart. On shoulder is band of laurel wreaths inset with flower heads. A great piece in the historic Regency Revival pattern in a hard-to-find form. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20159A (first produced in 1922), and director’s lett...

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...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

This piece is quite unique for its brown color which may have been produced using a copper glaze under very specific conditions. Typical o...

Pair of American Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks, ca 1910. Urn socket on baluster shaft on domed foot. Plain bobeche and knop. Allover floral repousse and leaf-and-dart foot border. Traditional form with historic regional ornament. Marks including Baltimore retailer’s stamp (F. Bucher & Sons). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x D 4 5/8 in. Weighted. #BY077

American Edwardian sterling silver figural letter opener, ca 1910. Cast terminal in form of gaunt face surrounded by feather headdress. Neckcloth spills over onto round frame (vacant). Back plain. A nice piece of turn-of-the-century Native Americana. Marked “Sterling / 97”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 5/8 x W 2 1/8 x D 3/4 in. Heavy weight: 6.4 troy ounces. #BZ429

Edwardian cut-glass water pitcher with sterling silver collar. Curved body with cut geometric and plant ornament and faceted c-scroll handle. Collar has band of volute scrolls with flowers and leaves. Fully marked including stamp for Adelphi, a New York maker active ca 1890-1915. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/2 x W 7 1/2 x D 4 1/2 in. #BR112

Edwardian Art Nouveau powder jar. Made by Foster & Bailey in Providence, ca 1910. Crystal with curved sides and short inset neck. Cut geometric ornament and stylized flower band; star on underside. Cover sterling silver; top curved with enameled ornament: Pink and blue flowers on radiating white ground bordered by pink guilloche wave ornament. Cover marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 4 1/2 in. #BU315

Edwardian Art Nouveau vanity jar. Made by Foster & Bailey in Providence, ca 1910. Crystal with curved sides and short inset neck. Cut geometric ornament and stylized flower band; star on underside. Cover sterling silver; top curved with enameled ornament: Pink and blue flowers on radiating white ground bordered by pink guilloche wave ornament. Cover marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x D 2 1/4 in. #BU317

Edwardian Classical brilliant-cut glass water pitcher with sterling silver collar. Made by Wilcox (part of International) in Meriden, Conn., ca 1910. Baluster with c-scroll handle; ornament in form of leaf flutes, ferns, and stars. Beaded collar with helmet mouth; engraved interlaced script monogram. Silver marked “Sterling” with maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/4 x W 8 1/2 x D 5 1/2 in. #BZ300

Edwardian sterling silver baby cup. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark, ca 1915. Upward tapering sides and scroll handle. Acid etched frames with animals, including an elephant, camel, and gazelle. Frame with American eagle has vacant space for engraving the name of the cutest and cuddliest beast. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 1684. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x W 4 x D 3 in. Weight: 3.5 troy ounces. #BY526

Edwardian Art Nouveau sterling silver card case. Made by Clark & Sewell in Birmingham in 1906. Rectangular with hinged cover and plain back. On front is one maiden with faraway look, one iris flower, two water lilies, and the sun in the act of setting or rising (direction not indicated). All surrounded by whiplash border. The works! A wonderful period piece. Fully marked. Very good condition with strong definition and deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 2 5/8 x D 1/8 in. Weight: 2 troy ounce...

Pair of Edwardian sterling silver creamer and sugar. Made by S. Kirk & Son Inc. in Baltimore. Ovoid bodies and high looping handles. Creamer has helmet mouth and sugar has raised cover and finial. Frond and flower repousse; at bottom leaf and scallop shell border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1925-32), no. 74, and phrase “Hand Decorated”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Creamer: H 6 x W 6 x D 4 1/4 in. Sugar: H 7 1/2 x W 7 1/4 x D 5 in. Total weight: 26 troy ounces. #BY449