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...
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 ...
Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...
Pair of Francis I sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton. Each: Central socket on spool base to which are mounted two reeded wraparound branches, each terminating in single socket. Branches have short leaf and flower band. Branch plug set in socket mounted to baluster shaft; raised foot. Low relief ornament with leaves and fruit and flower clusters. Sockets bellied and shaft and foot fluted. Foot and bobeche rims scrolled. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pat...
Francis I sterling silver 3-light candelabrum. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton. Central socket on spool base to which are mounted to reeded wraparound branches, each terminating in single socket. Branches have short leaf and flower band. Branch plug set in socket mounted to baluster shaft; raised foot. Engraved and low relief ornament with leaves and fruit and flower clusters. Sockets bellied and shaft and foot fluted. Foot and bobeche rims scrolled. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, patt...
Edwardian Classical sterling silver coffee set on tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1921. This set comprises coffeepot, creamer, and sugar on tray. Each: Fluted ovoid body on same foot. Covered domed with vasiform finial. Handles capped and double-scrolled. Engraved ornament including curvilinear frames inset with leafing scrollwork, diaper, and pendant flowers.
All pieces fully marked including maker’s stamp, director’s letter m, and sequential order nos. 8389 (coffeepot), 8390...
Edwardian Classical sterling silver coffee and tea set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. This set comprises 5 pieces: Coffeepot, teapot, creamer, sugar, and waste bowl. Tapering and fluted ovoid bodies. Feet domed. Covers double domed with vasiform finial. Handles scroll bracket (coffeepot and teapot stained-wood). Ornament acid-etched and stylized: Curvilinear fretwork and leafing borders, paterae and, on front and back, wreaths of which 1 engraved with symbol or cryptic monogram. F...
Set of 8 Wedgwood sterling silver goblets. Made by International Silver Co. in Meriden, Conn., ca 1920. Each: Ovoid bowl on cylindrical stem with base knop mounted to raised foot. At mouth rim raised band with Neoclassical ornament, including paterae and amphorae, entwined with flowers and scrolls between beaded and Vitruvian scroll borders. At foot border alternating volute scrolls and W’s. Seven goblets have gilt-washed interior. An elegant tribute to the historic English pottery firm. Fully...