Ohara Shoson (Koson)
Snow on Willow Bridge
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1927.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. With Watanabe C seal (Used 1929-42).
Shoson signature and seal.
Reference: S44.3 and image #166 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A conservator has repaired top margin blanks and tears. One had impinged on the image.
Note: One...

Katsuyuki Nishijima
Title: Tsubakizaka Pass in Snow
Size: 17.25 x 12.5 inches.
Edition: 12/500.
Date: post-1980.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back margin has former tape marks.

Katsuyuki Nishijima
Title: Kudaya (The Kudaya Travellers Inn in Kyoto)
Size: 17.125 x 12.5 inches.
Edition: 405/500.
Date: post-1980.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back margin has former tape marks.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Fireworks, Shubinomatsu
Size: Mitsugiriban. 15 x 6.75 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Sealed and titled in the image.
Reference: Shotei catalog M-23. Watanabe #222, Ota-ku #195
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Top back edge has paper residue.

Edwardian glass sugar caster with sterling silver cover. Made by the Merrill Shops in New York, ca 1910. Bowl has upward tapering sides with cut ferns and stars, and leaf mouth rim. Cover domed and pierced. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 2103. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 3/8 x D 2 1/2 in. #BY824

Set of 4 European gilt 935 silver and glass figural Buddha place card holders, ca 1925. Each: Contemplative and cross-legged figure of the Zen-man himself in molded glass. For a Siddhartha serene dinner party. Colors are green, blue, orange, and clear. Chamfered rectangular base and u-form back support. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 7/8 x D 3/4 in. Case: H 1 1/2 x W 5 3/4 x D 2 5/8 in. #BY940

Belle Epoque Rococo 950 silver jardiniere centerpiece, ca 1900. Bombe oval bowl with wide and tapering rim. Embossed twisted fluting and applied round frames (vacant) with scallop shell crown supported by winged cherubs. Elaborate end handles, each with cast figure of lunging cherub, holding drapery in one hand and flowers in the other, between leaf-wrapped double-scrolls. Four leaf-mounted scroll supports. A sumptuous homage to the 18th century. Detachable brass liner. Fully marked including Mi...

Victorian sterling silver baby cup. Made by George W. Shiebler & Co. in New York, ca 1890. Curved bowl with allover frond and flower repousse on stippled ground. Reeded scroll bracket handle wrapped with applied band decorated with stylized flower head. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps and no. 1306. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 1/8 in. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BY965

Victorian safari flask. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1896. Ovoid glass body. Top encased in leather with cutout tubular windows. Bottom has detachable sterling silver cup. Cover hinged and cork-lined. Holds 4 pints of chest-hair growing spirits—enough for everyone around the campfire. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, no. S829, and volume. Good condition with some leather wear from rough handling.

Jumbo dimensions: H 10 3/4 x W 6 x D 3 1/2 in. #BY782

George V sterling silver figural place card holders. Made by William Suckling, Ltd in Birmingham in 1931 Each: Cast canine figure with plain silhouette back mounted to oval base. Each dog different as they are in real life. For a special “pack” night with a few close friends. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining with gilt retailer’s stamp (“Jewellers / Nathan & Co / Birmingham”). Very good condition.

Tallest: H 1 1/8 x W 1 5/8 x D 1 1/4 in. Case: H 3 x W 7 7/8 x ...

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at Shiba Park (Shiba Koen no Yuki)
Date: 1931
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Edition: First. Watanabe B seal (used 1927-32) in right margin.
Reference: Hotei #244.
Condition: Formerly matted with some tonal difference primarily near lower margin. One foxing mark in lower foreground.
Note: This famous Hasui design was also used later in a 1953 Pacific Transport Lines calendar.

Gyosui Suzuki
Two Egrets (Herons) Among Flowers with Moon
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.5 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's seal lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue. Very light crease upper left (photo).
Note: Very rare. We could find no other example of this design.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Blue Bird on Plum Branch
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.625 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue. Point-sized dot in sky.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Sparrows and Red Flower
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 9.75 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso).
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue.

Yoshimoto Gesso
Cherry Blossoms
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Approximately 10 x 5 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso)
Artist's signature lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back top edge has paper residue.

Kaoru Kawano (1916-1965)
Two Kittens
Date: 1950s-60s.
Size: Approximately 16.75 x 11.25 inches.
Sealed by the artist at lower right and on verso.
Self-published by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Tape residue at back margins and top front margin.

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chōzaemon came with him and established Ōhi-yaki in Kanazawa. Chōzaemon had been the chief apprentice to the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ōhi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea cere...

Cactus sterling silver dinner set. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. This set comprises 84 pieces (dimensions in inches):

Forks: 12 dinner forks (7 3/4), 12 luncheon forks (6 1/2), and 12 seafood forks (6 1/4);

Spoons: 12 dessert spoons (6 3/4) and 12 teaspoons (6);

Knives: 12 dinner knives (9) and 12 butter spreaders (6 1/8).

Dinner knife blades are stainless steel.

For a special dinner party. Cactus was designed by Gundorph Albertus (1887-1970) and first produced in 1930.

Fully...

Imperial Chrysanthemum sterling silver soup ladle. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. Tapering stem with waisted terminal and lobed round bowl. Dense ornament with flowers and leaves. Bowl interior gilt-washed with same. A nice serving piece in the late-comer Japonesque pattern, which was first produced in 1894. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/4 x W 4 x D 3 7/8 in. Weight: 8.2 troy ounces. #BY819

Super luxurious Modern sterling silver colander. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Round bowl with two bracket side handles and 3 scrolled supports. Four pierced stars. A practical kitchen accessory wrought in precious metal. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp and phrase “Hand-Made”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 6 1/2 x W 14 x D 10 1/2 in. Weight: 45 troy ounces. #BY860

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. A sweet bovine with upturned horns, flexed ears, and smiley mouth spout. Sturdy sagging body with ring-handle tail and hinged back cover with fly finial. Stands on firmly planted hooves. Unidentified Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/8 x L 5 1/2 x W 2 in. Weight: 5.6 troy ounces. #BY777

Kawase Hasui
Dawn Over Lake Shoji
Size: Approximately 8.75 x 7 inches.
Date: 1935. First and only edition.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo for a calendar commissioned by Japan Government Railways. Please see the included original Japanese Government Railways tag.
Reference: Hotei #370.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Margins trimmed. Back has areas of paper residue and slight thinning.
Note: Not many examples of this woodblock print have survive...

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Redstarts on Flowering Cherry Branch
Size: O-tanzaku. 13.5 x 7.25 inches.
Date: 1910s
Koson signature and seal at lower right.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: K26.5 in Koson catalog.
Condition: Top back corners have paper residue.
- This print features lovely woodgrain.

Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can incorporate centuries of experiential knowledge and technique into producing new and interesting forms are oh so valued. Though this Bizen jar fits into the category of mizusashi, a vessel central to tea ceremony that holds fresh water, it seems to transcend this narrow category and stands as an independent art object all its own....

Japanese inlay ceramics (zōgan) are created by making incisions on the surface of a clay body which are then filled with various colored clays, creating a pattern. After the pattern is finalized, an overglaze is applied and the piece is sent to the kiln to be fired. As can be seen here, the results are quite striking and produce unique patterns that cannot be replicated through painting alone. Inlaying as a technique is thought to have originally derived from practices in metal and ...

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...

With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi” or what we might call in English a “tribute piece.” Such pieces are typically made by all Raku potters, regardless of the kiln and tradition, and seek to emulate famous works from the early masters over 400 years ago—in this case, a tea bowl created by the brother of the second Kichizaemon, Tanaka Somi, born sometim...

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowledge, skill, and dedication of one of Japan’s top traditional craftsman. Its tapered polished sides have a beautiful texture and luster that compliment perfectly with the hand-crafted custom lid adorning the top. Truly an exceptional artwork fused with the aesthetics of tea culture that gives it a sense of stability, calm, a...

Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita (1886-1968)
White Cat
Date: 1929
Signed by the artist in the image in English and Japanese.
Matte size: 23.25 x 19.375 inches. Matte window: 17.5 x 12.75 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print with gauffrage embossing on the cat (seen in indirect light).
Condition: Woodblock print is sealed inside matte and is possibly adhered to board. Some creasing visible in side lighting.

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 sterling silver tray. Made by S. Kirk & Son Inc. in Baltimore. Oval well and wide shoulder with repousse floral garland on stippled ground; imbricated leaf rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1925-32), no. 2517, and phrase “Hand Decorated”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 17 x D 11 3/4 in. Weight: 38.3 troy ounces. #BY473

Edwardian sterling silver vase. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1904. Steeply tapering ovoid body; domed foot. Rims scrolled with applied flowers; mouth rim wavy. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 4678A, and date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 x D 6 7/8 in. Weight: 14 troy ounces. #BY861

Super stylish Art Deco sterling silver compote. Round bowl with flared rim and curved and tapering sides. Ovoid support with Bakelite band to round foot with same. Visible hand hammering with nice shimmer. Italian marks (1934-44) including unidentified Roman maker’s stamp (14 Roma) and Milan retailer’s stamp (Fratelli Veneziani). Good condition. Bakelite crack on foot.

Dimensions: H 5 x D 9 3/4 in. Gross weight: 22 troy ounces. #BY685

Set of 10 Acorn sterling silver place card holders. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Each: Double-sided stylized acorn mounted to rectangle, in turn, mounted to larger rectangle. Marks including maker’s stamp (1945-77), designer’s stamp (Johan Rohde), and no. 62. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 1 1/8 x D 7/8 in. Total weight: 5.7 troy ounces. #BY846

Chippendale sterling silver tray. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Round with molded curvilinear ogee piecrust rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. X365. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 12 in. Weight: 20.4 troy ounces. #BX721

George V sterling silver trophy cup. Made by Garrard & Co. Ltd in London in 1923. Girdled urn with leaf-capped double-scroll flying side handles and knopped support; stepped and domed foot. Cover domed with vasiform finial. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x W 6 7/8 x D 3 1/2 in. Weight: 14.6 troy ounces. #BY763