Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extreme precision to combine sheets of differing types of clay, culminating in a unique visual effect. While many of his pieces are ringed with swirls of colors, this one is more modern and subdued. With quite a lot of character, this lovely vase will draw attention without being overpowering.

Born in Nagano, Kosei Matsui (1927-20...

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...

Created by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Bizen pieces like the one seen here originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and have a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Known for employing a natural-ash glazing techniques that require extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures, constant attention is required to ensure good results. Here Isezaki can be seen pushing the bounds of tradition Bizen orthodoxies in interesting and creative wa...

Pair of Midcentury Modern sterling silver 2-light candelabra. Designed by Alphonse La Paglia (d. 1953) for International Silver Co. in Meriden, Conn. Two arms, each comprising two open quadrilateral scrolls inset at center with volute scroll terminating in buds overhanging sides. Each arm terminates in socket. Sockets tall and tapering with wide flat rim and stylized leaves and beads at bottom. Arms mounted to raised foot with knop comprising alternating rings and beads. Marked “International ...

Fabulous Chrysanthemum sterling silver coffee and tea set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. This set comprises 5 pieces: coffeepot, teapot, creamer, sugar, and waste bowl.

In the celebrated pattern that is an American interpretation of a Japanese motif. To Baroque forms are applied a profusion of climbing, wrapping, and bunching flower heads. Chrysanthemum was introduced in 1880 and this set dates from the first quarter century of its production.

All pieces fully marked including maker’...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver centerpiece bowl. Made by Alphonse La Paglia (d. 1953) in New Jersey. Deep and tapering with flared rim. Raised foot with short support in the bead and ring arrangement that proved influential with other American silversmiths. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 116. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 10 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 33.3 troy ounces. #BZ270

Turn-of-the-century sterling silver baby cup rich in period assumptions. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. Upward tapering sides and scroll handle.

Acid-etched frieze depicting sailor-suited, flag-holding, all-American boy with exotic coevals in native dress relegated to background. Symbolic imagery enhanced with verse: “Little Indian, Sioux or Crow, little frosty Eskimo, little Turk or Japanese—Oh! Don’t you wish that you were me?”

Ahem.

Fully marked including maker's stamp and ...

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...

In excellent condition, this bird-shaped, or “torigata” vase is a beautiful example of Iga pottery from last century. A master of form, material, and technique, the potter Furutani Michio (1946-2000) wrote several books later translated to English on the construction and use of the “anagama”—an earth-dug, wood-fired, small-batch kiln traditionally used in Japan—celebrated for the extraordinary results that often emerge from its fires. Winner of a number of awards during his lifetime ...

Pair of German 800 silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. Each: Swan with ovoid body, upturned tail, and scaly-s-scroll neck terminating in in closed bill. Imbricated feathers and hinged plumy wings that can be opened to suggest flight. Hollow gilt-washed interior for holding treats. German marks including Hanau maker’s stamp (Gebrüder Neumann) and American importer’s stamp (Buchholz & Zelt). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 3 1/4 in. Wingspan: 8 1/2 in. Total weight: 1...

A key figure in the Japanese folk craft movement of the 20th century, Fujita Kyohei is credited with helping to develop a thriving glass-working community within Japan. Best known for his “dream” or “Liuli” boxes—very colorful and skillfully crafted boxes that often incorporated gold and silver leaf into their designs. Here we see a piece that would likely have been crafted earlier in his career but that demonstrates his masterful technique even then. In 1972 Fujita, along ...

Turn-of-the-century sterling silver baby set rich in period assumptions. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. This set comprises cup, bowl, and plate.

Cup has acid-etched frieze depicting sailor-suited, flag-holding, all-American boy with exotic coevals in native dress relegated to background. Imagery enhanced with verse: “Little Indian, Sioux or Crow, little frosty Eskimo, little Turk or Japanese—Oh! Don’t you wish that you were me?”

Ahem.

Bowl sides feature modes of transportation...

Plique à jour enamel and gilt sterling silver bowl. Made by David Andersen in Norway, ca 1925. Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprised of warrior’s shields. Oval form for stealthy gliding. Planks with filigree rinceaux. Stylized Arts & Crafts ornament. Translucent green, red, yellow, and purple. Marks include maker’s stamp. Excellent condition with strong and intact color.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 5/8 x D 3 1/4 in. #BY195

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 ...

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Karatsu as opposed to having come out of a Mino kiln. Though very similar styles and techniques were utilized during the late 16th or early 17th C. when this would have been produced; the color, distribution of glaze, and patterning suggest Karatsu. While at one time this would have been part of a set of 5 pieces, very few sets s...

A beautiful example of Ohi inspired Raku-ware; the body of this stylish tea vessel is a mix of a dark black gradating to charcoal grey with undertones of reddish maroon. A hasami-no-ato mark can be seen where the tongs were used to remove this piece from the kiln, and the potters mark can be seen near the foot of the bowl. Simple and refined, perfect for collectors and practitioners of tea alike.

Born into a generational line of tea-ware potters from Kanazawa, Fumiaki Kaihatsu (b. 1...

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 ...

Set of 4 sterling silver figures of Bacchus. Made by Buccellati in Italy. A young Bacchus prances and gambols. One figure holds a grapevine. Another holds a large ivy leaf. The other two manipulate drapery. The infant deity, in all his manifestations, is buck naked apart from the artfully posed waistbands. Soft bottoms and stubby legs are on view. An attractive decoration for the wine cellar.

Dimensions: Tallest: H 7 ¼ x W 1 ¾ x D 3 in. Shortest: H 5 ¾ x W 2 ½ x D 3 in. Total w...