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...

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...

Not to be confused with the Olympic medalist, this Tomita Hiroyuki (b. 1977) is a talented potter pushing the bounds of an otherwise conservative field where many ceramic forms are carried forward for centuries and sometimes millennia. Beginning his artistic endeavors in the field of metal casting, he soon met and became a student to Ijuin Mariko who introduced him to the world of ceramics. In 2007 he opened his own workshop and since that time he has been actively creating and exhib...

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing a soft and gracefully executed red glaze, this Raku tea bowl exudes a sense of ease, tenderness, and tranquility. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in texture, the tea bowl's surface adds to its unique and organic feel. Made by one of the true veterans of Japanese pottery, these are some of the finest Raku tea bowls you will find in all of Japan.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important...

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...

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...

A very unique early Antonio Pineda bracelet with thick heavy 970 silver links set with Tiger's Eye stones featuring carved double portraits. This is a substantial bracelet suitable for either a man or woman measuring 8" long by 1" wide and weighing a heavy 136.8 grams. Hallmarked with the Antonio Crown and the eagle 17, Silver 970, Hecho en Mexico, ZZ 732. Secure box clasp and attached safety chain. The Silver has light age related wear. The stones don't appear to have any damage but as they are...

The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

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...

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 ...

Sugimoto Sadamitsu (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age. Originally a resident of Tokyo, at the age of 33 he moved to Shigaraki and started creating high-quality tea-ware implements, most notably, fine tea bowls in the style of early Raku masters. A devotee of Zen and a lover of tea, Sugimoto is able to create tea bowls that are not just attractive, pleasant to hold in the hand, and a joy to drink f...

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 ...

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 ...

Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted over seven decades. The piece shown here then would be from an earlier period and is evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the one he is most well-known for. As any experienced potter will tell you, tenmoku ...

A truly unique work of Shino pottery developed among the company of some of Japan’s most respected and influential potters of the last century. Defying conventions of form and genre, this exceptional mizusashi looks like it could have emerged from the ground fully formed, the result of geological processes lasting millennia. The creator of this fine work is none other than Tsuboshima Dohei, a true master of the ceramic arts.

Born in 1929, at the age of 17 Tsuboshima took an appre...

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

Sugimoto Sadamitsu (b. 1935) is one of the most important Shigaraki potters alive today and continues to create master works into his old age. Originally a resident of Tokyo, at the age of 33 he moved to Shigaraki and started creating high-quality tea-ware implements, most notably, fine tea bowls in the style of early Raku masters. A devotee of Zen and a lover of tea, Sugimoto is able to create tea bowls that are not just attractive, pleasant to hold in the hand, and a joy to drink from; but tha...

Using local materials and traditional methods, the creator of this work Masahiko Imanishi, has brought a distinctively modern interpretation to the classical form of the tsutsu chawan. At the same time, he somehow manages to maintain the simple rusticity that Tanba-ware is renowned for. Stretching back over 800 years, Tanba is counted as one of Japan’s 6 ancient kiln sites and is known for making large pots with red ferrous clay and natural ash glazes with a distinctive greenish tinge. More re...

Turn-of-the-century Classical sterling silver trophy. Made by Whiting in New York. Baluster body with scrolled rim and scroll-bracket side handles. Foot raised with scrolled rim. Body has vertical slash lines and dense and overlapping chased leaves. Handles leaf-wrapped and mounted. Foot has egg-and-dart border and same slashed lines. Foot rim has tooled garland. A hefty, super-sumptuous winner’s cup. Extra strength required for holding aloft. Fully marked including effaced maker’s stamp an...

Engraved Hampton sterling silver hot water kettle on stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Kettle curved and rectilinear with concave corners faceted s-scroll handle, and swing-mounted handle; cover domed and side-hinged with finial. Stand has open and faceted u-form supports mounted to stepped rectangular base with concave corners on same supports. Heating element in open center. The classic form with acid-etched Adams-style ornament: Shaped frames with rosette diaper, scallop shel...

American Art Nouveau glass trivet with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Round with straight sides. Overlay in scroll and flower pattern with alternating flowers in round tendril-entwined frames and fleurs de lys. Sold center engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver marked “Sterling 3092” with diameter. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x D 10 in. #BZ661

German 800 silver stirrup cup, ca 1910. Plain upward tapering bowl with molded rim; cast mount in form of bull head with thick, matted fur and pointy flexed ears under sharp, oversized alpha horns. Firmly closed mouth and direct stare suggest a hunched-shoulder resolve. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Overall dimensions: H 5 1/2 x D 2 7/8 in. Weight: 7.3 troy ounces. #BZ593

American Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame, ca 1910. Rectangular window in same flat surround. On front acid-etched and engraved leaves and flower heads. Fluid and distended ornament interspersed with four tubular cartouches (vacant). Sides plain. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) display. Marked “Sterling” with no. 832. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 1/8 x W 7 5/8 in. Window: H 8 3/4 x ...

Set of 12 American sterling silver mint juleps. Each: Straight and tapering sides, beeded rim and foot, and applied cast horse head. A great way to celebrate Derby Day with a dozen of your nearest and dearest. Marked “Sterling / Trees”. Benjamin Trees was active in Lexington, Kentucky from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 2 7/8 in. Total weight: 55 troy ounces. #BZ708

German Art Deco Classical 800 silver jewelry box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides with incised corner pillars on block supports. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Velvet-lined interior. Open leather-lined underside. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Hermann Bauer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 4 x D 3 1/4 in. Gross weight: 6.5 troy ounces. #BZ445

Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Rectangular window in same flat surround. Acid-etched meandering ivy on front and sides. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16542, and director’s letter m. Very good condition with strong definition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 7/8 x W 5 3/4 in. Window: H 7 x W 4 7/8 in. #BZ656

Set of 6 Japanese Meiji silver cast figural knife rests, ca 1910. Each: A horned and taloned dragon with arched back and fan tail. Scaly, scampering serpents for the next dinner party. Unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x L 2 3/4 x W 5/8 in. Total weight: 5 troy ounces. #BY235

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...

German Rococo 830 silver bowl, ca 1900. Round well with rosebud-gathering cherubs in relief. Sides tapering with scrolled and wavy rim. Heraldic shields with more cherubs and flower baskets as well as flower-strewn scrolled frames on pierced ground. Foot ring with scrolls and scallop shells. A fancy piece in the Hanau style. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 D 15 1/4 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BZ141

American Edwardian Classical sterling silver tea caddy, ca 1910. Ovoid ginger-jar bowl with short neck and bellied cover. Three chased leafing-scroll frames of which 2 vacant and 1 engraved with interlaced script monogram. Shoulder has flower heads on stippled ground. Cover top has central triangle on leaves. Fully marked including stamp for Theodore B. Starr, a New York maker and retailer, and no. 249. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x D 2 3/8 in. Weight: 3 troy ounces. #BZ577

American Art Nouveau glass trivet with engraved floral silver overlay, ca 1900. Large and round with straight sides. Overlay in form of buds and blooms with splayed and floppy petals on entwined whiplash stems. Solid round center engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is clear. Silver marked “Sterling”. Very good condition. A few scratches to underside.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x D 12 in. #BZ601

Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless members of the flag corps wandering into the thick of things. In background (that is, at top) peacetime is represented by houses and trees. On front applied heraldic shield (vacant). Cast dragon handle—a horned scaly, serpentine serpent gripping the side with talons. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condit...

Pair of German 800 silver pheasants, ca 1920. A rooster and hen, each with hinged wings, long overlapping tails, closed beak, and wary stare. An on-guard couple standing on scaly talons, ready to take flight if the party talk turns dull. Heads detachable for hiding a secret stash of treats or booze. Hanau maker’s marks (Vereinigte Silberwarenfabriken). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: Rooster: H 8 1/2 x L 19 3/8 x W 4 3/8 in. Wingspan: 7 1/4 in. Hen: H 9 x L 18 3/4 x W 4 1/2 in. Wing...

Modern sterling silver porringer. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with straight sides. Cast open cinquefoil handle inset with acorn-nibbling squirrel. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 23111, director’s letter m (1907-47), and wartime star (1943-5). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 5 7/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 6.5 troy ounces. #BZ175

German 800 silver figural stirrup cup, ca 1910. Cast boar head with flexed-back ears, fierce eyes, funny snout, and fearsome teeth and tusks. Bowl straight and tapering with tooled bands; gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Pocket-sized dimensions: H 4 1/2 x W 1 7/8 in. Heavy weight: 5 troy ounces. #BZ597