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...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, ...

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...

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...

Zodiac sterling silver 3-piece baby set. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1915. This set comprises mug, bowl, and plate. Cup: Straight sides, short inset foot, and leaf-capped and mounted handle; interior gilt washed. Bowl: Gently tapering sides, curved bottom, and short inset foot; interior gilt washed. Plate: Round deep well and wide shoulder. Low relief borders depicting the astrological signs in scrolled frames alternating with flowers, including turn-of-the-century favorites, such as water l...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver 3-piece baby set. Made by Kerr in Newark. This set comprises cup, bowl, and plate. Acid-etched tree-framed fairytale scenes depicting beguiling maidens, stooped crones, and credulous children. Two monogram frames (vacant) on cup and bowl. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Spaulding & Co.) stamps and no. 4568. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Cup: H 2 3/4 x W 4 x D 3 in. Bowl: H 2 x D 4 3/8 in. Plate: H 1/2 x D 6 1/2 in. Total we...

Turn-of-the-century Edwardian sterling silver baby set. Made by Gorham in Providence. This set comprises cup, bowl, and plate. Cup has scroll bracket handle, raised and stepped foot, and gilt interior. Bowl has same foot. Plate has deep well. Acid-etched scenes depicting scenes from Mother Goose, including Old King Cole being presented with his Bowl, Little Bo Peep with Sheep, and Old Mother Hubbard with Bare Cupboard and Poor Dog. Cup and bowl have goose balancing a ball (vacant) between two de...

Living in Kyoto it is not uncommon to come across beautiful antique tea bowls, however, finding pieces that are in good condition, aesthetically compelling, and with all of the trappings that let you know they were cared for by a devoted cha-jin can be quite challenging. Here we see all three. The shape of this tea bowl is exquisite and something I have not seen before in a Mino piece. The lacquer box, while not the original was undoubtedly custom made for this tea bowl and looks to be 100 - 200...

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...

Pair of Antique Russian Classical Silver Candlesticks, ca 1888. Each: Round socket; flared rim mounted with pierced and scalloped border. Baluster spool socket with floral garland knop and leaf flanges on domed foot mounted to square base. Chased and tooled leaf-and-dart ornament. Marks include assayer’s stamp (Josef Sosnkowski) dated 1888, city stamp (St Petersburg), and 84 alloy stamp (that is, 84/96 or 875 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions (taller): H 14 x W 4 5/8 x D 4 5/8 in. To...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

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...

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...

English Georgian sterling silver salver, 1726. Square with lobed corners and same corner supports. Beautiful early Georgian. Fully marked including London assay stamp; maker’s mark worn. Good condition with nice period wear.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 5 3/4 x D 5 3/4 in. Weight: 6.4 troy ounces. #BT656

English Victorian Classical sterling silver decanter jug, 1874. Ovoid body with high-looping and leaf-capped double-scroll handle, v-form spout, and raised foot. Chased fruiting grapevine, scallop shells, and Bacchus heads. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked including unidentified maker’s stamp and London assay stamp. Very good condition with rich period patina.

Dimensions: H 9 3/8 x W 6 3/8 x D 4 3/4 in. Weight: 20.8 troy ounces. #BX476

A delightful Shakudo brooch featuring a laughing face with exaggerated features including large copper lips as well as copper rope detail. Made in Japan. Meiji era, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with lovely patina.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x L 1 3/4 in. #1118