English Georgian Neoclassical sterling silver basket, ca 1790. Ovoid body on same foot with reeded c-scroll swing handle. Engraved wavy-shaped frame (vacant) and ornamental borders. Linear and circular piercing and beading. Partially worn marks include London assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H (with handle) 11 1/2 x W 14 1/4 x D 10 1/2 in. Weight: 27.5 troy ounces. #JM
First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft.
With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone ...
George VI sterling silver salver. Made by Mappin & Webb in Sheffield in 1945. Molded curvilinear rim with ogee arches. Three hoof supports. Large and heavy in traditional Georgian form. Fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x D 16 7/8 in. Weight: 61 troy ounces. #BU966
Pair of turn-of-the-century German 800 silver bobble-head boxes. A two-man percussion band comprising baby-faced drummer and wizened cymbalist. Rotund bodies squeezed into olden-days doublet and hose with neck-ruff covers. Feather-capped heads bob, bob, bob along to the music. Perfect timing not guaranteed. Marked. Excellent condition.
Approximate dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 3 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Total weight: 25.5 troy ounces. #BV204
Austrian 800 silver 4-piece coffee and tea set on tray, ca 1920. This set comprises coffeepot, teapot, creamer, and sugar on tray.
Each: Tapering hexagonal body on raised foot. Handles high-looping stained-wood. Covers stepped with stained-wood finial (pot covers side-hinged). Spouts v-form. Tray has oval well with tapering sides and flat shoulder. Fashionable geometric forms from postwar Mitteleuropa.
Pre-1922 marks. Excellent condition. Teapot handle has minor irregularity.
Dimensions: ...
Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278
Victorian Classical sugar caster. Made by William Gibson & John Langman in London in 1893. Girdled body on stepped foot. Twisted fluting with scalloped borders. Cover has ornamental piercing and finial. Initials EAW engraved on underside. Elegant and substantial in Britannia (that is, 958) silver. Fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weight: 11.5 troy ounces. #BV187
Aesthetic mixed inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bell-form copper body with reeded silver foot rim. Applied silver ornament including flower-inset guilloche band and tendril border at neck. Cover hinged and domed with silver ball finial. With clear glass liner. A later version (1892-1902) of a pattern (no. 6231) that was first produced in 1880. Fully marked: “Tiffany & Co / Makers 6231 / Sterling Silver / 925-1000 / T / And / Other Metals”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 ...
George VI sterling silver box. Made by Robert Pringle & Sons in London in 1939. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged and tabbed; top has engine-turned wave ornament and rectangular mono plate (vacant) in upper left corner. Interior cedar lined and partitioned. Underside leather lined. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x W 7 x D 3 1/2 in. Gross weight: 16 troy ounces. #BV167
Edwardian sterling silver bowl. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd in London in 1905. Bellied with flat shoulder and gadrooned rim. Three leaf and scroll-mounted talon supports. Well circular and solid (vacant). Solid leafy ornament in open and leaf-inset diaper ground with scrollwork. Fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x D 11 3/4 in. Weight: 41 troy ounces. #BR790
American applied sterling silver perfume vial, ca 1880. Clear glass cylinder with twisted fluting. Sterling silver collar and hinged cover with tendril, flower, and insect on hand-hammered ground; gilt interior. Unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 1/2 in. #BN380
Victorian Georgian Queen sterling silver soup ladle. Made by John and Henry Lias in London in 1839. King-shaped handle has engraved armorial with sword-bearing lion rampant and motto “Courage”. Deep ovoid bowl. A substantial and traditional piece made shortly after young Victoria ascended the throne. Stylistic continuity in the new reign. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Height: H 13 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 12 troy ounces. #BV250
Dramatic sterling silver seafood serving bowl. Made by Buccellati in Italy. Two joined scallop-shells bowls on scallop-shell supports. A traditional form enlivened by the figure of an octopus squatting in the center, its curled and tangled legs draped over the bowls. A graphic contrast between the scales and suckers of the octopus and the controlled and stylized ornament on the shells. Very original. Beautiful craftsmanship. Fully marked including “Buccellati” stamp and post-1967 Italian mar...
A student of Itaya Hazan, one of the most sought after potters in the world of Japanese art, the ceramicist who crafted this fine vase displays here a high degree of mastery, both in form and glazing technique. For the collector who has always wanted a Hazan but has never been lucky enough to chance upon one, this may be a worthy acquisition. Although much of Inoue’s work is quite different in style to that of Hazan’s, you can find a number of pieces where the influence is unmistakeable—th...
Market-fresh Japonesque mixed metal and sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1879. Gently curved bowl and inset undulating rim with wide lip spout and integral scroll handle with tendril mounts that wraparound mouth rim. Handle has lily pad “cap” with crouching figure of frog. Applied leaves with copper-inlaid veins with one overlapping bold and scrolling interlaced acid-etched monogram on neck. A solitary beetle meanders along near the bottom. Dense allover s...
First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft. With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone looking for a ...
Edwardian Classical sterling silver bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1910. Round with lobed and concave sides. Wavy shoulder with applied leaves and flowers, and scrolled rim. Well center engraved with interlaced script monogram. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. A3038. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Weight: 16 troy ounces. #BH744
Elizabeth II sterling silver serving tray. Made by Edward Viner in Sheffield in 1960. Round with well and molded and gently scrolled rim. Pretty and old fashioned. Fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 14 1/2 in. Weight: 33 troy ounces. #BU963
Turn-of-the-century sterling silver and brilliant-cut glass flask Made by Unger Bros in Newark. Rectilinear with curved sides and diaper inset with alternating paterae and diaper. Threaded sterling silver collar and cover with plain sides and ornamented top with dense scrollwork surrounding vacant center. Cover fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 6 1/4 x W 3 x D 1 1/4 in. #BV121
Japonesque mixed metal on sterling silver bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1881. Curved sides, molded rim, and foot rim. On exterior are applied vegetation rooted in granulated soil, a stray dragonfly, and solitary fisherman who has hooked a fish. Fully marked with maker’s stamp and “Sterling / 385 / N / & Other Metals”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x D 5 in. Gross weight: 5 troy ounces. #BV126
Turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau glass claret jug with silver overlay. Cylindrical with spread base, c-scroll handle, and small lip spout. Star cut to underside. Overlay in form of scrolls and diaper. Shaped tubular cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is red except handle which is clear. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 x D 4 3/4 in. #BR791
Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed displaying rich clay. Created by Shibayama Toshiya, this is an example of contemporary Japanese ceramics at its finest.
A native of Nagoya Shibayama (b. 1959) is exceptionally versatile, working in styles such as Seto, Shino, Karatsu, and Shigaraki among others. A practitioner of tea himself, Shibayama is known for crafting ...
German 800 silver and glass decanter, ca 1910. Flat and round bowl with cylindrical neck. Double-sided acid-etched landscapes with picturesque windmills, bridges, and houses. At bottom 800 silver mount with pierced and chased scrollwork, as well as musicians and colonnade. Silver neck collar. Silver ball stopper with figural finial in form of water carrier; clear glass plug. Marks possibly for Wolf & Knell in Hanau. Good condition with deep patina. Plug sanded down on one side.
Dimensions: H 1...
Austrian Classical clear glass jar with 800 silver cover, ca 1910. Tubular with cut fluting and star. Cover silver; gently raised with beaded border. Cover marks include Schwarz & Steiner stamp and letters RS and HD. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 2 1/2 x L 7 7/8 x W 2 1/2 in. Weight (silver only): 4 troy ounces. #BR777
Pretty German 800 silver and crystal decanter, ca 1910. Curved and faceted crystal body flowing into spread base; acid-etched flowers, leaves, and scrolls. Drum-form neck in silver collar with tooled flowers and scrolls. Silver ovoid and faceted stopper with flowers and scenes of gallantry. Pierced silver border at base with scrolls and shells. Marks include maker’s stamp for Vereinigte Silberwarenfabrik in Hanau. Good condition.
Dimensions: H 12 1/2 x D 4 1/4 in. #BL890
Edwardian crystal decanter with sterling silver stopper. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1897. Bell-form bowl with baluster neck, u-form spout, and c-scroll handle. Engraved and acid-etched flowers and leaves. Stopper ovoid with scrolls and flowers. Engraved interlaced script monogram. Stopper fully marked including date symbol and no. S2822. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12 x D 5 1/4 in. #BD104
Art Nouveau inkwell. Made by Emile Langlois in Paris, ca 1920. Hemispheric clear glass bowl with garland acid-etched to sides and diaper cut to underside. Neck collar 950 silver as is hinged domed cover, which has guilloche enamel concentric rings in nuanced green-brown. Detachable clear glass liner. Maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 3 x D 2 3/4 in. #T714
Beautiful turn-of-the-century red glass perfume with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence. Globular bottle with short neck and ball stopper. Classical rinceaux overlay and circular frame engraved with interlaced monogram. Maker’s stamp and no. D941. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 1/2 x D 3 1/4 in.#BT179
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver mirror. Made by Lebkuecher in Newark. Two bracket supports joined by concave and crisscrossing stretchers. Hinged swing oval frame inset with beveled glass. Dense and fluid engraved scrolls, leaves, and flowers on lined ground. Each support has shaped cartouche (vacant). Glass frame engraved with interlaced script monogram. A timeless addition to a lady’s vanity table. Fully marked and numbered 2473/15. Excellent condition with strong definition....
Midcentury Modern jar. Made by E. Dragsted in Denmark. Thick and ovoid clear glass bowl with sterling silver grape bunches loose-mounted to ends. Flat sterling silver cover with grape bunch finial. Beautiful Jensen-inspired design. Cover fully marked and numbered 1810. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 3/8 x D 4 in. #BU374
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Baluster with dense and vertical overlay in form of entwined stem flowers in curvilinear frames. Scrolled cartouche (vacant). Glass is green. Fully marked including maker's stamp (Alvin), retailer's stamp (Black, Starr & Frost), and no. G3215/3. Excellent condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 6 3/8 x D 2 5/8 in. #BT558
Midcentury Modern sterling silver and cut-glass creamer and sugar. Made by Hawkes in Corning, New York. Each: Conical bowl on flutes and diaper, and scalloped rim border. Creamer has c-scroll handle and small u-form spout. Stepped and round sterling silver base. Fully marked including silver weight (16 pwts/each). Very good condition. Sugar has minor base ping.
Dimensions: Creamer: H 4 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 3/4 in. Sugar: H 4 x D 4 in. #BU361
Rare Japonesque mixed metal tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1878. Square with curved sides and straight edges. Two birds soar and glide. One is viewed from below and the other from above (that is, from bird’s eye). An original and jokey design incorporating the exotic flattened Japanese perspective. Feathers are gold, and beaks, eyes, and wispy, dangly talons are copper. Crescent frame engraved with calligraphy-style presentation dated 1879. Ground hand hammered. Corner leaf-and-sc...
Dutch Neoclassical 934 silver salver, late 18 C. Round. Open gallery sides with flowering rinceaux and beaded rim. Four fluted and tapering supports. Fully marked including Amsterdam city stamp. Very good condition with nice patina.
Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x D 12 3/4 in. Weight: 31 troy ounces. #BU158
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...
Edwardian sterling silver baby bowl on plate. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1911. Bowl has curved and tapering sides. Plate has well and wide shoulder. Both have whiplash-scrolled rim and applied figures—an eclectic frieze that includes dog-petting hobos, stickball playing boys, tool-bearing workmen, and pipe-smoking grannies. Fully marked including no. A4479 (bowl) and A4480 (plate). Plate also has date symbol and retailer’s stamp (JE Caldwell). Very good condition.
Dimensions: Bowl: H...
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...
Austrian Classical 800 silver and glass vanity jar on stand, ca 1910. Jar clear glass with fluting. Cover silver; gently raised with beaded border. Stand oval with tapering sides and beaded rim. Marks include Schwarz & Steiner stamp and letters RS. Very good condition.
Overall dimensions: H 2 1/2 x W 5 7/8 x D 4 3/8 in. Weight (silver only): 7 troy ounces. #BU140
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver bookmark. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. Dagger blade engraved with interlaced script monogram set in open frame. Cast terminal in form of winged cherub, a guiding spirit to help you keep your place. Back plain. Fully marked including no. 922. Very good condition with nice patina.
Dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 2 x D 1/2 in. #BS168
Swiss Biedermeier silver chafing dish, 19 C. Round with gently curved sides and molded rim. Handle faceted stained wood. Beading. Cover gently raised with naïve-style flower head finial. Marked. Very good condition. Handle has minor chip.
Overall dimensions: H 6 1/2 x W 14 x D 8 in. Gross weight: 40 troy ounces. #BT943
Sensitive and endearing 800 silver animal figure. Made by Buccellati in Italy. A chimp with raised arm, big funny ears, and expressive face sits on amethyst crystal base with joined feet. A playful primate with tensile hands and feet, and shaggy wire fur. Marked “Buccellati Italy 800”. Excellent condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H (with base) 13 x W 8 1/2 x D 8 in. #BU120
Japonesque sterling silver and mixed metal water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1885. Globular body, straight neck, and c-scroll handle. Allover honeycomb hand hammering. Applied flowers, leafing tendrils, and butterflies. A restrained design with graceful plant and insect motifs. Fully marked including pattern no. 3077 and phrase “Sterling silver and other metals”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 7 3/8 x W 8 x D 5 1/2 in. Weight: 25 troy ounces. #BM963
George III sterling silver salver. Made by Robert Rew in London in 1769. Round and ogee well with engraved armorial in floral surround. Sides tapering, and rim scrolled and gadrooned. Four leaf-capped volute scrolls. Stylish midcentury Georgian. Fully marked. Very good condition with nice patina.
Large dimensions: H 1 3/4 x D 15 in. Weight: 48 troy ounces. #BT951
European silver and enamel cigarette case, ca 1920. Rectangular, chamfered, and hinged. On cover a horse’s head appears in an entryway, with two protective borzoi dogs standing guard. Stable drama against a semi-abstract background of brick and stone, and purpling ground. Marks worn. Very good condition with strong color.
Dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 3 1/4 x D 1/2 in. Gross weight: 4.6 troy ounces. #BT902
Aesthetic coin silver baby cup. Made by Juergens & Andersen in Chicago. Tapering and inset sides engraved with stylized ornament, including swags and scrolls, centered on oval frame (vacant) bordered by beading and dentil interspersed with trefoils. Top and bottom have ornamental borders on ribbed ground. Thick scroll bracket handle. Marked “Coin” and “Chicago” with maker’s stamp (1857-71). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 4 1/8 x D 3 in. Weight: 3 troy ounces. #BT449
...
French 950 silver inkwell on stand, ca 1910. Straight sides with vertically applied strapwork bands; curved bottom and raised foot. Cover hinged and domed with flower-head finial. Gadrooned rims. Interior has engraved curvilinear border and clear-glass liner. Mounted to oval curvilinear stand with ornamental border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp CG. Very good condition.
Overall dimensions: H 5 x W 9 3/8 x D 5 7/8 in. Weight (without glass): 15.5 troy ounces. #BT381
Art Nouveau red glass cologne bottle with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1886. Globular with short neck and flat everted rim. Stopper globular. Tight and dense overlay with flower heads and rolling scrolls. Scalloped borders. Scrolled cartouche with interlaced script monogram. Glass red except stopper plug, which is clear. Fully marked including patent year 1886 and no. S682. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x D 4 in. #BT185
Large turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with silver overlay. Made by Alvin in Providence. Ovoid with short inset neck and flared rim; foot round and gently raised. Rim to foot overlay with cutout scrolled reveals heightened with engraving. Glass is green. Fully marked and numbered V668/4. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 14 1/4 x D 4 3/4 in. #BT562
American Classical sterling silver compote. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1876. Bellied bowl with leaf-mounted c-scroll side handles and knopped stem flowing into round and raised foot. Low-relief ornament on stippled ground. Bowl has wraparound frieze with garlands, leafing volute scrolls, and leaf-ornamented columns between tête à tête gryphons. On foot rim is a garland held up by dancing putti. Bowl interior gilt.
Fully marked including maker's stamp, location "Union Square N.Y.", no. ...
Large French Etruscan 950 silver coffeepot, ca 1820. Ovoid body with spool neck, side-hinged cover, and raised and round foot. Upright S-spout with ram’s head mouth, and low relief leaves and gadroons. Leaf-and-dart borders. Cover has bud finial on scroll and flower mount. High-looping stained-wood handle with silver mounts: a ram’s head at top, a garlanded face at bottom. Robust Classicism. Fully marked including maker’s initials AL. Fine condition.
Overall dimensions: H 14 1/2 x W 10 ...
From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up.
Born in the port city of Shimoda, Sakiyama studied art in Osaka and then later went on to open his own kiln that he named “Hidaka” (High Sun). Appearing to have a natural gift for form and proportion, his pieces soon attracted the attention of galleries and collectors...
European silver sauce boat, ca 1900. Ovoid with fluted v-spout and scrolled monopodia side handles with lion heads. Molded curvilinear rim. Stepped oval foot. A nice revival piece in the 18th-century style. Mark and pseudo-marks. Very good condition.
Overall dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 6 1/8 x D 5 1/4 in. Weight: 9.5 troy ounces. #BM739
Set of 3 Etruscan Revival sterling silver tureens. Made by JC Moore & Son for Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1865. This set comprises 1 large round tureen and 2 small oval tureens.
Each: Tapering, ovoid body on raised foot. Egg-and-dart border. Reeded bracket side handles with cast ram’s head mounts. Cover domed with cast Roman helmet finial. Beading. Super stylish midcentury design. Bold Classicism that works in a contemporary interior.
Early marks (1854-70) with Moore and Tiffany stamps...
Chrysanthemum sterling silver 5-light centerpiece candelabrum. Sizable baluster shaft on raised squarish foot with corner volute supports. Four scrolled arms, each terminating in single socket, joined by applied leaves and surrounding central raised socket. Flowers and leaves wrapped around shaft and arms and applied to foot. Massive and sculptural. A hard-to-find solo stick in the fashionable Japonesque pattern that was first produced in 1880. Fully marked including pattern no. 13244 (first pro...
Unusual Antique Russian 875 silver sugar tongs. Stepped and rectilinear frame; jaws trapezoidal with raised diaper interior. Marked. Condition: Taut and functional.
Dimensions: H 5 1/2 x W 3/4 in. Weight: 2.5 troy ounces. #BR772
Japonesque sterling silver creamer and sugar. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York.
Each: Urn body on domed foot Handles high looping. Interior gilt washed. Creamer has helmet mouth. Engraved insects (dragonfly and butterfly), flowers, and blossoming branch on allover honeycomb hand-hammered ground. Handles have raised interlocking scrollwork with flowers and Moresque shapes based on Persian, the flatware pattern that was designed by Edward C. Moore and first produced in 1872.
Fully marked incl...
Very large Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in flat surround engraved with dense and fluid scrolls and flowers. Top rail center is vacant. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged support. For portrait (vertical) display. An eye-catching showcase for an important forbear. Fully marked including no. 720 and stamp for IN Deitsch, a New York maker who was active from ca 1904 to 1915. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 17 x W 14 1/2 in. Window: H 14 x...
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
Exotic mixed metal tea caddy. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Sterling silver ginger-jar with squat and tapering sides, short neck, and snug-fitting cover. Copper ornament with irregular scrollwork. Fully marked including pattern no. 11975, director’s letter m, and phrase “Copper and Silver”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x D 3 3/8 in. Weight: 5.6 troy ounces. #BT602
If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a sake set he describes as “Ou-tekko” (pyrite) and “Ammonite” (same in English - a kind of sea fossil). Part of a series he has been developing, the ancient Ammonite fossil has been the inspiration behind his latest creations. Pyrite, meanwhile refers to the metallic patterning on the outer surface of the clay body. Truly unique pieces...