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...

Hiroshige Ando
Suidobashi, Surugadai (Suido Bridge and Surugadai)
Date: Thursday, December 3, 1931.
Size: 7.625 x 5 inches (19.5 x 12.6 cm).
Note: Concert and tea party menu for the passenger ship Chichibu Maru on the N.Y.K. Line.
Publisher: Nippon Mokuhan Co. Tokio (Japan Woodblock Co. Tokyo).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print made from a carved wood block. Mechanization may have been added to the printing process.
Condition: Cover woodblock print very good to...

Edwardian Classical brilliant-cut glass water pitcher with sterling silver collar. Made by Wilcox (part of International) in Meriden, Conn., ca 1910. Baluster with c-scroll handle; ornament in form of leaf flutes, ferns, and stars. Beaded collar with helmet mouth; engraved interlaced script monogram. Silver marked “Sterling” with maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/4 x W 8 1/2 x D 5 1/2 in. #BZ300

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...

Set of 12 Edwardian sterling silver holders. Made by Schofield in Baltimore, ca 1910. Each: Round and curved bowl with floral repousse; open bottom and plain spread foot. High-looping side handles with case repousse-style floral ornament. With: Cream porcelain inserts with gilt rim bands. Originally intended for bouillon but perfect for rich treats like ice cream and custard. Holders marked “Sterling” with maker’s mark. Inserts have maker's mark (Lenox). Very good condition.

Overall dime...

Set of 4 Victorian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Hawksworth, Eyre & Co. Ltd in Sheffield in 1880. Each: Gadrooned urn socket with detachable bobeche mounted to stepped top of tapering and fluted pillar on raised square base. With one 4-light inset comprising central socket on wax pan to which are mounted 3 scrolled and reeded arms each terminating in same. Central socket has domed cover with vasiform finial. Low relief pendant flowers and garlands with ribbon and paterae. Beadi...

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...

Edwardian Art Nouveau sterling silver card case. Made by Clark & Sewell in Birmingham in 1906. Rectangular with hinged cover and plain back. On front is one maiden with faraway look, one iris flower, two water lilies, and the sun in the act of setting or rising (direction not indicated). All surrounded by whiplash border. The works! A wonderful period piece. Fully marked. Very good condition with strong definition and deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 2 5/8 x D 1/8 in. Weight: 2 troy ounce...

This pretty brooch with stones mounted in silver-topped 18k gold has been designed in the shape of a flower. The petals have been formed from 5 incised citrines in a warm smokey yellow-brown color which surround a cut diamond in the center. The stem of the flower and the petals' border are all highlighted by inlaid old European and rose-cut diamonds. The back has been marked with a French guarantee stamp. The brooch measures approximately 1 3/4" X 1 1/4" and was made Circa:1880. It is a lov...

Edwardian Art Nouveau sterling silver epergne. Made by James Dixon & Sons in Sheffield in 1905. Large round and shallow basket set in round mount with shell-and-scroll apron surmounting fluted and knopped baluster on raised and bellied base. Two scrolling and whiplash arms, each supporting ring inset with smaller same basket. Four scrolling stretchers mounted to central pendant knops and same supports on quatrefoil feet. Pierced loose and fluid leaves and scrollwork. Gadrooned rims. Fully marke...

Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by Sampson Mordan & Co. in Chester, 1905-13. Each: Two flat discs mounted to flat circular base. Front disc smaller and enameled scene with leaping, writhing fish, the hook and line barely visible. One has engraved 2-letter block monogram (ER). A second has same in script. Fully marked including 1905, 1912, and 1913 date letters as well as retailer’s stamps “Finnigan’s Manchester” (2) and “Wilson & Gill / 139 Regent St Londo...

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver place card holders. Made by Sampson Mordan & Co. Ltd. in Chester, 1904-6. Each: Two flat discs mounted to flat and circular base. Front disc smaller and enameled with fox loping through forest. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining; lining has gilt retailer’s stamp (Arnold & Lewis, Manchester). Fully marked including date letters 1904 (3) and 1906 (1), and design nos. 402227 (2) and 429790 (2). Very good condition with strong color.

Dimen...

Set of 8 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1902 to 1909. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Each coat of arms different. Symbols include lions, ravens, eagles, and swords. All fully marked. Date letters vary: 1902 (1), 1905 (1), 1906 (2), 1907 (1), and 1909 (1). Two have indistinct marks. Six have design no. 454426. Retailer’s stamp (“Rowell / Oxford”). Excellent condition with st...

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1901 to 1902. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Two each in two coats of arms. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet. All fully marked including date letters 1901 (2) and 1902 (2). Design no. 454426 and retailer’s stamp (“Rowell / Oxford”). Excellent condition with strong and intact color.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 1 ...

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by James William Benson in Birmingham, 1906 to 1908. Each: Enameled coat of arms and open oval clip mounted to flat octagonal base. Same design comprising yellow cross and birds on cobalt ground. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet. Case has retailer’s stamp (Army and Navy Co-Operative Society) All fully marked including date letters 1906 (3) and 1908 (1). Design no. 454426 and retailer’s stamp (“Ro...

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...

German Rococo 930 silver sweet meat coach. Imported to England by David Bridge in 1894. A round coach harnessed to a prancing reindeer with large antlers. A trumpet-blowing cherub holds the reins, and two more cherubs support an armorial in strapwork frame. Chased scenes depicting pastoral landscapes and frolics. Wheels rotate for a quick journey around the table. Fully marked including Hanau maker’s marks and English import marks, including London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Overall d...

Danish Modern sterling silver box. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and raised with flat border. Square corner supports. Fully marked including maker’s (1945-77) and designer’s (Harald Nielsen) stamps, and no. 827. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 7/8 x W 8 1/8 x D 3 1/2 in. Heavy weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BZ773