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...

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters working in the field today. With a breathtaking ash glaze that appears half planned and half left to the dictates of the kiln, we can see a number of textures and colors that one might encounter in a Zen garden or while hiking along a mountain brook. The front of the vessel is adorned with an “enso,” however, unlike the tr...

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprising warrior’s shields. Stylized plant and geometric ornament. Well has radiating guilloche enamel; each in different color (blue, red, and purple). Oval form for stealthy gliding. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and...

George III sterling silver salver. Made by Ebenezer Coker in London in 1765. Round with molded scrolled rim interspersed with alternating large and small shells. Armorial with lion rampant in lozenge frame with leafing and flowering branch surround. Three hoof supports. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Weight: 23.6 troy ounces. #BY060

Japonesque mixed metal napkin ring. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Hand-hammered sterling silver ring applied with cooper ornament: A man in pointy hat is seated on the ground, smoking while a small dog approaches from behind, interrupting the opium-induced serenity. Above is a darting butterfly. Engraved name “Edward Hegeler”. Hegeler (1835-1910) was a German-born American industrialist and publisher. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 675, and date letter. Very good conditi...

Art Nouveau sterling silver basket. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Deep and ovoid with reeded and lobed rim. Cast and open fruiting and leafing vine swing handle with central oval cartouche (vacant). Sides open and engraved with same. Well solid. Four leaf-mounted scroll supports. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16202, and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H (with handle) 12 x W 13 x D 8 3/8 in. Weight: 28 troy ounces. #BY224

Neoclassical sterling silver tray, ca 1950. Round with beaded and curvilinear ogee rim. Nice heft with plenty of room for engraving. Marked “Silver / 925 [in oval]”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Weight: 23 troy ounces. #BY064

George II sterling silver salver. Made by Robert Abercromby in London in 1741. Round with molded and scrolled piecrust rim with alternating big and small shells. Well has engraved armorial in leaf and flower surround. Four hoof supports. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 14 in. Weight: 36.3 troy ounces. #BY071

Set of 3 George VI sterling silver napkin rings. Made by Turner & Simpson Ltd in Birmingham in 1939. Hexagonal with allover engine-turned ornament in thin plain frames. Letter block monogram on lined ground. Each has a different letter: F, G, and L. Fully marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 1 3/8 x W 1 7/8 x D 1 5/8 in. Total weight: 4.3 troy ounces. #BY221

Tokoname pottery has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the town of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this pottery tradition has flourished due to the region's abundant red clay deposits. The history of Tokoname pottery can be traced to the 12th century when the art form was greatly influenced by Chinese ceramics, specifically, by the Yixing clay pottery tradition. Over the centuries, Tokoname pottery evolved to develop its unique style characteri...

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...

Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be familiar with the traditional storehouses in Japan (kura) with their thick plaster walls used to store valuable items—sometimes for hundreds of years—safe from humid air, insects, and the like. On occession, after the passing of a parent or relative, these storehouses are opened up and the art pieces and valuables inside ar...

Tsuchiya Koitsu
Snowy Miyajima
Date: 1936.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 7.75 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten.
Printer: Yokoi. Carver: Harada. This combination of seals indicates an early postwar edition.
Reference: TK-DH-25 in Koitsu catalogue.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has one tape remnant at top right. Slight fading.

A simple silver bangle with niello marked Sterling. The width is a tad over 1/16"~ inner diameter 2-5/8".

Edwardian sterling silver porringer with circus motif. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark, ca 1910. Upward tapering sides and molded rim. Solid and waisted handle. Acid-etched procession with piggies, kitties, and doggies as well as elephants and lions in fancy dress. Monkey-supported mirror for engraving the initials of the cutest animal of all. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Bailey, Banks & Biddle) stamps, and no. 1482. Excellent condition with strong definition and deep pat...

Elizabeth II sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in Birmingham in 1963. Traditional Georgian cartouche with molded curvilinear rim. Fully marked including phrase “Made in England”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/8 x W 10 1/8 x D 10 1/8 in. Weight: 22 troy ounces. #BY062

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 ...

English Modern sterling silver box. Tall and rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and double-scroll tab. Box interior cedar-lined with open leather-lined bottom. Cover interior gilt. Worn marks including maker’s stamp for Arthur & John Zimmerman, a Birmingham maker active from the 1920s to 1940s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 1/4 x D 4 7/8 in. Gross weight: 33.7 troy ounces. #BV990