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...
Conceived by 20th century master ceramicist Kawai Kanjiro—here an abstract depiction of flowers is used to adorn an exquisite “henko” shaped vase. The glaze used is known as “tetsu-yu” for its use of iron compounds to achieve this distinctive look. Though many pieces by Kanjiro remain today, this exact combination of style, shape, and glazing is uncommon, making this a must-have work for serious collectors. Interestingly, though it may likely not have been intentional, the abstract sym...
Pair of Japonesque sterling silver open salts. Made by John C. Moore for Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with open rectangular bracket handles and straight foot. Engraved overlapping seals decorated with modish motifs, including fan, bug, vase, and bamboo. Foot decorated with acid-etched spirals and lunette-form flower heads, and pierced leaves. Union Square mark (1870-5) with pre-1875 pattern no. 3007 and order no. 901. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x W 4 5/8 x D 3 3/8 in. Total w...
Japanese inlay ceramics (zōgan) are created by making incisions on the surface of a clay body which are then filled with various colored clays, creating a pattern. After the pattern is finalized, an overglaze is applied and the piece is sent to the kiln to be fired. As can be seen here, the results are quite striking and produce unique patterns that cannot be replicated through painting alone. Inlaying as a technique is thought to have originally derived from practices in metal and ...
Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sake flask, it was recovered from the estate of a tea-practitioner who reportedly cherished it as a vase that would hold colorful flowers and various grasses throughout the seasons.
Thanks to the dedication and passion of a researcher by the name of Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986) we can be assured that this vase is a...
During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity 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 creati...
Victorian sterling silver baby cup. Made by George W. Shiebler & Co. in New York, ca 1890. Curved bowl with allover frond and flower repousse on stippled ground. Reeded scroll bracket handle wrapped with applied band decorated with stylized flower head. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps and no. 1306. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 3 3/4 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 1/8 in. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BY965
Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute. Nakazato's work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Karatsu-ware, known for its earthy tones an...
The style of this vase, known in Japanese as karakane (“kara” meaning Chinese and “kane” meaning copper), has been carried on by Japanese craftsmen since its theorized introduction during China’s Tang Dynasty. Falling in and out of fashion over the centuries as Japan alternated between preferences for Chinese style tea-ware and more homegrown versions, today it remains a common fixture in many tea rooms. With beautiful red accents on a dark background, this is surely one of this artist...
Japanese bamboo crafting, known as "Takezaiku," is a traditional art form that involves the skilled manipulation of bamboo to create various functional and decorative objects. Craftsmen trained in this art carefully select bamboo of appropriate size and quality, then use specialized tools to cut, shape, and join the bamboo pieces. Techniques such as splitting, bending, weaving, and binding are employed to achieve intricate designs and durable structures. Bamboo crafting encompasses a...
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 ...
Pair of tall Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Barbour Silver Co. (part of International) in Hartford, Conn., ca 1910. Each: Ovoid socket with round detachable bobeche on tapering shaft with base knop; raised foot. Engraved borders comprising paterae with pendant flowers and vases joined by garland. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 101C. Very good condition with a few pings.
Dimensions: H 14 1/4 x D 4 7/8 in. Weighted. #BY402
Very desirable sterling silver pea server in Vine. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Tapering handle with loosely arranged wraparound pea pod vine on tapering stem. Round bowl with pierced ornament in same motif. A beautiful conflation of symbolism and function. Interlaced script monogram engraved on verso. This pattern is commonly known as Fruits and Flowers, and was in production from 1872 to before 1904. Illustrated in: Hood. Tiffany Silver Flatware, 1999, p. 143. Fully marked. Very good con...
German sterling silver lady’s shoe. Imported to England by Theodor Hartman in 1902. Shoe has pointy upturned elf toe and open bands. Exterior decorated with scrolls, flowers, and tassel in low relief. Heel plain. German hallmark and English import marks with London city stamp and date letter. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 1/8 x W 2 7/8 x D 9 in. Weight: 8.3 troy ounces. #BH552
European silver ornament, ca 1920. Single plain hollow stem sprouting 3 flowers with ripe, splayed petals and prominent stamen surrounding 3 tight and tall buds. Pretty and hopeful. Appears to be unmarked. Silver tests 800. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 19 3/4 x W 6 X D 6 in. Weight: 4 troy ounces. #BW189
Edwardian Modern Regency sterling silver basket. Made by the Sweetser Co. in New York, ca 1910. Faceted octagonal bowl with straight and tapering sides on spool support mounted to raised and faceted octagonal foot; fixed curvilinear handle. Engraved ornament with fluted and paterae curvilinear borders forming frames of which four vacant and the others inset with garlands, scrollwork, and vases. Handle has pendant flowers and oval frames inset with paterae. Fully marked including maker’s stamp ...
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...
Pretty Victorian sterling silver tray. Made by Theodore B. Starr in New York, ca 1890. Round with deep well. Applied cast rim with leafing scrollwork and flowers. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 3868X. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 14 3/8 in. Weight: 26.3 troy ounces. #BY101
Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Rectangular window in flat surround. Surround front has acid-etched fronds and flowers alternating with tubular cartouches (vacant). Sides have tooled rectilinear ornament. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back with hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 17695G, and director’s letter m. Very good condition with strong definition
Dimensio...
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 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...
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corporation in Providence. Tall baluster with flared rim and short foot. Overlay in form twisted tendrils entwined and overlaid with flower heads. Glass is green. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. G3219/6. Very good condition with nice patina.
Dimensions: H 14 x D 5 in. #BX622
George V sterling silver vase. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd in Sheffield in 1912. Tapering and girdled tube on stepped foot. Flared and castellated rim with applied molding and ornament. Lion’s head side mounts with hinged and turned rings. Fully marked, including design no. 13163. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 10 1/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 15.5 troy ounces. #BX033
George V sterling silver vase. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd in London in 1911. Tapering and girdled tube on stepped foot. Flared and castellated rim with applied molding and ornament. Lion’s head side mounts with hinged and turned rings. Fully marked, including design no. 13163. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 10 1/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 14.5 troy ounces. #BX032
Edwardian sterling silver vase. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1904. Steeply tapering ovoid body; domed foot. Rims scrolled with applied flowers; mouth rim wavy. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 4678A, and date symbol. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 10 x D 6 7/8 in. Weight: 14 troy ounces. #BY861
American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Baluster with inset and flared rim and spread foot. Vertical overlay pattern comprising distended flower heads and leaves overlapping curvilinear tendrils. Heart-shaped cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is green. Silver has retailer's stamp (“Wm Wise & Son”). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12 3/8 x D 4 in. #BZ129
American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Tall and tapering neck with turned-in mouth rim in silver collar. Wide and bellied bowl. Overlay in form of windswept flowers and entwined and whiplash stems and tendrils. Ribbon cartouche (vacant) Glass is red. Worn marks including no. 38. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 12 1/8 x D 5 1/8 in. #BZ217
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin in Providence. Conical mouth and neck and bellied bowl. Star cut to underside. Dense overlay in form of overlapping and entwined flowers, leaves, and scrollwork. Scrolled cartouche engraved with two-letter script monogram (SS). Glass is green. Silver marked including maker’s stamp and no. G3349. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 6 1/2 x D 7 3/4 in. #BX402
Edwardian Classical glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by La Pierre Mfg. Co. in Newark, ca 1910. Faceted cone with scalloped rim; round flat foot with star cut to underside. Overlay in form of garlands threaded through interlaced arches (body) and star (foot); scrolled frame (vacant) also on foot. Marks include maker’s stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 11 1/8 x D 5 in. #BY772
Victorian Classical sterling silver vase. Made by Mauser in New York, ca 1890. Narrow conical body between vertical acanthus leaves mounted to bottom; knop and raised round foot. Open irregular fruiting grapevine applied to turned-down mouth rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 11244. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x D 5 7/8 in. Weight: 11.6 troy ounces. #BY541, BY542, BY544 & BY545
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
American Edwardian Classical sterling silver vase, ca 1910. Flared mouth on inset neck; wavy shoulder mounted to ovoid bowl with base knop ring on stepped and domed foot. Engraved pendant floral garlands and oval wreath (vacant). Marked “Sterling” with no. 2442W. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 17 7/8 x D 5 in. Weight: 32.3 troy ounces. #BZ397
Art Nouveau sterling silver trophy cup. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Urn on tall and spread foot; double-scroll side handles. Chased semi-abstract tendrils terminating in volute scrolls, garlands, and pendant flowers. A fluid, slightly hallucinatory take on traditional ornament. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 8637, director’s letter T (1892-1902), and volume (3 pints). Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 7 7/8 x W 10 1/2 x D 6 3/8 in. Weight: 2...
Turn-of-the-century Germany sterling silver box. Made by B. Neresheimer & Söhne in Hanau, and imported to England in 1914 by Berthold Hermann Muller in London. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and raised. Squashed ball corner supports. Engraved naif ornamental borders and, on cover top, Renaissance scene with mounted hunter and hounds in pursuit of a stag. With key. Marks include maker’s and importer’s stamps. Very good condition. One-inch bump to bottom rim.
Overall dimensio...
An antique American Edwardian delicate filigree platinum bow pin decorated with a center round diamond and inlaid with small diamonds throughout the bow.
A small circular pendant of diamonds with a center drop diamond hangs from the bow.
American, circa 1900 approx. 1 carat of diamonds total. Excellent condition, the pin measures 2" in length.
Japanese silver box, ca 1890. Rectangular with straight sides and hinged cover. On cover top and box sides are chased and engraved iris flowers and tendrils in eddying water. Stippled ground. Box and cover interior lined with stained wood. Open bottom. Meiji-era Art Nouveau for the cosmopolitan West. Appears to be unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 3 x W 6 3/4 x D 3 5/8 in. Gross weight: 15 troy ounces. #BX248