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

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

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