The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

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".

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

A flip calendar with a tiny woodblock print of a torii gate and a litho of The Teahouse Jiji-ga-chaya at Meguro by Hiroshige.
Date: 1934
Overall size: 5.25 x 2.5 inches.
Christmas greeting on back.
Condition: Excellent.

Charles W. Bartlett
Title: Kobe
Date: 1915
Board size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Medium: Watercolor on paper.
Signed "C.W.B", titled, dated, and dedicated in pencil.
Condition: Painting is laid down to board. Paper toned in places.
Note: As signed, the work was painted in 1915, the year Bartlett arrived in Japan, and was subsequently presented as a Christmas gift in 1936.

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

Charles W. Bartlett
Fruit Sellers, Madura, India 1923
Date: 1923
Paper size: 12 x 8.75 inches. Image size: 10.75 x 7.25 inches.
Sealed CWB and titled. Signed in pencil and dedicated "Love from the Bartletts".
Medium: Etching hand-colored with watercolor.
Condition: Toned.
Note: This example has a double image.

Royal Windsor sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Towle in Newburyport, Mass. Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth, flower-capped double scroll handle, and domed foot. Chased and scalloped frames (vacant) interspersed with pendant flowers. Shoulder and foot rim have alternating flower heads and volute scrolls with beaded border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 67420, and volume (“8 half pints”). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 x W 9 1/4 x D 5 1/2 in. Weight: 34.7 troy ounces....

American Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in plain, flat, and narrow surround. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) display. Marked “Sterling / 83”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 x W 8 in. Window: H 8 3/4 x W 6 3/4 in. #BT093

Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III)
Title: Tokaido Numazu (Numazu, from the Processional Tokaido, a series on the arrival of the 14th shogun)
Date: 1863. First edition.
Size: 14.75 x 10 inches.
Publisher: Iseya Kanekichi (Isekane)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Right margin has holes and pen mark. Light soling.

Elizabeth Keith (1887-1956)
Noh Actor Shigeyama in Green Costume
Date: 1935-36.
Size: Approximately 19.5 x 13.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Signed "Elizabeth Keith" in pencil.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Notch in lower margin. Tape residue at left, bottom left, and top back margins.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Spring Evening
Date: Pre-1936.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 14.75 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shotei seal at right.
Reference: Shotei #M-12. Watanabe #212.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has paper residue.

Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Round with well, gently tapering shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20221 (first produced in 1923) and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/2 x D 15 in. Weight: 42.4 troy ounces. #BY130

Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1952. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.

Dimensio...

Pair of Francis I sterling silver low 3-light candelabra. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Each: Central socket on bell-form base to which are mounted 2 split-mounted and leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in single socket. Shaft baluster on domed foot. Applied, chased, and engraved ornament with flowers and leaves. Scrolled rims and bobeches. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, pattern name, and no. X571. Very good condition.

Dimensio...

Charming Edwardian sterling silver picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval window in same flat surround. On front acid-etched daisy chain with dense leaf and flower arrangement; tubular cartouche (vacant). Sides plain with tooled linear borders. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back and hinged easel support. For portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16401A, and director’s letter m. Excellent condition with strong defin...

Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Oval with deep well, wide shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20182 (first produced in 1923), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 18 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 50 troy ounces. #BY134

Large and Modern sterling silver serving tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Oval with deep well, wide shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20182 (first produced in 1923), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 18 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 53 troy ounces. #BY135

Francis I sterling silver bowl. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Quatrefoil well and wide flared mouth with wavy scrolled rim. Chased and embossed fruits. A nice piece in the classic French Renaissance pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, no. X569, and date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 11 5/8 in. Weight: 20.4 troy ounces. #BX690

Unusual American Modern 18k gold chain, ca 1980. Small yellow gold links interspersed with large tooled ovals with central wraparound band as well as thick and solid rose ovals. With clasp. Very good condition.

Length: 32 in. Weight: 21.7 dwt/33.8 g. #1232

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including make...

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Round and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including mak...

American Modern ring with cabochon tiger eye in 14k yellow gold setting; brilliant-cut diamond on each shoulder. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 8 1/2. Weight: 10.5 dwt (16.3 g). #1223

Modern sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1937. Round with curved and fluted sides. Rim flat and applied with incised band. Short foot ring with same. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 22392 (first produced in 1937), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 9 1/4 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX604

Francis I sterling silver teapot. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Bellied ovoid body on domed foot, high-looping leaf-capped scroll handle, and leaf-capped s-scroll handle; cover hinged and domed with leafing-scroll quatrefoil finial. Strapwork frames (vacant) on front and back between cornucopias and pendant ribbon-tied flowers. Rims irregular with applied leaves and scrolls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, no. 570A, and phrase “Hand Chased”. Very good conditio...

With pottery shards from excavated kilns dating back to the 5th Century, Mino-ware is one of the oldest and most revered pottery traditions in all of Japan. Though the piece featured here does not fit neatly into any of the typical categories of Mino pottery such as Kiseto, Setoguro, Oribe, or Shino; the shape and overall feel of this piece unmistakably places it within this pottery tradition.

Exceptionally well-proportioned and utterly unique, this tea bowl displays a ...

Kawase Hasui
Uji Bridge (aka Bridge on a Starry Night)
Note: But are the stars fireflies? The Uji Bridge and River are known for fireflies.
Date: 1930s.
Size: Koban. Approximately 7.75 x 5.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hasui's oval seal at lower left.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei #Hp-24.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Midcentury Modern sterling silver monteith bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved sides and reeded curvilinear rim; raised and spread foot. Stylish for serving and presentation. Plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and postwar pattern no. 23881. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 9 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 30 troy ounces. #BP797

Shodo Kawarazaki (1889-1973)
Water Hyacinth (Mizuaoi)
Date: 1950s. Later edition.
Size: Oban. 16.0 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left. Carver and printer seals at left margin.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Osuga Yuichi (b. 1939)
Japanese Bellflower (Kikyo)
Date: ca. 1970s or later.
Size: Oban. 15.875 x 10.75 inches.
Publisher: Unsodo. Publisher's "Gei" watermark at lower left.
Carver: Monju. Printer: Sugimoto
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Upper left margin edge has vertical crease.

Toko Shinoda (1913-2021)
Title: Discovery
Size: Approximately 14.125 x 10.5 inches.
Date: 1980s or earlier.
Edition: 33/35.
Medium: Lithograph with red and black sumi-e brushstrokes.
Condition: Slight toning to former matte edge.

Ohara Koson (?)
Three Birds (Gallinules) (Matsumoto catalog name)
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.75 x 3.625 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Sealed "Yamagishi," which may be the carver Kazue Yamagishi (1891-1984).
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 420)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design. Not found in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland) but similar to the artist's gallinule...