This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time bl...

Deceptively simple and notoriously difficult to apply with the calligrapher’s brush in one fluid, arching stroke; the symbol of the ensō has long been associated with strength, elegance, and the simultaneous being and non-being of the universe. A closed ensō (such as the one featured here) is more closely associated with the idea of transcendent perfection, while an open ensō represents movement, fluidity, and attainment in the corporeal world. Though the monk who created this piece, Hasega...

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...

Japanese Meiji Art Nouveau silver tea tray, ca 1890. Retailed by Arthur & Bond in Yokohama. Lobed oval. Well stippled and engraved with shaded interlaced monogram. Upturned c-scroll end handles. Blossoming prunus branches, iris flowers, and bamboo applied to handles and tapering shoulder. Exotic ornament and Western form. Marked “Arthur & Bond / Sterling / Yokohama”. Very good condition. One handle back has dent (not visible from front).

Overall dimensions: H 2 7/8 x W 28 1/2 x D 18 1/2 in...

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...

Edwardian Classical sterling silver bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1910. Round with lobed and concave sides. Wavy shoulder with applied leaves and flowers, and scrolled rim. Well center engraved with interlaced script monogram. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. A3038. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Weight: 16 troy ounces. #BH744

Rare Japonesque mixed metal tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1878. Square with curved sides and straight edges. Two birds soar and glide. One is viewed from below and the other from above (that is, from bird’s eye). An original and jokey design incorporating the exotic flattened Japanese perspective. Feathers are gold, and beaks, eyes, and wispy, dangly talons are copper. Crescent frame engraved with calligraphy-style presentation dated 1879. Ground hand hammered. Corner leaf-and-sc...

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...

Crafted by one of the most well-known potting families from the Meiji period (Ito Tozan), this black Raku tea bowl displays a glossy sheen and gentle swells rippling through the clay body. The shape of the this tea bowl is known as “tsutsu” in Japanese and is regarded as being especially attractive. Tsutsu bowls are used mainly in the depths of winter to keep in the heat and prevent the tea from cooling too quickly. Tea disciples of all stripes appreciate this type of bowl for its elegant li...

Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku. Th...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular with curved corners, flat narrow shoulder and stepped rim; scroll bracket end handles. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 22846, and director’s letter M (1947-56). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 26 1/4 x D 16 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 112 troy ounces. #BY507

Beautiful hand-hammered sterling silver and mixed metal perfume. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1880. Baluster with double-scroll side handles and threaded cover. Vertical stylized vegetation and darting insects (butterflies and dragonflies) applied to honeycomb ground. With chain for hanging on a lady’s chatelaine. A small-scale confluence of Japanese inspiration and Arts & Crafts technique. Hallmark includes pattern and order numbers, director’s letter M (1873-91), and phrase “St...

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 ...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Chion-in Temple Gate
Series: Eight Scenes of Cherry Blossoms.
Date: 1935.
Print size: Oban. 16 x 10.75 inches.
Brush signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil in lower margin.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Publisher: Hiroshi Yoshida
Reference: Abe catalog #194.
Condition: Two short scratches in stairs (see photo). Tape at ...

George VI sterling silver tray. Made by Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd in Sheffield in 1946. Rectangular with molded rim and double-scroll corners; end bracket handles same. Traditional Georgian for the postwar era. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp (Peter Guille) and phrase “Made in England”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 26 3/8 x D 16 in. Heavy weight: 120 troy ounces. #BY716

English Georgian sterling silver salver, 1926. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in England. Round with molded serpentine rim. Four scroll-mounted hoof supports. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd) and London assay stamp as well as retailer’s stamp (“Tiffany & Co / England”). Very good condition.

Large dimensions: H 1 5/8 x D 16 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 64 troy ounces. #BY289

Seiji Fujishiro 藤城清治 (born 1924)
Fairies in a Tree (Playing Instruments) 木の上の妖精たち
Size: 9.5 x 6.25 inches (24 x 16 cm)
Frame size: 17.5 x 15.75 inches (44.5 x 39.5 cm)
Not dated.
Signed and numbered in pencil by the artist.
Edition 119/500. With certificate of guarantee on back.

An often overlooked implement in tea ceremony, here we have the humble kogo (incense box) with an image of a sleek and flowing dragon. Commonly thought to represent strength, freedom, good luck, and magic, dragons are a popular theme in the artwork across Eastern cultures. Interesting to note, the dragon here is portrayed in the Korean style with four claws, with dragons in China typically having five claws and dragons in Japan typically having three. Fashioned by one of the few great female Jap...