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...

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...

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...

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay is covered in feldspar glazing, has a classic ferrous abstract painting across the front, and shows nice age—most likely from early to middle Edo.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides. Later, with the advent of large-batc...

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...

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to place it to a specific period or kiln given enough time and research. In some cases however, this proves to be a fruitless task and I am left only to appreciate the beauty and form of the object without having access to too many d...

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...

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 ...

Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed displaying rich clay. Created by Shibayama Toshiya, this is an example of contemporary Japanese ceramics at its finest.

A native of Nagoya Shibayama (b. 1959) is exceptionally versatile, working in styles such as Seto, Shino, Karatsu, and Shigaraki among others. A practitioner of tea himself, Shibayama is known for crafting ...

European silver and enamel compact, ca 1920. Rectangular and hinged. On cover sits a pretty kitty with pink nose, dangling forepaws, and soft thick fur. A portrait of feline docility but beware the intense stare emanating from green dilated eyes. This one looks ready to launch. Interior has 3 compartments for touching up the makeup if things get out of hand. Engraved monogram. Wrist chain. No visible marks. Very good condition with intact and nuanced color.

Dimensions (without chain): H 2 3/8 ...

German Rococo 800 silver snuffbox, ca 1910. Oval with hinged cover; on top is chased scene depicting a large bird confronting two cherubs with soft chubby bodies and ethereal wings. Probably an allusion to some or other episode in Classical mythology, but can be enjoyed without esoteric literary knowledge. Hanau maker’s mark (Wolf & Knell). Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 2 3/8 x D 2 in. Weight: 2 troy ounces. #BZ256

Victorian Classical sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Solid oval well with curved sides. Shoulder wide with chased flowers, scrolls, and open diaper in scrolled cartouches. Rim has applied leafing scrolls, flowerheads, and scallop shells. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 11239 (first produced in 1892), and director’s letter T (1892-1902). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x W 12 1/2 x D 10 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 20.5 troy ounces. #BZ617

Art Deco sterling silver bowl. Made by Currier & Roby in New York, ca 1930. Curved sides and raised and spread foot; mouth rim has wide scallops with applied beads. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Cartier) stamps and no. 604. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/2 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 3.7 troy ounces. #BZ178

George III sterling silver tea caddy. Made by Hester Bateman in London in 1782. Straight oval bowl; cover domed with cast vasiform finial. Engraved garland and swag and ornamental borders. Beading. Beautiful Neoclassicism for a special blend. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 1/4 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 1/2 in. Weight: 12.3 troy ounces. #BZ711

Gorgeous American Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame, ca 1900. Rectangular window in flat surround. On front acid-etched iris flowers with floppy, irregular petals and scrolled and whiplash tendrils. At top trapezoid (vacant). Sides plain. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back with hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) display. Fully marked including retailer’s (Black, Starr & Frost) and no. 1845/4. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 x W 8 1/8 in. Window: H 8 1/2 x...

Austrian 900 silver tray, ca 1900. Rectangular with molded curvilinear piecrust rim. A hearkening back to Georgian England by a fin-de-siecle Mitteleuropean silversmith. Marked with Dianakopf and maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/2 x L 17 x W 9 in. Weight: 28 troy ounces. #BY863

Set of 12 Japonesque mixed metal sterling silver butter pats. Made by Whiting Mfg. Corp. in New York, ca 1885. Each: Round and spot-hammered. Shoulder has applied fish, crustaceans and squigglies enmeshed in the flotsam and jetsam of marine vegetation. Allover spot hammering. Well gilt-washed. Perfect for a seafood dinner. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 19A. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/8 x D 3 in. Total gross weight: 14.5 troy ounces. #BZ662

Retro Deco sterling silver tray. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Square with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. In the Modern geometric style. Nice heft. Marked “Tiffany & Co. / Sterling / Portugal”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 12 1/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Heavy weight: 34.5 troy ounces. #BZ604