A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface of an artwork before firing. The exact details of this process seem somewhat murky as it appears to be a well-guarded secret among potters. After some research we were unable to identify the potter; and, although there is a signature on the bottom that appears to read “Raishō,” we could find no potter by this name. 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...
George III sterling silver epergne. Made by Thomas Pitts in London in 1774.
Reeded and beaded oval frame; at base swags threaded through fixed rings with pendant oval vase medallions, overlapping four split-mounted leafing supports terminating in pierced and scrolled oval feet. Four reeded and scrolling leaf-capped and -wrapped arms, each terminating in oval basket, mounted to frame base alternating with four reeded and scrolling leaf-wrapped arms, each terminating in round basket, mounted to ...
Set of 6 Edwardian Regency sterling silver demitasse holders and saucers. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1914. Each holder: Tapering bowl with open bottom, high-looping capped handle, and raised and spread foot. Each saucer: Round with well and wide and tapering shoulder. Engraved ornamental bands with vases in beaded rondels joined by scrollwork between dentil borders. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 18705E (first produced in 1914), and director’s letter m. Very goo...
Edwardian Classical sterling silver urn. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved and tapering bowl with leaf flange on domed foot; leaf-capped, wrapped, and mounted high-looping side handles. Chased leafing-scroll border with pendant flowers. Mouth rim wavy with applied leaves. Foot rim has applied swags and leaves. Gilded inside and out. Turn-of-the-century sumptuousness. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 14368B and director’s letter C (1902-7) and volume (7 1/2 pts). Very...
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 ...