This piece is described on the box as a Hikidashi Kuro Chawan. In Japanese hikidashi means “a pull-out drawer” and the term first came into use at Mino kilns in the 16th century to describe individual pieces that were pulled out of the wood kiln at the peak of firing to gauge if the batch was ready. The rapid cooling of such pieces often creates dramatic effects, with the most noted being rich varieties of deep black. Today this practice has fallen out of use and and only a handful of master...
Tsutsu-shaped chawan have a unique and especially attractive shape. They 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 lines and functional properties.
This tea bowl was fired in the kilns of one of Kyoto’s best known Raku-yaki potters, Sasaki Shoraku III (1944-). The Shoraku line began when the grandfather of the current potter established a kiln...
Modern sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1907. Ovoid body, stepped foot, short neck, and helmet mouth; soft bracket handle with trefoil shaped tail mount. A spare full-bodied vessel. Nice heft. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16974 (first produced in 1907), director’s letter m, and volume (4 pts). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/8 in. Weight: 28.5 troy ounces. #BZ676
Enryakuji Temple, Hiyeizan (Hieizan), Kyoto.
Artist not identified.
Dated August 21st, 1937.
Size: 7.5 x 5375 inches (19 x 13.6 cm).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print as the cover of a dinner menu of the Nippon Yusen Line passenger ship, Chichibu Maru.
Publisher: Likely Nippon Mokuhan Co. Tokio (Japan Woodblock Co. Tokyo), who produced another of our ship menu woodblock prints.
Medium: Japanese shin-hanga woodblock print made from a carved wood block. Mechanization w...
Edwardian Regency sterling silver box. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1909. Oval with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; top overhanging with chased patera; center (vacant) has bead-and-reel border, radiating flutes, and stylized flowerheads. Interior has traces of gilt wash. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 17518 (first produced in 1909), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 3/8 in. Weight: 5.8 troy ounces. #BZ517...