English Victorian diamond, 18k gold, and enamel eye brooch, ca 1880. Oval enamel plaque with flowers on peach ground. Bordered with rose-cut diamonds. Gold edge has engraved zigzag pattern.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 1 3/4 in. #878

This pretty brooch with stones mounted in silver-topped 18k gold has been designed in the shape of a flower. The petals have been formed from 5 incised citrines in a warm smokey yellow-brown color which surround a cut diamond in the center. The stem of the flower and the petals' border are all highlighted by inlaid old European and rose-cut diamonds. The back has been marked with a French guarantee stamp. The brooch measures approximately 1 3/4" X 1 1/4" and was made Circa:1880. It is a lov...

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

Gorgeous natural Baroque pearl pendant. Irregular and ovoid with wraparound gold-tipped sterling silver snake encrusted with rose-cut diamonds and gold-mounted diamond head. Gold bail. Gold is 18k. Italy, ca 1970s. Marked. Excellent condition.

Approximate dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 3/4 in. #1114

Charming rectangular Shakudo brooch with gold and silver detail featuring a laughing man. The brooch is braced by a 12K gold mount. Made in Japan. Meiji era, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with fine patina.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x L 1 7/8 in. #1119

Beautiful 14k gold flower brooch comprising petals inset with 33 rubies (approx. 3 carats) on white-gold stem encrusted with pave diamonds. The flower is framed by 3 scrolled yellow gold leaves. United States, ca 1940s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x W 1 3/8 in. #675

Delightful 18k gold figural pin. Stylized owl with ribbed crown, rose-diamond eyes set in concave disc sockets, sweet wing flaps, and branch-gripped talons. Breast inset with turquoise stone. A symbol of wisdom in the advanced taste. United states, ca 1930. Stamped “750”. Very good condition with great color.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 7/8 x D 1/2 in. #873

Pair of sterling silver jokey button-form cufflinks. Each: Round with 4 central holes threaded with 18k gold. Marked “Tiffany & Co. 925-750”. Excellent condition with nice patina.

Diameter: 3/4 in. Total weight: 7.6 dwt. #1198

Gorgeous American Retro 18k yellow gold link bracelet, ca 1940s. A dense and interlocking design comprising 3 rows of rectangular links bordered by narrow ones. Satin finish. Fluid and slinky with a nice hang. Marked “750” and maker’s stamp. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 3/16 x L 6 5/8 x W 1 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 63.1 dwt. #1176  

Swiss brooch, ca 1880. Oval enameled plaque in gold frame; rim comprises applied scrolls heightened with enamel and inset with pearls.

The plaque depicts the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle set on an island in Lake Geneva, with Mont Blanc in the background. Chillon was a source of inspiration to the English Romantics, especially Lord Byron whose Prisoner of Chillon was inspired by its use as a prison during the 16th-century Wars of Religion. Byron’s evocation of tormented solitude is ...

Amusing shakudo brooch with copper and gold detail featuring a woman in repose. The brooch is braced by a sterling silver mount. Made in Japan. Meiji period, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with fabulous patina.

Length: 2 3/8 in. #1120

Midcentury Modern brooch. A cluster of lapis lazuli berries mounted to irregular and striated 14k gold leaves. United States, ca 1960s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: L 2 1/4 x W 1 1/2 in. Approximate weight: 12.7 dwt. #1208

Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design. England, ca 1880. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 4 1/2. Weight: 2.1 dwt (3.2 g). #1221

Sweet 14k white and yellow gold ring with rose-cut diamond in square mount (0.4 carats). United States, ca 1940s. Very good condition.

Size: 7 1/2. #1141

Large French Rococo Revival 950 silver oval centerpiece plateau, ca 1890. Curvilinear cartouche with 6 leaf-mounted scroll supports. Beaded oval on strapwork armorial with ribbon and quiver, and interlaced script monogram. Mirrored top. Note: Larger and more ovalish than appears in images. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 31 3/4 x D 20 1/2 in. #BS831

Edwardian sterling silver salver. Made by Charles Stuart Harris & Sons in London in 1908. Round with solid well. Tapering and pierced shoulder with applied swags, vases, and laurel-wreathed heads. Rim has applied Vitruvian scrollwork. Four supports same. A pretty piece in fashionable Regency Revival. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 12 in. Weight: 30.5 troy ounces. #BQ521

This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, ...

Stunning American Edwardian platinum brooch, ca 1900. Barbell form with cylindrical pipe opal. Ends encrusted with rose-cut diamonds. Excellent condition.

Length: 2 1/8 in. #1197

A beautiful and very old Hagi tea bowl; showing signs of long use and appreciation. The gold repairs add to the overall composition and highlight the important role this piece played in someone’s tea practice. Though still functional to be used as a ceremonial implement, this would fit much better as a treasured display object.

In excellent condition this tea bowl is 5.1 inches in diameter at its widest point (13cm), and stands 3.1 inches tall (8cm). It comes with a pe...

European 15k gold stickpin, ca 1880. Mounted with carved intaglio cameo, depicting a left-facing Classical female head. The color is reddish brown. It is in a gold frame mounted to a twisted shaft. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x D 5/8 in. #112  

American Edwardian 14 kt white gold lorgnette inset with diamonds and sapphires. Get in touch with your inner dowager. To be deployed at the next meeting. In silk-lined case. Fine condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 1 3/4 in. #1018

Art Deco sterling silver and 14k flask. Made by Elgin American Mfg Co. in Elgin, Illinois, ca 1920. Curved rectilinear sterling silver body. On front fine vertical stripes in yellow and pink gold. Rectangular frame (vacant) applied to upper left corner. Back plain. Hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover. Fully marked with maker’s stamp and phrase “14k Gold on Sterling”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 4 7/8 x D 1 1/8 in. Gross weight: 10 troy ounces. #BY537

A beautiful old Kyo-ware tea bowl slightly elongated on one end producing an interesting and unique effect. The collector who furnished the box labeled it as being by the legendary potter Ninsei (17th C.). Though the potter’s mark suggests this could be the case, there is no way to confirm for certain other than by its age and undeniably elegant craftsmanship. Believing it to be quite precious, the previous owner bestowed it with the poetic name "Ibitsu" which means "warped" or "cu...

Victorian Neoclassical sterling silver epergne. Made by Charles Stuart Harris in London in 1895. Central oval frame with pendant leaf garland threaded through fixed rings and supporting oval medallions with amphorae applied to stippled ground. Frame rests on 4 leaf-capped and scrolled supports terminating in pierced leaf feet. Shaft is reeded and has applied leaf garland with paterae mounts, and supports large boat-form basket. Eight leaf-capped and scrolled arms, each terminating in single b...

At various times over the long history of tea practice in Japan, Korean-ware has come into high fashion and ships full of the finest ceramics from the neighboring country were brought to its shores. Such pieces have long been favored by learned cha-jin (tea people); and, older pieces such as this are quite prized today as relatively few from this era have survived in good condition. While it is possible this piece is of Japanese origin, its apparent age would make it more likely to h...

Japanese Jubako, traditional stacked lacquerware food boxes, represent not only culinary refinement but also an important aspect of Japanese food culture. These elegantly tiered containers, often adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, are integral to the presentation of special occasion meals such as New Year’s celebrations and formal picnics. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Jubako boxes like the one featured here showcase the artistry of Japanese lacquerwa...

Large turn-of-the-century German 800 silver figural spice box. A bird grips a gnarly branch with scaly talons. Sweet and downy with tucked-down wings. Head detachable. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/4 x L 8 1/2 x W 7 in. Weight: 27 troy ounces. #BW899

Winthrop sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1923. Round well with patera comprising beaded rondel (vacant) radiating leaf-and-dart. Shoulder flat and tapering with laurel wreaths inset with flower heads. Ornament acid-etched. A great piece in the historic Regency Revival pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20219A (first produced in 1923), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1/2 x D 12 in. Weight: 23.7 troy ounces. #BY4...

European silver sauce boat, ca 1900. Ovoid with fluted v-spout and scrolled monopodia side handles with lion heads. Molded curvilinear rim. Stepped oval foot. A nice revival piece in the 18th-century style. Mark and pseudo-marks. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 6 1/8 x D 5 1/4 in. Weight: 9.5 troy ounces. #BM739

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver bookmark. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. Dagger blade engraved with interlaced script monogram set in open frame. Cast terminal in form of winged cherub, a guiding spirit to help you keep your place. Back plain. Fully marked including no. 922. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 2 x D 1/2 in. #BS168

German silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. A swan with s-scroll neck, closed bill, and direct expression. Webbed feet in glide mode. Fine delineation of feathers from scaly neck to downy wing plumes. Hollow gilt-washed interior; frosted glass liner with scalloped rim. Silver marked “Sterling Silver Germany”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 5 1/4 x W 4 in. Weight (silver only): 6 troy ounces. #BZ279

Winthrop sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1922. Curved sides and gently tapering shoulder with reeded rim; stepped foot ring. Acid-etched ornament. In well is patera comprising beaded rondel (vacant) radiating leaf-and-dart. On shoulder is band of laurel wreaths inset with flower heads. A great piece in the historic Regency Revival pattern in a hard-to-find form. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20159A (first produced in 1922), and director’s lett...

German 800 cast silver figural bird bowl, ca 1910. Swan with plumy wings and tail, and ringed s-scroll neck with graceful head terminating in long and closed bill. Hollow with gilt-washed interior for holding treats. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Martin Mayer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 4 1/4 in. Weight: 9 troy ounces. #BY011

Pair of striking midcentury Classical coin silver ewers. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Each: Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised foot. On neck applied frieze with ring of Bacchic boys gripping drapery swags; below applied bead-and-reel border. High-rising handle with cast cupbearer mounted to volute terminal; bottom mount in form of male head in stylized leaf and scroll surround. On front engraved armorial in form of winged gryphon. Both have variant leaf-and-dart ornament. Not iden...

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...

Fin-de-siecle Classical sterling silver loving cup. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Urn-form with bellied bottom. Three leaf-capped and mounted scroll handles. In relief are men and women, nude with legs merging into leafing scrolls, their embraces abetted by cherubic cup bearers. Subdued eroticism on stippled ground with fruiting grapevines. Reeded foot with stylized egg-and-dart rim and three leaf-and-scroll mounted paw supports. Gilt-washed interior.

At top engraved presentation: “Samu...

Pair of German silver birds, ca 1920. A rooster and hen with downturned wings and flamboyant flouncy tails. The rooster has a shaggy crown and raised talon and looks down while the hen, who has a small trim crown and scaly wattles, looks up. Cawing beaks suggest a barnyard tiff. Marked. Very good condition Gilt wash traces.

Dimensions: Rooster: H 6 x L 6 1/2 x W 2 1/2 in. Hen: H 4 3/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 2 1/2 in. Total weight: 10.6 troy ounces. #BZ417

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

Belle Epoque Rococo 950 silver jardiniere centerpiece, ca 1900. Bombe oval bowl with wide and tapering rim. Embossed twisted fluting and applied round frames (vacant) with scallop shell crown supported by winged cherubs. Elaborate end handles, each with cast figure of lunging cherub, holding drapery in one hand and flowers in the other, between leaf-wrapped double-scrolls. Four leaf-mounted scroll supports. A sumptuous homage to the 18th century. Detachable brass liner. Fully marked including Mi...

Danish Biedermeier Gothic Troubadour silver hunting horn on stand, 1855.

Horn has two applied bands with leafing scrollwork and cast green man applied to front. At top a third band with mandolin-strumming maidens and coat of arms-bearing pages in cloister colonnade. Cover domed with leaf-mounted cast figural finial in form of winged Classical man in drapery and helmet pouring wine into a cup. Tail cap has acanthus leaf border with cast owl finial. Gilt-washed interior.

Shaped stand with stra...

Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair. This piece meanwhile is entirely intact and even has its original box. Details about t...

This scroll contains a sutra written as [寿至蓬莱不老僊], pronounced in Japanese as “Jyu-Ita-Hōrai-Furō-Sen.” Originating from Chinese, the characters “蓬莱” refer to the mythical land of “Penglai,” home to the immortals. According to legend the trees that grow here cure all disease; there are rice bowls and flasks of wine that never go empty; and its great castles are built entirely out of gold and silver.

The brushwork is done by a Rinzai sect m...

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...

Over the years we have taken a special interest in Raku-ware and especially in works produced by the Tamamizu kiln, such as the 300+ year old ceremonial tea bowl seen here. The first in this line of potters was Yahē (1662 - 1722), an illegitimate son of Kichizaemon Ichinyu (1615 - 1768) who studied under his father and then left to open his own kiln in the village of Tamamizu (known today as Ide-cho). Though he is the first potter of this branch, he is sometimes referred to as Tamam...

Pair of English Neoclassical-style sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1917. Each: Urn socket mounted to tapering shaft on raised and round foot. Pointillé frames and Vitruvian scroll borders. Faceted. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 19221 (first produced in 1917), order no. 6727, and director’s letter m as well as phrases “Reproduction Original by John Green & Co. Sheffield 1797” and “Silver 13 1/2 OZS Wood Weighted”. Very good cond...

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 47/4, and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 16 x D 12 in. Weight: 43.8 troy ounces. #BY625

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 47/4 and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 16 x D 12 in. Weight: 43.8 troy ounces. #BY624

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 25/4, and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 13 3/4 x D 10 1/4 in. Weight: 23.8 troy ounces. #BY623

Pair of English Retro Deco sterling silver wine coolers, 2014. Each: Chamfered and tapering bowl; stained-wood side handles with stepped sterling silver mounts. Tapering and stepped support mounted to chamfered square base. All planes and angles for holding a round bottle. Super stylish style-of barware. Fully marked including unidentified maker’s stamp (R&SN) and London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 3/8 x W 8 5/8 x D 7 1/2 in. Heavy gross weight: 170 troy ounces. #BZ651...

French Art Deco 950 silver box, ca 1920. Round and flat. Concentric engine turned ornament with engraved flowers on top center and patera on bottom center. Gilt interior. Sweet and pretty. Pocket size. Marked. Very good condition with some handling wear.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x D 2 1/8 in. Weight: 2.2 troy ounces. #BZ625

Rare Chrysanthemum sterling silver soup tureen. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Lobed and oval bowl with scalloped and turned down scalloped rim. Bracket end handles and four splayed volute supports. Cover double domed with bracket finial. Dense and textural cast ornament in form of alternating flower heads and leaves applied to rim and cover shoulder. With dense profusion of same applied to feet and wrapped and mounted to handles. A big, drool-inducing centerpiece made soon after this histor...

George VI sterling silver box. Made by WH Manton in Birmingham in 1938. Rectangular with curved corners. Cover hinged with gently curved top and tapering tab. Cedar-lined and partitioned interior; wood lined underside. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x W 7 1/8 x D 3 3/4 in. Gross weight: 18 troy ounces. #BZ609

German 800 silver lady’s shoe, ca 1920. Plain sole and low heel, and loose-mounted c-scroll strap. Chased leafing and flowering scrolls on stippled ground. Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x L 7 3/4 x W 2 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 6.8 troy ounces. #BZ641

Set of 6 Belle Epoque cast 950 silver candlesticks in Louis XVI style, ca 1910. Made by J. Gruhier in France, ca 1910. Each: Spool socket with stepped and detachable bobeche. Tapering paneled shaft with stippled and elongated egg-and-dart; domed foot on octagonal base. Gadrooning and reeding. Substantial and elegant. Fully marked including Minerva head and maker’s stamp. Five have retailer’s stamp for Boin-Taburet, a Paris firm associated with adapting and reproducing historic French wares. ...

Pretty Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Made by Meriden Britannia (part of International) in Connecticut, ca 1900. Rectangular window in flat surround with irregular interior rim. On front acid-etched wraparound scrolling leafing branch threaded-through corner circles; sides plain. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. C878. Very good condition with strong definition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 5 3/4 x W 4 1/2 in....

Traditional German gilt sterling silver stirrup cup, ca 1950. Conical bowl mounted with cast stag head—a furry, gaping beast with flexed-back ears and big antlers. Marked. Very good condition with nice toning.

Overall dimensions: H 6 1/4 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 in. Weight: 10.5 troy ounces. #BZ595

Tall Classical sterling silver wine ewer. Made by Moore for Tiffany & Co. at 550 Broadway, New York, ca 1855. Ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised round foot; cast high-looping fruiting grapevine handle. Foot rim encircled with same. Chased and engraved outsized leaves and squiggly tendrils, and bunches in relief. Irregular round frame (vacant). Early marks (1854-70) including maker’s stamp and retailer’s stamps, and pre-1860 pattern no. 488. Very good condition with deep patina.

Over...

Pair of tall Edwardian Neoclassical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1908. Fluted columnar shaft on stepped square base. Composite Corinthian capital with detachable, concave, and chamfered bobeche. Beading. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. A3208, and date symbol. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 5/8 x W 4 1/8 x D 4 1/8 in. Weighted. #BZ394

Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1917. Each: Fluted column and composite Corinthian capital. Bobeche detachable with chamfered rim. Stepped and square base. Beading. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. A3207, and date symbol. Very good condition with some pings.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x W 4 1/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Weighted. #BZ434