Ito Sozan
Geese in Moonlight
Date: pre-1936.
Size: Tanzaku. 15 x 6.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Made in Japan stamped on verso.
Artist's signature and seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Back has pencil note and slight residue at top.

Edwardian Classical sterling silver coffee set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1907. This set comprises coffeepot, creamer, and sugar. Coffeepot: Tapering body on raised foot, hinged and domed cover with vasiform finial, vertical s-scroll spout, stained-wood scroll-bracket handle, and raised and round foot. Creamer: Tapering body, helmet mouth, scroll-bracket handle, and raised and round foot. Sugar: Hemispheric bowl with scroll-bracket side handles and raised and round foot. Traditional ...

Painted lacquerware in Asia is thought to have more than 3,000 years of history; originating in China and then later spreading to South East Asia, Korea, and Japan. One reason this craft has taken centuries to perfect is that the sap of the tree used is highly toxic and irritating to the skin and to the lungs. Even minor contact with the raw materials can cause serious issues, making collecting and refining it quite labor intensive. Additionally, once collected it takes on average 3-5 years for ...

Shin-Bijutsukai Japanese Design Magazine, vol. 28
Compiled by artist Furuya Korin (1875–1910).
A monthly magazine (1902-06) featuring the work of talented design artists.
First published 1905. This Yamada Unsodo-published edition dates to 1906 or later.
Contains 20 full-page, original woodblock-printed designs.
Publisher: Kyoto Unsodo.
Size: 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
Medium: Woodblock-printed book bound with silk ties.
Condition: Some wear at front and back cov...

Children on Stilts in Snow
Artist's seal not read.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Size: 4.75 x 3.25 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge to original card.
Condition: Excellent.

Ide Gakusui
Bamboo Grove
Size: 5.75 x 3.75 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Gakusui seal lower left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Woodblock print is tipped along its top edge to a blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Dancing Girls Enjoying Cool Breeze On River Kamo
Date: 1919.
Size: Approximately 7 x 4.5 inches.
Hasui signature and seal at lower right.
Publisher: Yoshusha.
Edition: First.
This marginless print was issued as seen here tipped along its top edge into the 1919 first edition book, "Sights of Old Capital" by Aisaburo Akiyama. The book is included and also contains a Hiroshige woodblock print and a woodblock printed dedication page.
...

Pair of Danish Midcentury Modern sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Each: Scroll encircled with fruiting grapevine mounted to tapering shaft with lobed knop at base mounted to raised and round foot. Three bud-mounted c-scroll arms, each terminating in single socket. Visible hand hammering. A Jensen-inspired design from the master’s homeland. Marked “Sterling / Denmark / 925S” with unidentified maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/2 x W 7 x D 3 1/4 in. Total weight: 20...

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Snow at Nezu Gongen Shrine
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower left, indicating a lifetime edition produced between 1946 and 1957.
Reference: Hotei #345.
Condition: Slight toning as seen in margin. Tape residue at top back margin.

Hiroshi Yoshida
Wisteria Garden
Date: 1935. This edition mid-century.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.75 inches.
Signed and sealed in Japanese in the image. Titled and signed in English at lower margin.
Reference: Abe catalog #199.
Condition: Excellent. Two original pinholes at top margin.

Biho Takahashi (Yoshikuni) (1873-)
Bee and Pink Hollyhock
Date: 1900-1910.
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 9.75 x 9.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Chipped corner and light creasing.

Okuhara Seiko (1837-1918; female)
Cherry Blossoms Under the Full Moon
Date: 1900s-1910s
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Unsigned. Signed examples exist.
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 9.75 x 9.5 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight toning. Left and right edges bumped.

Hiroshi Yoshida
Horse Turnback (Umagaeshi)
Series: Ten Views of Mt. Fuji
Date: 1928.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.25 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image and lower margin.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating self-printing by the artist.
Published by the artist.
Reference: Abe #52.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Margin has light toning and creasing.

Kawase Hasui
Spring Rain at Gokokuji
Size: Oban. Approximately 16 x 10.75 inches.
Date: 1932.
This edition 1948-50.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Carver: Katsumura (same carver as first edition). Printer: Ito.
Doi publisher's watermark at upper left corner margin.
Artist's signature and seal at upper right.
Condition: A surface dot on the base of the lantern. A few light margin creases. Back top corners have two small bits of paper residue.
- A wonderful e...

Pair of magnificent French Neoclassical 950 silver 7-light candelabra, ca 1880. Each: Six leaf-wrapped s-scroll arms each terminating in single leaf-and-dart socket, mounted to central socket on shaft set in petal mount on knopped and tapering shaft; raised foot on 3 bracket-mounted feet. Imbricated leaf wreaths and garlands, fluting, beading, and pendant flowers. Two oval medallions with armorials for Bernard de Lassus, a mountaineering baron, who divided his time between the remote peaks of th...

Fresh and pretty turn-of-the-century Austrian Art Nouveau 800 silver casket. Rectangular with curved sides. Cover hinged and raised with scroll tab. Chased and engraved wrapround ornament with entwined and whiplash tendrils and flower heads. Rococo scrolled corner supports. Gilt-washed interior. Marks include maker’s stamp HS. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 5 3/8 x D 4 in. Weight: 13 troy ounces. #BW139

Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995)
Iidabashi, Daytime in Tokyo
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.5 x 8.0 inches.
Date: 1940.
Later edition (ca. 1970s-1980s) with impressed pencil signature.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition. Faint toning visible in margin.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Peddler in the Snowy Night
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.875 x 7.0 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Artist's seal at lower right.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
No. 509 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. C-29 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Old-fashioned sterling silver and glass double jam jar, ca 1950. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1950. Two jars, each with straight and tapering sides and raised diaper and fern pattern. Sterling silver collars joined by mount with open and tapering swing handle. Shaped tubular cartouche (vacant) applied to handle top. Domed covers opened by lowering handle. Silver marked “Tiffany & Co. in New York”. Glass has Hawkes maker’s stamp.

Overall dimensions: H 6 3/4 x W 6 3/8 x D 3 1/...

Pair of Chantilly Duchess sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Central socket mounted with 2-scroll arms, each terminating in single socket. Knopped and baluster shaft on raised foot. Low-relief scroll and flower ornament. Converts to candlestick. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 749. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 8 3/8 x W 11 1/2 x D 4 3/8 in. Weighted. #BV427

Set of 8 Cactus sterling silver salt & pepper shakers. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Each: Ovoid body on raised round foot. Four shakers have pierced cover with bead finial. The other four have single central spout. The cactus motif is tucked away on the body underside. Functional form and discreet ornament. Fully marked including postwar maker’s stamp and Gundorph Albertus designer’s stamp. Four shakers have no. 629 and 4 have no. 629A. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/4 x D 1...

Rare sterling silver punch ladle. Made by Spratling in Taxco, Mexico. Round hand-hammered bowl with curved spout. Mount has tooled bands and applied rope band and is inset with tapering stained-wood handle. An early piece by this maker. 1940s marks. Very good condition with beautiful patina.

Dimensions: H 13 x W 3 3/4 x D 1/4 in. Gross weight: 5 troy ounces. #BR829

Large and old-fashioned American sterling silver tea tray, 1954. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Oval well and scrolled sides and rim; end bracket handles. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, Gorham date code, and no. 207. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 2 x W 29 x D 18 in. Heavy weight: 132 troy ounces. #BR835

Puppies and Banana
Artist: Unidentified. This print is also known to have the unread artist's seal in our enlargement #3.
Size: Approximately 14.4 x 9.0 cm. 5.675 x 3.5 inches
Date: ca. 1910.
Publisher: Matsumoto (No. 416).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
An early and rarely seen design.

Ca 1950 A wide copper cuff signed Renoir. It measures 2-7/8" in width and the inner diameter is 2" with a bit of give to open.

Chippendale sterling silver tray. Made by Frank W. Whiting in Gardner, Mass. Round with flat and scrolled Georgian piecrust rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. 1864. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x W 14 1/8 x D 13 5/8 in. Weight: 21.5 troy ounces. #BV659

Yoshimoto Gesso
Figure at Temple
Date: 1930s.
Print size: Tanzaku. Approximately 13.25 x 3.125 inches.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Stamp on verso)
Artist's seal at lower right.
Reference: No. 1591.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Woodblock print is attached along its top edge to original card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Pair of Neoclassical-style gilt sterling silver tea urns. Each: Ovoid bowl on raised foot mounted to round base. Cover domed with knopped top terminating in bud finial. Swags and acanthus leaves as well as beading and leaf and dart. Fluted spout with carved leaf twist tap (one in black and one in white). Traditional vessels revved up with scaly and entwined snake handles. One marked “Sterling Silver” and the other marked “Sterling”. Very good condition with rich color.

Dimensions: H ...

Takahashi Shotei
Morning Fog
Date: Early. Not known.
Size: Approximately 7.25 x 4.825 inches.
Shotei seal lower right.
Reference: S-126 in Shotei catalog.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Slight crease lower left corner. Pencil note on back.
Note: Shotei.com notes that this print is probably pre-earthquake due to its rarity.

The Months of Japanese Ladies for 1904 (26 pp. inc. covers)
Date: 1902. This edition February 7, 1903.
Published by T Hasegawa Tokyo (38 Yotsuya Hommura) and Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., London.
26 pages including covers.
Size: 7.0 x 5.0 inches.
Artist: Arai Yoshimune
These charming, profusely illustrated books consist entirely of woodblock prints on creped paper bound with ties and glue. Hasegawa employed some of the best woodblock print artists of the ...

Takahashi Shotei
Evening After a Long Journey
Date: Pre- or post- 1923 earthquake not known.
Size: Approximately 7.25 x 4.825 inches.
Shotei's Rakutei seal at left.
Reference: S-130 in Shotei catalog.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Rough bottom margin. Dash mark left sky. Pencil note on back.

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Magpie and Magnolia
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1931. This edition 1946-1957.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe 6 mm seal at lower left.
Shoson signature and seal lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: S5.1 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent. Point-sized mark at bottom edge. A point of foxing at back right margin lin...

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

Edwardian Modern sterling silver basket. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Tapering and “squashed” ovoid body with flared mouth and spread foot. Reeded and tapering stationary handle. Graduated tubular piercing. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16068 (first produced in 1904), and director’s C (1902-7). Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x W 6 x D 3 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #BV570

Here is an exceptional early creation by Georg Jensen USA designer, Laurence Foss. It features square lapis stones accented by sterling floral panels with a hint of goldwash at the buds. Signed L/F Sterling, it measures 7" x 5/8" and weighs 38.1gr.

A concave sterling bangle signed Hans Hansen Denmark 925S. For a smaller wrist and hand, it measures 2-1/4" ( inner diameter), is 1/4" wide and weighs 29.2gr.

Going back over 1,300 years, Seto-ware has the distinction of being Japan’s oldest pottery tradition still active today. Made from the rich clay and silica of the region of production, Seto porcelain in particular has been highly prized throughout the history of Japan. The piece shown here can be described as Seto-guro (Black Seto) and is an excellent example of this type of pottery. The writing on the box describes it as being from Muromachi, so well over 400 years old. The form and compositi...

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

Midcentury Modern sterling silver decanter set. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Sterling silver frame with central pole on shaped base between two round and open wells. Pole has sliding mechanism with hinged hasp and bracket handle to which are mounted two decanter covers. The covers descend on two ovoid bottles with cut diaper ornament, and sterling silver collar. With lock and key.

Stand marked “Tiffany & Co. / Sterling Silver” and numbered S1625. Bottle collars marked “Sterling...

Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to come by in Japan at the time. Later, during the Muromachi period, Seto potters established kilns in Mino thus starting the period known as ko-Seto, or “old Seto.” These pieces were distinctive as they were produced in small batches and with great care. Later in Edo, the large-kiln style of production or “ogama” was introduced ushe...

A very versatile and innovative artist, Sakata Jinnai produces pieces such as the vase seen here in his easily recognizable trademark style. Many of his pieces are earthy and primal in compositions, often inlaid with gold or partially painted in “makie” using various lacquers for dramatic effect. Waves and contours also feature prominently in his work; inspired, he says, by cosmic energies and architectures of the universe. Sakata very actively exhibits his pieces and looks for interesting c...

Takahashi Shotei (1871-1945)
Nihonmatsu
Date: pre-1923.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 14.875 x 6.5 inches.
Shotei's Kakei seal at lower right.
Number 352 in japanese on the verso.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: M-144 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Note: Blocks destroyed in 1923 earthquake.
Condition: Two lighter areas in upper sky from previous mounting.

Pair of Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Each: Ovoid, tapering, and fluted shaft with interlaced script monogram; stepped oval foot. Urn socket with detachable bobeche. Fully marked including date symbol and no. A705. Very good condition with a few minor pings to foot rims.

Dimensions: H 10 1/2 x W 5 3/8 x D 4 1/4 in. Weighted. #BP969

American Colonial sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany in New York, ca 1920. Bowl has curved sides and straight circular foot. Spare historic design that works equally well in Modern interiors. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 19750 (first produced in 1920), and director’s letter m as well as phrase: “Reproduction / Original by / Joseph Conyers / Boston / about 1700”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x D 9 in. Weight: 24 troy ounces. #BV648

Large Classical sterling silver covered urn. Made by Currier & Roby in New York, ca 1920. Girdled bowl with leaf-capped s-scroll side handles, stepped foot and stepped and domed cover with vasiform finial. Traditional form with extra oomph. Beautiful proportions and plenty of room for engraving. Fully marked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 13 1/4 x W 12 x D 7 1/2 in. Heavy weight: 71.5 troy ounces. #BV545

Ito Shinsui (aka. Shikuntei)(1898-1972)
Preparing Tea
Date: 1950s.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 9.75 x 7.375 inches (25 x 19 cm).
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Publisher's seal on verso
Signed Shikuntei Shinsuiga. Sealed Shinsui.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent color. Slight creasing and toning.

Koizumi Kishio
Lingering Snow at Five-storied Pagoda
No. 7 from the series, Views of Nikko National Park
Date: 1936.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10 x 7.75 inches (25.6 x 19.6 cm).
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Possibly faintly signed at lower right.
Condition: Excellent.

Ide Gakusui
Chrysanthemums
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s.
Gakusui signature and seal lower right.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo
Woodblock print is tipped along the top edge to original 7 x 4.5-inch blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Currently in its 5th generation, the Miura Chikusen line of potters has continued to produce high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki porcelains used in sencha for well over 150 years. The piece seen here is by the third generation potter and has the rare distinction of being endorsed by Sokuchusai, a former Head Tea Master of Omotesenke in Kyoto. Simple and elegant, a section of bamboo stands out in contrast to the white crackled porcelain glaze. If you are looking for a representative work by o...

Shoda Koho
A boy playing a flute while riding an ox
Date: 1930s.
Size: Tanzaku 13.25 x 3.125 inches.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya Yosaku (stamp on verso)
Artist's seal at lower right.
Reference: No. 1570
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Set of 13 American Modern sterling silver place card holders, ca 1950. This set comprises 12 place card holders and 1 menu holder. Each: Cast figure of recumbent whippet with gracile limbs and imperious pointy head mounted to oval base with applied gadrooned rim. The place card holders have a ring clip and the menu holder has a heart clip. Mondaine novelties guaranteed to raise the tone of one’s dinner parties. Marked “UV [in circle] Sterling”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: Place card...

Georgian-style sterling silver coffeepot. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Lobed baluster body, hinged and domed cover with vasiform finial, high looping stained-wood handle, s-scroll spout, and raised and round foot. Fully marked including no. 80, pattern name Dublin, retailer’s stamp, and maker’s stamp for Worden-Munnis who were active in Boston from the 1940s to 1960s. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 7 x D 4 in. Gross weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BV446

Kawase Hasui
Postal Life Insurance Office
Date: ca. 1930s/1940s.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Hasui seal at lower right.
Rare genuine woodblock-printed postcard.
Condition: Front is excellent. Verso has residue at top corners.

First born son to Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Koichiro (b. 1974) has quickly made a name for himself as an independent artist. Not content to rely solely on family reputation, he has set off on his own path, making innovations in clay and also in the ideas and principles surrounding his craft.

With its well-proportioned ridged design, natural ash glaze, and coarse grade of Bizen clay still containing visible stones; the vessel seen here would be a good choice for someone ...

Chinese-style bowl, ca 1920. Mottled green hardstone urn on silver gilt fretwork base with 4 splayed supports. A pretty ornament that works as an ashtray with silver gilt leaf cradle mounted to rim. Marked “Edward I Farmer / Sterling”. Very good with nice toning. Rim has a few fleabite irregularities.

Overall dimensions: H 3 1/8 x W 2 7/8 x D 2 in. #BV277

American applied sterling silver perfume vial, ca 1880. Clear glass cylinder with twisted fluting. Sterling silver collar and hinged cover with tendril, flower, and insect on hand-hammered ground; gilt interior. Unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 2 3/4 x D 1/2 in. #BN380

Bertha Boynton Lum (1869-1954)
Kites
Date: 1912
Size: 14.375 x 8 inches.
Pencil signed and copyrighted 1913 by the artist.
Edition: "197" noted at lower right.
Reference: Gravalos/Pulin No. 29.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Wrinkle in lower margin. Paper at a back margin.
"..the wind fills them up till they look like fish" - Bertha Lum: American Printmakers, (Smithsonian)

Kiyoshi Saito
Daitoku-Ji Kyoto (C) 1959
Edition: 99/100
Size: 23.5 by 18 inches. Matte size: 26.125 x 21.75 inches.
Date: 1959.
Self-carved and printed by the artist. (See tag).
Signed and sealed in the image.
Titled, numbered, and dated in pencil.
Condition: Margins heavily foxed. Front image area has minimal foxing. Two bits of tape residue at top back margin.
The temple dates to 1326. This print features a brilliant band of dark plum purple behin...

A student of Itaya Hazan, one of the most sought after potters in the world of Japanese art, the ceramicist who crafted this fine vase displays here a high degree of mastery, both in form and glazing technique. For the collector who has always wanted a Hazan but has never been lucky enough to chance upon one, this may be a worthy acquisition. Although much of Inoue’s work is quite different in style to that of Hazan’s, you can find a number of pieces where the influence is unmistakeable—th...

Market-fresh Japonesque mixed metal and sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1879. Gently curved bowl and inset undulating rim with wide lip spout and integral scroll handle with tendril mounts that wraparound mouth rim. Handle has lily pad “cap” with crouching figure of frog. Applied leaves with copper-inlaid veins with one overlapping bold and scrolling interlaced acid-etched monogram on neck. A solitary beetle meanders along near the bottom. Dense allover s...