Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Elongated baluster with flared rim and raised foot. Overlay in form of budding and blooming tulips with entwined and whiplash tendrils. On foot is scrolled cartouche engraved with scroll-letter C between the years 1880 and 1905. Glass is green. Silver has faint marks including La Pierre maker's stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/8 x D 3 3/4 in. #BZ148

Set of 4 European gilt 935 silver and glass figural Buddha place card holders, ca 1925. Each: Contemplative and cross-legged figure of the Zen-man himself in molded glass. For a Siddhartha serene dinner party. Colors are green, blue, orange, and clear. Chamfered rectangular base and u-form back support. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 7/8 x D 3/4 in. Case: H 1 1/2 x W 5 3/4 x D 2 5/8 in. #BY940

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chōzaemon came with him and established Ōhi-yaki in Kanazawa. Chōzaemon had been the chief apprentice to the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ōhi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea cere...

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. A sweet bovine with upturned horns, flexed ears, and smiley mouth spout. Sturdy sagging body with ring-handle tail and hinged back cover with fly finial. Stands on firmly planted hooves. Unidentified Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/8 x L 5 1/2 x W 2 in. Weight: 5.6 troy ounces. #BY777

Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can incorporate centuries of experiential knowledge and technique into producing new and interesting forms are oh so valued. Though this Bizen jar fits into the category of mizusashi, a vessel central to tea ceremony that holds fresh water, it seems to transcend this narrow category and stands as an independent art object all its own....

Japanese inlay ceramics (zōgan) are created by making incisions on the surface of a clay body which are then filled with various colored clays, creating a pattern. After the pattern is finalized, an overglaze is applied and the piece is sent to the kiln to be fired. As can be seen here, the results are quite striking and produce unique patterns that cannot be replicated through painting alone. Inlaying as a technique is thought to have originally derived from practices in metal and ...

In Japan, famous for its generational potting families, only a handful have made it all the way through to the 14th generation—the Nakazato line being one of them with over 400 years of history. Handcrafted by the current 14th potter in the renowned Karatsu tradition, this piece displays subtle, earthy tones and organic textures reminiscent of nature. Blending elements seamlessly, a canvas is created that complements the beauty of the floral elements in glossy contrast across the s...

With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi” or what we might call in English a “tribute piece.” Such pieces are typically made by all Raku potters, regardless of the kiln and tradition, and seek to emulate famous works from the early masters over 400 years ago—in this case, a tea bowl created by the brother of the second Kichizaemon, Tanaka Somi, born sometim...

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowledge, skill, and dedication of one of Japan’s top traditional craftsman. Its tapered polished sides have a beautiful texture and luster that compliment perfectly with the hand-crafted custom lid adorning the top. Truly an exceptional artwork fused with the aesthetics of tea culture that gives it a sense of stability, calm, a...

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...

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...

Father to internationally known Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (the 8th generation Sanzaemon potter), though he never achieved the same level of notoriety as his son, his pieces have a grace and elegance all their own as demonstrated here with this charming tea bowl. With its milky crackled glaze and split foot (wari-kodai) showing the rich clay this piece was fashioned from, it possesses strong character and has a calming presence, bringing a sense of stability. Perfect for those deepen...

A delightful Hagi tea bowl from the Jōzan Kiln in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Very representative of the genre with its milky glaze and ido-shape. This piece is a step above their typical offerings as can be discerned not only from the lovely composition but also from the quality of the box and the silk pouch that was also custom furnished. For those interested in getting better acquainted the world of Hagi without spending the thousands of dollars typical for works by better known artist...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s premier Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano�...

Large and pretty silver tray. Round and plain well and wide shoulder with engraved and repousse garland; applied rim with leaf border. Marked. Visible handwork on underside. Good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 16 in. Weight: 39.5 troy ounces. #BW804

Italian Neoclassical silver coffeepot, ca 1820. Baluster; cover hinged and domed with leaf-mounted acorn finial. Applied c-scroll spout and scroll handle with ribbed tail. Handwork visible on interior. Marked. Good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 10 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 in. Weight: 25.4 troy ounces. #BY635

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creativity and the organic world. Now several centuries old, this piece continues to serves not only as a functional display piece, but also as a symbol of the enduring leg...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creati...

The poem accompanying the artwork on this antique scroll reads: Fishing little trout—Precious drops of dew glisten—Flowing with the blossoms—The mountains and rivers of spring ( Rengetsu, age 78 ). A rather later and mature work by Rengetsu, this piece was created right as Edo ended and Meiji began, marking a major turning point in Japanese history and culture.

Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) was born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki fam...

George V covered urn. Made by Lionel Alfred Crichton in London in 1930. Girdled urn on stepped, raised, and gadrooned foot; s-scroll side handles with leaf cap and pendant flower heads. Cover domed with gadrooned rim and finial. Cutout strapwork applied to bowl and cover. Traditional Classical form in Britannia (that is, 958) silver. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 x W 5 7/8 x D 3 5/8 in. Heavy weight: 16.5 troy ounces. #BY618

George V covered urn. Made by Lionel Alfred Crichton in London in 1930. Girdled urn on stepped, raised, and gadrooned foot; s-scroll side handles with leaf cap and pendant flower heads. Cover domed with gadrooned rim and finial. Cutout strapwork applied to bowl and cover. Traditional Classical form in Britannia (that is, 958) silver. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 x W 5 7/8 x D 3 5/8 in. Heavy weight: 16.2 troy ounces. #BY619

Gorgeous French Belle Epoque Rococo 950 silver and crystal decanter, ca 1890. Crystal baluster bowl with acid-etched leafing and flowering branches and wavy bands. Silver mounts with dynamic wave and scrollwork, shells, and leaves. Cover hinged with fish-mouth spout and scallop shell thumb rest. High-looping leaf-capped handle. Four scroll supports. Minerva head mark. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 12 5/8 x W 6 1/2 x D 4 1/2 in. #BX727

Pretty Classical Silver tray. Octagonal. Sides tapering with repousse leafing scrollwork and flowers; rim beaded. Marked “Silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 13 1/2 x D 12 1/2 in. Weight: 22.9 troy ounces. #BY065

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: "As a pastime ― bringing clumsy, fragile things to sell ― at Uruma Market ― how lonely!"  A very significant poem as it conveys a bit of irony; for the Edo period nun who inscribed this poem would go on to create a legacy of art, beauty, and philosophy that endures even today. The poem also suggests that this is one of her earlier works that would have been produced before she became renowned throughout Japan for her...

Special Offer: Reduced from $1200. now $700. Impressive Ming Dynasty pottery “sancai” green and amber glazed wedding bed. There are two repairs: appears to have been cut in half and then glued back together and there is one on repair at the top of the roof façade- all noted in last enlargements. H: 47cm18.5in and W: 35.5/13.9in x 20cm/8in.

Russian 875 silver ladle, ca 1880. Oval bowl and fiddle terminal with engraved initials and year 1881. A nice serving piece from the twilight of tsarist Russia. Marks include maker’s (PA) stamp and Moscow assayer’s (Aleksandr Nicolayevich Krollau) stamp dated 1880. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 11 1/4 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #BY490

Federal Classical silver ladle. Made by Gould & Ward in Baltimore, ca 1820. Upturned fiddle terminal engraved with script monogram. Marked “Gould & Ward Baltimore” with “11-12”, which was the Baltimore alloy. Gould & Ward succeeded Gelston & Gould and was in turn succeeded by Gould, Stowell & Ward. A genealogy of Baltimore silver embodied in a useful serving piece. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 13 x W 4 3/8 x D 3 3/4 in. Weight: 6.2 troy ounces. #BY489

Chinese silver mug, ca 1910. Straight and upward tapering sides and c-scroll handle. A spare form enlivened with applied wraparound dragon chasing its tail. Marks include stamp for Wang Hing, a maker and retailer in Canton and Hong Kong. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 x W 5 x D 3 1/4 in. Weight: 10.8 troy ounces. #BX461

Pair of Portuguese Classical silver candlesticks, ca 1840. Each: Globular socket with turned downleaf-and-dart rim; knopped and baluster shaft on domed foot mounted to shaped square base with applied leaf rim and splayed corner paw supports. Dentil, diaper, pointille, guilloche, and gadrooned ornament. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 8 3/8 x W 3 7/8 x D 3 7/8 in. Total weight: 22 troy ounces. #BV975

Pair of super stylish Art Deco Classical 950 silver 2-light candelabra, ca 1930. Each: Broad and faceted. Two scrolled arms with volute terminals and single socket on reeded wax pan bracketed to baluster with beading draped over top; raised foot. Marked “950M”, which is associated with Belgian production. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 3/4 x W 14 x D 6 3/8 in. Total weight: 69.5 troy ounces. #BG503

A testament to the brilliance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this lacquered mizusashi—skillfully handcrafted from bamboo—showcases a deep crimson hue that radiates warmth and sophistication. Its seamless design and flawless finish reflect the skilled hands of the first generation artisan who crafted it, achieving a harmonious balance between form and function. Designed for use in Japanese tea ceremony, this indispensable implement would love to be put back into service o...

The term “tenmoku” (heavens eye) refers both to a shape of tea bowl popularized in the Song Dynasty dating back almost 1,000 years, and also to a style of glaze that these pieces are renowned for. In the case of tea bowls themselves, the troughs often have darker coloration with radiating colored rays and, depending on the style, often resemble the iris of a human eye. In the case of the glaze, the individual oil spots that appear on the walls of the vessel can sometime also rese...

Lake Tanganyika Scene in Watercolor measuring 28”x 33”. More information coming soon

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

A magnificent oil on canvas color block study circa 1970, done in the time of then Abstract Expressionist period of Art. Unsigned measuring 59” x 41” Please see #3463 for a matching artwork

Chinese porcelain hat stand vase with a hand painted scene of a boy playfully dangling a toy spider in front of his pet cat. Mother and brother are standing nearby watching. Dates early 20th C. Measures 11.5" high x 5" diameter.

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Karatsu as opposed to having come out of a Mino kiln. Though very similar styles and techniques were utilized during the late 16th or early 17th C. when this would have been produced; the color, distribution of glaze, and patterning suggest Karatsu. While at one time this would have been part of a set of 5 pieces, very few sets s...

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...

Japonesque mixed metal copper tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Lobed and rectangular with curved sides. Applied copper and silver ornament: Tree with blossoming branches and sinuous irregular trunk rooted in granulated soil; above a butterfly and bird. Ground engraved with wild grass in foreground and hills in background. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. B75, and date letter. Good condition with some spotting to copper.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 12 x D 9 1/8 in. #BY284

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprising warrior’s shields. Stylized plant and geometric ornament. Well has radiating guilloche enamel; each in different color (blue, red, and purple). Oval form for stealthy gliding. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and...

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...

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...

The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

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...

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Round with curved sides. Well guilloche enamel (two red, one blue). Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/2...

Pair of German Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, ca 1830. Each: Socket mounted to leaf flange in turn mounted to baluster shaft on raised round foot on square base. Fluting, gadrooning, acanthus leaf, and leaf-and-dart ornament. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 10 1/8 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weighted. #BY091

Handsome European stone trinket box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Shoulder and base chamfered. Cover hinged, inset, and chamfered. Silver-plated mouth and cover rims. Cover has cabled border and filigree scrolled tab. Stone mottled red. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x W 4 x D 2 1/2 in. #BX269

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

Plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver bowl. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Round with curved sides. Well green guilloche enamel. Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). A beautiful piece by Hammer, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 6 1/8 x D 4 in. #BY196

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

Chinese silver censer, ca 1910. Drum-form agate body set in silver gilt mounts with scrollwork and lunettes. Leaf-capped side bracket handles. Upward tapering support and stepped foot with fretwork brackets. Cover raised with pierced scrollwork borders bud finial with leaf brackets on solid central mount with scrolls and fan. Silver gilt and heightened with blue, green, and red enamel. Marked “Silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x W 7 3/8 x D 4 3/8 in. #BY170

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

German 800 silver bowl commemorating Napoleon I and Marie-Louise. Lobed quatrefoil with embossed medallion bust portraits of the couple surmounted an eagle; at bottom a military trophy. Open sides with leaf swag with pendant ribboned medallions (vacant) applied to interior. Beaded rim. Mounted end handles in form of burning torch between gryphons.

The eternal flame such as might have been supposed to burn between Napoleon and his teenage bride, an Austrian archduchess—and grandniece no less ...

American Modern ring with cabochon tiger eye in 14k yellow gold setting; brilliant-cut diamond on each shoulder. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 8 1/2. Weight: 10.5 dwt (16.3 g). #1223

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 ...

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

Silberiris glass vase by historic Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Globular with pinched shoulder and ruffled turned-down quatrefoil rim. On front overlay in form of loose and fluid blooms on entwined and whiplash stems. Back plain. Glass iridescent yellow, green, blue, and purple. Shimmering turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau. Pontil mark. Excellent condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 4 3/4 in. #BX856

Turn-of-the-century Silberiris glass vase by Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Ovoid with flared rim in silver collar. Overlay in form of open and stylized leaf band and c-scroll neck border. Glass iridescent in orange, pink, and green. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 3 1/2 in. #BX858