European silver and enamel cigarette case, ca 1920. Rectangular, curved, and hinged. On cover, a horse’s head appears in an entryway, with two protective borzoi dogs standing guard. Stable drama against a semi-abstract background of brick and stone, and bluish ground. Gilt interior. Engraved monogram on back. Marked “900”. Very good condition with strong color.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 3 1/8 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 4.6 troy ounces. #BV461
Turn-of-the-century French gilt-bronze picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with raised beaded, leaf, and guilloche borders and scallop shells applied over ribbon border in pink guilloche enamel. Wreath-and-ribbon crown. With glass, silk lining, and hinged easel wire support. For portrait (vertical) display. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H (overall) 14 3/4 x W 11 in. Window: H 9 x W 7 in. #SW16
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
Zodiac sterling silver 3-piece baby set. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1915. This set comprises mug, bowl, and plate. Cup: Straight sides, short inset foot, and leaf-capped and mounted handle; interior gilt washed. Bowl: Gently tapering sides, curved bottom, and short inset foot; interior gilt washed. Plate: Round deep well and wide shoulder. Low relief borders depicting the astrological signs in scrolled frames alternating with flowers, including turn-of-the-century favorites, such as water l...
Turn-of-the-century French gilt bronze picture frame. Rectangular window in same surround with raised leaf-and-dart, imbricated leaf, and beaded borders. Red guilloche border and applied and pierced flower baskets, cornucopias, bouquets and shells. Ribboned and leafing rinceaux crown. With glass, silk lining and hinged easel wire support. For portrait (vertical) display. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H (overall) 12 1/4 x W 8 3/4 in. Window: H 7 1/8 x W 5 in. #SW14
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
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
Pair of George V sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Lionel Alfred Crichton in London in 1917. Each: Tapering and fluted pillar supporting urn socket. Raised and stepped square foot. Beading, acanthus leaves, and swags and paterae. Neoclassical form and ornament. Fully marked. Very good condition with a few pings, principally on foot rim.
Dimensions: H 11 3/8 x W 4 5/8 x D 4 5/8 in. Weighted. #BV645
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.
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.
English Georgian Neoclassical sterling silver basket, ca 1790. Ovoid body on same foot with reeded c-scroll swing handle. Engraved wavy-shaped frame (vacant) and ornamental borders. Linear and circular piercing and beading. Partially worn marks include London assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H (with handle) 11 1/2 x W 14 1/4 x D 10 1/2 in. Weight: 27.5 troy ounces. #JM
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 ...
Turn-of-the-century Chinese silver mustard pot. Round and bellied bowl with plain concave neck, thin scroll handle, and spread foot. Modish floral ornament in form of chased and applied water lilies and pads heightened with engraving on stippled ground. Chinese marks. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 3/8 x W 3 1/4 x D 2 3/8 in. Weight: 2 troy ounces. #BV330
Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278
Aesthetic mixed inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bell-form copper body with reeded silver foot rim. Applied silver ornament including flower-inset guilloche band and tendril border at neck. Cover hinged and domed with silver ball finial. With clear glass liner. A later version (1892-1902) of a pattern (no. 6231) that was first produced in 1880. Fully marked: “Tiffany & Co / Makers 6231 / Sterling Silver / 925-1000 / T / And / Other Metals”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 ...
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
Edwardian sterling silver bowl. Made by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd in London in 1905. Bellied with flat shoulder and gadrooned rim. Three leaf and scroll-mounted talon supports. Well circular and solid (vacant). Solid leafy ornament in open and leaf-inset diaper ground with scrollwork. Fully marked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x D 11 3/4 in. Weight: 41 troy ounces. #BR790
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)
Victorian Georgian Queen sterling silver soup ladle. Made by John and Henry Lias in London in 1839. King-shaped handle has engraved armorial with sword-bearing lion rampant and motto “Courage”. Deep ovoid bowl. A substantial and traditional piece made shortly after young Victoria ascended the throne. Stylistic continuity in the new reign. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Height: H 13 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 12 troy ounces. #BV250
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...