Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver figural place card holders. Made by Levi & Salaman in Birmingham 1906. Each: Pair of perched owls with scrolled back clip; raised and round base. Wise birds standing ready to tamp down excessive dinner party levity. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining with gilt retailer’s stamp (“Leighton / Lancaster”). Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x D 1 1/2 in. Gross weight: 2.3 troy ounces. #BW863

Pair of Victorian Neoclassical sterling silver 3-light candelabra. Made by Walker & Hall in Sheffield in 1898. Tapering and fluted shaft on raised square foot. Central socket on knopped base to which are mounted two leaf-capped and -wrapped scrolled arms, each terminating in single socket munted to wax pan. Sockets urn form on raised foot. Beading, ribboned swags, garlands, paterae, ram’s heads, and leaf-and-dart ornament. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 18 1/4 x W 15 x D 5 ...

Classical sterling silver compote. Made by John Wendt for Ball, Black in New York, ca 1870. Round and curved bowl mounted to open support comprising three leafing oak shoots with acorns inset with cast figure of standing boy holding a ball in each hand with one arm raised. Domed foot. Reeding and beading.

A fashionable centerpiece evocative of youth and growth. The figure suggests the influence of the Dancing Faun, the ancient statue in the Uffizi in Florence that was a grand tour icon. The fr...

Two pairs of Edwardian Regency sterling silver salt & pepper shakers. Made by Graff, Washbourne & Dunn in New York, ca 1909. Each: Ovoid body with engraved scrolled frames inset with flowers and leaves. One frame engraved with interlaced script monogram. Short neck and pierced and domed cover with vasiform finial. Foot raised with tubular piercing overlaid with swags, and open heraldic shields inset with flowers. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 5542/47, and patent year 1909. Very goo...

English Victorian cologne bottle, 1880. Cut-glass cylinder with short and threaded inset neck. Ball cover in form of male head with big ears, receding hairline, tronie-style grimace, and red bead eyes. Fully marked including London assay stamp and unidentified maker’s initials “T.S” in oval. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 x D 2 1/4 in. #BW614

Japonesque mixed metal on sterling silver bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1883. Curved sides with allover spot hammering and gilt-washed interior overhung with apple branch mounted to exterior. A gnarly growth with irregular fruit and gilt leaves. Also applied birds and butterflies as well as cattails rooted in granulated soil. Three tapering supports. Fully marked with maker’s stamp, date letter, no. 1725, and phrase “Sterling & Other Metals”. Very good condition.

Overall dimensio...

Pair of English Jacobean Revival flagons. Globular body with scroll handle in brown pottery with granulated salt glaze. Gilt sterling silver neck collar and hinged and domed cover with open scrollwork thumb rest as well as raised foot. Chased strapwork embellished with faces and clusters of fruits and vegetables.

One marked George Nathan & Ridley Hayes with Chester assay stamp and 1911 date letter. The other marked Elkington & Co. with Birmingham assay stamp and 1923 date letter. Very good con...

English Georgian Regency sterling silver bowl. Made by Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard in London, ca 1830. Bellied bowl with chased and stippled leaf and flower bowl. Concave neck and turned-down leaf-and-dart rim. Leaf-capped and -wrapped side handles with oak branch mounts. Short knopped support with egg-and-dart and leaf-and dart borders on lobed and stippled foot with applied leaves. Plain and square base. Opulent Classical centerpiece for flowers or wine. Marks worn. Excellent condition...

Edwardian Regency sterling silver box. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1917. Square with straight sides. Cover hinged with gently curved top and scrolled top. Allover engine-turned wave ornament on box sides and cover top, which also has engraved garland and wreath (vacant) with pendant flowers; cover sides plain with pointille borders. Interior velvet lines. Perfect for jewelry and keepsakes. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, date symbol, no. 7113, and letter R. Excellent condition.

Ove...

Paul Jacoulet
Le Phare de Mikimoto, Shimoda Izu (Mikimoto Lighthouse, Shimoda Izu)
Date: February 1954.
Fewer than 80 impressions made. This example is stamped "PRESENT" on the verso.
Size: 17.75 x 13 inches.
Signed and sealed with peony seal. Carver: Maeda. Printer: Onodera
Reference: No. 134 in The Prints of Paul Jacoulet by Richard Miles
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toning on verso. Please see additional photos showing partially trimmed...

Masao Ido
Zuihou-In III (Rock garden)
Date: 1990.
Size: Approximately 18 x 13 inches.
Edition: 27/180
Signed in pencil and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Faint matte line in margin.
Zuihoin is part of Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto.

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

Turn-of-the-century Silberiris glass vase by Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Ovoid with impressed shoulder and molten-style irregular turned-down rim. Overlay in form of whiplash tendrils and loose and fluid blooms. Glass iridescent in purple, yellow, and green with a few glimpses of blue. Gorgeous Art Nouveau with nice shimmer. Silver marked “Sterling” with La Pierre maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 3/8 x D 3 1/2 in. #BX850

Dutch Neoclassical 934 silver salver, late 18 C. Round. Open gallery sides with flowering rinceaux and beaded rim. Four fluted and tapering supports. Fully marked including Amsterdam city stamp. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x D 12 3/4 in. Weight: 31 troy ounces. #BU158

Turn-of-the-century Chinese export silver picture frame. Oval window in shaped surround with scrolls and flower heads at top, and leaves, stars, flowers, and heart cartouche vacant on stippled ground at bottom. With glass, silk lining, velvet back, and hinged easel silver wire support. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 1/4 x W 4 3/4 in. Window: H 4 1/4 x W 2 3/4 in. #BW978

A simple silver bangle with niello marked Sterling. The width is a tad over 1/16"~ inner diameter 2-5/8".

Austrian Rococo silver candle snuffer, 1827. Hinged with flower-head mount and flat vertical blade that fits into rectangular box with curved and lobed top. Ring handles on s-scroll mounts. Three baluster supports. Marks include year and alloy, which is 13 loths (that is 812 silver). Very good condition. Dimensions: H 6 1/2 x W 2 1/4 x D 1 5/8 in.

With: Austrian Rococo silver stand, 1847. Waisted rectangle with dynamic scrollwork surrounding plain and lobed well. Marks include year and initial...

German silver tea scoop. Imported to England in 1892 by Thomas Glaser. Leaf-form bowl with veins and wispy, irregular tips. Woody stem with coiled tendril mounts. German maker's marks and English sterling-standard import marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x L 4 1/8 x W 1 7/8 in. Weight: 1 troy ounce. #BZ286

Pair of pretty Austrian Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, 1863. Each: Tapering socket with turned-down rim and overhanging base mounted to knopped baluster shaft on domed and curvilinear foot with stippled flowers at corners. Fluting and lobing. Perfect for reading Goethe by candlelight. Marks include dated Viennese assay stamp indicating 13 loths (that is 812.5 silver) and maker’s initials IC. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 5/8 x D 5 3/4 in. Weighted. #BY787

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 silver figural dog stirrup cup, ca 1920. Cast bust of spaniel with long snout, resolutely closed mouth, and direct, concentrated gaze as well as floppy ears and thick fur. Mounted to plain and upward tapering bowl. A loyal hunt companion. Marked with maker’s stamp “Föhr” (probably, Eduard Foehr) and old-fashioned “13” (that is, 13/16 loths or 812 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/4 x D 3 5/8 in. Weight: 8 troy ounces. #BZ714

South American dish, ca 1920. Hexagonal with flared rim comprising Brazilian 500 Reis coins minted from the 1850s to 1880s. Three cast leaf-mounted paw supports. A great way to give “currency” to your décor. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 8 1/4 x D 7 1/2 in. Weight: 13 troy ounces. #BY752

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

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

Sensitive and endearing 800 silver animal figure. Made by Buccellati in Italy. A chimp with raised arm, big funny ears, and expressive face sits on amethyst crystal base with joined feet. A playful primate with tensile hands and feet, and shaggy wire fur. Marked “Buccellati Italy 800”. Excellent condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H (with base) 13 x W 8 1/2 x D 8 in. #BU120

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Rectangular with straight sides and leaf-and-dart base rim. Cover flat and hinged with same as well as leaf-and-flower border. Cover top has central heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath; leaf and flower border. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 1819. Very good condition with nice ton...

Kiyoshi Saito
Maiko
Date: ca. 1960.
Size: Oban. Approximately 17.25 x 11.5 inches.
Pencil signed and sealed by Saito.
Self-published by the artist.
Silver mica is used on the collar.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Top back margin has paper residue. Very faint toning.

A Zohiko covered soup bowl. Colorful leaf decoration sparsely applied on black ground with almost iridescent effect with gold and silver maki-e and red details. Zohiko mark in silver lacquer inside the bowl's foot rim. 20th century. Bowl diameter 4 9/16 inches (11.59 cm). Condition is relatively quite good with only a small abrasion to the lacquer on foot rim of the bowl. The lacquer otherwise is in good condition with no distress or wear of note. A quirk in the underlying wood (not an issue wit...

A unique and heavy sterling turquoise squash blossom necklace and earring set by Navajo artisan Hemerson Brown. The silver has been "antiqued" . The necklace measures 23" while the naja measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2". The earrings (for pierced ears) are 2-1/4" x 1-1/2. Total weight 5.4ozs.

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...

This small vessel, similar in a shape to a tokkuri, is a fine example of Oni Shino (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre. Fired at extreme temperatures for days in an anagama, the iron in the clay and in the glaze fuse, drip, and coalesce—while at the same time bl...

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

Gorgeous turn-of-the-century Martelé-style Art Nouveau 950 silver basket. Made by Black, Starr & Frost in New York. Flared and ovoid mouth and cylindrical body flowing into spread foot on 4 turned-under scroll supports; fixed and shaped c-scroll handle. Ruffled and irregular rims. Chased and applied ornament with flowers and climbing and entwined tendrils overlaid with leaves. Hand-hammered ground. Fully marked with maker’s stamp, no. 7577, and phrases “Exclusive Design”, and “950 Fine�...

French Belle Epoque 950 silver tureen, ca 1910. Tapering oval curvilinear bowl on same raised foot with gadrooned rims. Leaf-mounted double c-scroll end handles. Raised cover. Restrained turn-of-the-century Classicism enlivened with a cast still life finial: A couple bird carcasses draped on top of a sweet bunny, with forelegs raised as if to hop away, and hindlegs limp and splayed now that hopping is no longer an option. An unsentimental depiction of the dinner’s ingredients with a bit of gr...

La Rochelle silver dinner set for 12. Made by Tetard Frères in France. This set comprises 90 pieces (dimensions in inches):

Knives: 12 dinner knives (9 3/4) and 12 fish knives (8 1/8);

Forks: 12 dinner forks (8 1/4), 12 dessert forks (6 7/8), and 12 fish forks (6 7/8);

Spoons: 12 soup spoons (6 7/8) and 12 teaspoons (5 3/4);

Serving pieces: gravy ladle (6 7/8), spoon (8), sugar spoon (5 1/2), cold meat fork (9 5/8), butter spreader (6 1/2), and pie server (10 7/8).

Dinner knives, butt...

Modern carving pair with knife and fork. Made by Christofle in France, ca 1970. Tapering easy-grip silver-plated handles. Knife blade and 3-tine shank are stainless steel. Handy for the holidays and all the days in between. Marked. Good condition.

Dimensions: Knife: H 12 3/4 x W 1 1/2 x D 1/2 in. Fork: H 10 1/8 x W 1 1/8 x D 1/2 in. #BX127

German 800 silver figural wedding cup, ca 1920. A Baroque dame with snug-fitting bodice and wide and raised lace collar holds aloft scrolled-brackets with swing-mounted double-domed lobed and garlanded bowl. Second larger bowl in form of conical skirt with patterned fabrics and delineated folds and hang. Ornament chased and engraved. Hanau maker’s mark (Neresheimer). Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 13 7/8 x W 5 5/8 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 19.8 troy ounces. #BZ592

Magnificent American Classical coin silver tureen. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Curved ovoid bowl on stepped oval foot mounted to four beaded and round supports. Cover domed. Bowl rim has bold beading bordered by applied guilloche. On each end is cast satyr’s head with flamboyantly ribbed horns and slack jaw holding loose-mounted ring. Also cast is cover finial, a gentle herbivore quadruped standing on tooled grassy mound. Marked with maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps a...

Federal Classical coin silver flagon. Made by Nicholas James Bogert in New York, ca 1820. Upward tapering cylinder on spread and stepped base. S-scroll handle with ribbed thumb rest and heart terminal. Hinged and domed cover with bud finial. Curved spout with ogee opening. Bold and spare by a historic regional maker. Maker’s stamp. Very good condition with nice patina. A few areas of firescale.

Dimensions: H 13 x W 9 1/4 x D 6 1/4 in. Weight: 33 troy ounces. #BX039

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass flask with engraved silver overlay. Flat with curved sides. Overlay in form of grain stalks and fruiting grapevine. Asymmetrical cartouche engraved with script monogram. Silver neck collar and hinged and cork-lined cover. Glass is clear. Lady’s medicinal size. Can be held in one small gloved hand. Marked “Sterling” and numbered “232”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x W 2 3/4 x D 1 in. #BW418

Two pairs of German 800 silver 2-light candelabra. Made by M. H. Wilkens & Söhne in Germany, ca 1890. Each: tapering pillar on raised foot with spread c-scroll supports. Garland-entwined figure mounted to pillar top. On two, a bosomy, drapery-clad caryatid; on other two, a naked atlantes. Soft youthful flesh that contrasts with the statuary pillar. Each figure holds a stem with two open and scrolled branches terminating in single socket. Fluid and dynamic Art Nouveau mixed with frothy Rococo. ...

A Zohiko covered rice bowl. Colorful leaf decoration sparsely applied on black ground with almost iridescent effect with gold and silver maki-e and red details. Zohiko mark in gold lacquer inside the bowl's foot rim. 20th century. Bowl diameter 5 1/16 inches (12.86 cm). The bowl has two small losses to the lacquer along the foot and one small loss to the rim. The cover is in good condition. The lacquer otherwise being in good condition with no distress or wear of note. Combine with other pieces ...

Created by Living National Treasure Isezaki Jun, Bizen pieces like the one seen here originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and have a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Known for employing a natural-ash glazing techniques that require extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures, constant attention is required to ensure good results. Here Isezaki can be seen pushing the bounds of tradition Bizen orthodoxies in interesting and creative wa...

Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extreme precision to combine sheets of differing types of clay, culminating in a unique visual effect. While many of his pieces are ringed with swirls of colors, this one is more modern and subdued. With quite a lot of character, this lovely vase will draw attention without being overpowering.

Born in Nagano, Kosei Matsui (1927-20...

Dutch silver figural spice box. Imported to England in 1891 by BH Joseph & Co. An egret gracefully scrolled neck, red glass eyes, and gaping beak stands on one scaly leg, the other leg raised with clenched talons. A beautiful bird with nicely delineated plumage. Hinged at bust. Dutch assay stamp and date letter, and English sterling-standard import marks including London assay stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 15 1/2 x W 6 3/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Weight: 19 troy ounces. #BZ288

A green turquoise pendant with matching chain. The center turquoise appears to be stabilized with an epoxy film. The silver and dyed howlite bead chain measures 20"; the pendant 2" x 1-5/8". Ganadonegro has been creating jewelry since 1984. The pendant is signed on the back.

Large Japanese Meiji silver chalice, ca 1890. Oval bowl with irregular rim on tall cylindrical shaft flowing into raised and scalloped foot. Spout hammered ground. Double walled. Applied iris and chrysanthemum flowers and blossoming branches. Wire stem with flower head and bud wrapped around shaft. Mount Fuji-form mono plate (vacant). No cliché left behind. A wonderful ceremonial vessel for the advanced export market. Japanese marks and “Kuhn & Komor / Sterling”. Kuhn & Komor was a Hungari...

Pair of German silver wedding cups. Imported to England by Martin Sugar in 1891. Each: Snug-fitting bodice and raised arms holding aloft scrolled brackets with swing-mounted double-domed bowl. Larger bowl in form of skirt. Chased and engraved strapwork and leafing scrolls. On back is a Green Man between conch-blowing cherubs. One in form of bosomy woman with crown. The other in form of hirsute man with wreath.

Hanau maker’s stamp (Neresheimer) and English sterling standard import marks with ...

Splashed across a beautifully textured backdrop of shimmering black, the willow leaves painted in silver bring with them a sense of calm and contemplation. Generously proportioned though not too heavy in the hand, the wide base ensures stability while the upward curvature of the sides breaks with convention and offers a unique and decidedly modern flair.

Born in Kyoto as the 4th son of a famous lacquer artist named Shogo, Banura Shiro (1941-2001) followed suit and went i...

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....

Paul Jacoulet
La Gerbe D'Anthurium, Angur, Mer du Sud (The Spray of Anthurium Flowers, Angur, South Seas)
Date: July 15, 1951.
Fewer than 150 impressions made. This example has no edition seal visible. Jacoulet's fancy PJ seal is covering another seal on the back.
Size: 18.625 x 14 inches.
Ivy seal. Carver: Maeda. Printer: Honda.
Reference: No. 118 in The Prints of Paul Jacoulet by Richard Miles.
Condition: Excellent color. Light creasing in margins. Top back ...

Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted over seven decades. The piece shown here then would be from an earlier period and is evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the one he is most well-known for. As any experienced potter will tell you, tenmoku ...

Ito Nisaburo
Osaka Dotonbori
Date: 1960s
Size: 17.75 x 12 inches. Full margins shown in additional photo.
Publisher: Uchida Woodblock Printing Co., Ltd.
Artist's seal and publisher's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned back. Slight fading. Tape residue at top margin.
- Interesting signage and fashions. This is a rarely seen design by Ito. There is an example at The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto.

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...

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Fireworks at Ryogoku
Size: Mitsugiriban. 14.875 x 6.625 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Reference: Shotei catalog M-51.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print. Attached at top edge only to original card.
Condition: A little waviness at lower right. Slight fading.
Provenance: Dedication on back reads, "With best of wishes from (Rabbi) Jacob J. Eisen." Rabbi Eisen was the first rabbi appointed as chaplain in the Ro...

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...

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...

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope patterns etched into or painted on its surfaces that typically contains hues of indigo, mustard, hazel, ochre, and sometimes greens. The creation of Mugiwara pottery involves a process of hand-building or wheel-throwing clay pieces—typically serving dishes, vases, and teaware items—and then meticulously applying a straw-r...

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...

Using local materials and traditional methods, the creator of this work Masahiko Imanishi, has brought a distinctively modern interpretation to the classical form of the tsutsu chawan. At the same time, he somehow manages to maintain the simple rusticity that Tanba-ware is renowned for. Stretching back over 800 years, Tanba is counted as one of Japan’s 6 ancient kiln sites and is known for making large pots with red ferrous clay and natural ash glazes with a distinctive greenish tinge. More re...