Not to be confused with the Olympic medalist, this Tomita Hiroyuki (b. 1977) is a talented potter pushing the bounds of an otherwise conservative field where many ceramic forms are carried forward for centuries and sometimes millennia. Beginning his artistic endeavors in the field of metal casting, he soon met and became a student to Ijuin Mariko who introduced him to the world of ceramics. In 2007 he opened his own workshop and since that time he has been actively creating and exhib...

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...

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing a soft and gracefully executed red glaze, this Raku tea bowl exudes a sense of ease, tenderness, and tranquility. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in texture, the tea bowl's surface adds to its unique and organic feel. Made by one of the true veterans of Japanese pottery, these are some of the finest Raku tea bowls you will find in all of Japan.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sake flask, it was recovered from the estate of a tea-practitioner who reportedly cherished it as a vase that would hold colorful flowers and various grasses throughout the seasons.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of a researcher by the name of Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986) we can be assured that this vase is a...

Japanese bamboo crafting, known as "Takezaiku," is a traditional art form that involves the skilled manipulation of bamboo to create various functional and decorative objects. Craftsmen trained in this art carefully select bamboo of appropriate size and quality, then use specialized tools to cut, shape, and join the bamboo pieces. Techniques such as splitting, bending, weaving, and binding are employed to achieve intricate designs and durable structures. Bamboo crafting encompasses a...

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...

During the Meiji period in Japan, the humble iron kettle, known as a "tetsubin," emerged as an iconic symbol of traditional craftsmanship and functional artistry. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and often adorned with intricate designs—as can be seen here with a cherry blossom motif and a what appears to be a pine-cone for a gripper—they became an essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony. These kettles were prized not only for their practicality in boiling water bu...

A pair of blue topaz earrings. The pear shaped stones measure 1/2" x 3/8" while the setting measures 3/4" x 5/8". The butterfly clutches are marked 14k.

Victorian silver baby cup. Made by S. Kirk & Son in Baltimore. Straight sides with allover floral repousse on stippled ground. Cast and capped leaf scroll handle and pointille foot border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1846-61) and alloy “11 OZ.” (that is 11/12 or 916 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 4 x D 2 3/4 in. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BY966

German Renaissance 800 silver wine bottle coaster, ca 1890. Round and deep well. Central rondel (vacant) in engine-turned frame radiating leaf and scroll ornament on lined ground. Wide and flat rim with embossed curvilinear scrollwork and ovals (vacant) between beaded borders. Fully marked including maker’s (Koch & Bergfeld) and retailer’s (Gebrüder Friedländer) stamps. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x D 6 1/2 in. Well diameter: 4 in. Weight: 3.5 troy ounces. #BY...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

As can be seen here, this piece is of the green variety and looks to be from the mid-to-early Edo period as can be determined ...

German 800 silver figural bird spice box, ca 1900. A raven with hunched shoulders, tucked-down wings, and spindly legs; detachable head downturned with pensive eyes and long pointed beak. A brooding desk ornament guaranteed to ensure stately solitude. Marks include Hanau maker’s stamp (Neresheimer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 x W 6 1/2 x D 3 3/4 in. Weight: 18 troy ounces. #BZ289

German 800 silver playing card box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged with chamfered tab; top flat with two glazed windows faced with a King of Hearts and Queen of Spades. Interior wood-lined and partitioned with ribbon tabs. Leather-lined bottom. With cards. Perfect for a quiet evening at home. Marks include maker’s stamp HB (probably Hermann Bauer). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 5 5/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Gross weight (box only): 11 troy ounces. #BZ291 ...

Art Nouveau glass claret jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Cylindrical with small lip spout and spread base; c-scroll handle in silver collar. On underside cut-to-clear star. Overlay in form of entwined and scrolling fruiting grapevine with pendant bunches and leaves. Asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R326. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 ...

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...

Victorian Classical coin silver baby cup, ca 1860. Baluster bowl with cast leaf-capped double-scroll handle and raised foot. Chased leaf and tendrils forming frame (vacant). Beaded and Greek key rims. Unidentified marks associated with Philadelphia and phrase “Pure Coin”. Very good condition with deep patina.

Overall dimensions: H 4 7/8 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 in. Weight: 6 troy ounces. #BX744

American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Tall and tapering neck with turned-in mouth rim in silver collar. Wide and bellied bowl. Overlay in form of windswept flowers and entwined and whiplash stems and tendrils. Ribbon cartouche (vacant) Glass is red. Worn marks including no. 38. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 1/8 x D 5 1/8 in. #BZ217

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

American Art Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Baluster with inset and flared rim and spread foot. Vertical overlay pattern comprising distended flower heads and leaves overlapping curvilinear tendrils. Heart-shaped cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is green. Silver has retailer's stamp (“Wm Wise & Son”). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/8 x D 4 in. #BZ129

German 800 silver box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged; tapering sides applied with flower head border. Embossed Olden Days scenes of merrymaking with dancing and flirting by men in neck ruffs and women in laced bodices. On front are massed soldiers carrying swords and pikes. Gilt interior. Corner leaf-mounted scroll supports. Marked “800” with Hanau maker’s stamp (Karl Söhnlein & Söhne). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 4 x W 4 x D 2 7/8 in. ...

Pair of Edwardian Classical silver-plated wine bottle coasters. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Round well with concentric rings. Sides have open scrollwork. Flared rim with applied scrolls and scallop shells. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 11743 (first produced in 1893), director’s letter T (1892-1902), and phrase “Silver-Soldered-E.P.”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/4 x D 6 3/8 in. #BY797

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

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...

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 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�...