Modern sterling silver vase. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1908. Cone with flared mouth on vertical ovoid knop mounted to domed foot. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 17188 (first produced in 1908), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 9 x D 3 1/4 in. Weight: 8.5 troy ounces. #BY804
Classical silver butter dish. Made by Vilhelm Christensen in Copenhagen in 1890. Globular; cover hinged side disc and barbell mounts. Cast double-scroll mounted brackets for tongs and four lion head monopodium supports. Engraved fretwork and stylized pendant flowers. Danish restraint from the perfervid fin-de-siecle. Three-letter script monogram engraved on underside. Marked with maker’s stamp, assayer’s stamp (Simon Groth), and Copenhagen Three Tower mark dated 1890. Very good condition. La...
Victorian Classical sterling silver biscuit jar. Made by Henry Holland in London in 1872. Drum form; cover flat and hinged with vasiform finial. Engraved stylized floral ornament and oval frame (vacant). Mounted to round stand with four leafing-scroll and flower supports. Beading. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Overall dimensions: H 7 1/4 x W 8 x D 7 1/8 in. Weight: 23.5 troy ounces. #BZ367
Aesthetic sterling silver olive spoon. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Cast stem with entwined leaf and olive. Shallow and pierced bowl with engraved leaves. At other end pick comprising graduated triangles. Butler finish. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 267. Very good condition with deep patina.
Dimensions: H 11 3/4 x W 1 x D 3/4 in. Weight: 2.2 troy ounces. #BZ228
Tokuriki Tomikichiro
Sanjo Bridge
Date: Likely 1940s-50s.
Size: Tanzaku (pillar) 14.25 x 3 inches.
Signed "Tomi" at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print on decorative board as originally issued.
Condition: Slight toning near bottom.
Note: This is the only example of this wonderful design that we could locate.
Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute. Nakazato's work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Karatsu-ware, known for its earthy tones an...
Appearing to be from a 2006 excavation site in Tokyo known to be a former residence of the Owari Tokugawa clan—the most senior contingent of the Tokugawa clan that united Japan under one rule—this lovely Mishima tea bowl is one of just two I have seen appear on the Japanese art market over the years. The previous bowl also listed on our site had a large portion reconstructed with a gold repair. This piece meanwhile is entirely intact and even has its original box. Details about t...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Ota Shumin (1884-1950, Japanese)
Boats on River (given title).
Date: 1930s.
Size: Oban. 17.25 x 12.625 inches.
Signed "Shumin" by the artist.
Medium: Japanese watercolor.
Condition: Tonal difference at edges where formerly matted. Light creasing visible in side light.
Note: Shumin participated in a painting event at the 1936 Olympics.
Modern sterling silver porringer with Noah’s Ark motif. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1926. Bellied bowl and solid shaped handle. On exterior is acid-etched frieze with a lion, camel, elephant, bear—and so on single file through the animal kingdom. Destination Ark where Noah awaits. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20731A (first produced in 1926), and director’s letter m. Very good condition with strong definition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 6 x D 4 1/4 in. Weight...
Victorian sterling silver baby cup. Made by John Aldwinckle & Thomas Slater in London in 1887. Straight and gently upward tapering sides and c-scroll handle. Ornamental borders engraved at top and bottom including ribbon-tied garlands. Festive and celebratory with plenty of room for announcing a special event. Interior gilt washed. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 x W 3 3/8 x D 2 3/8 in. Weight: 3.4 troy ounces. #BW400
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
Tsuchiya Koitsu
Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
Publisher: Takemura Hideo. Round Takemura seal.
Date: 1930-40s.
Size: 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Titled and sealed by the artist.
Reference: TK-TM-140.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent
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.
Kawase Hasui
Fisherman at Sunset
Date: 1930s. This edition 1950s-60s.
Approximately 5.5 x 3.75 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's oval seal at lower left.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along its top edge only to original card.
Condition: Excellent.
Dubya-era sterling silver mint julep. Made by Scearce in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Straight and tapering sides, and beaded and molded rim and foot. A great barware cup from the surprisingly long ago aughts. Marks include maker's stamp and presidential date code "GWB". Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x D 3 1/8 in. Weight: 5.4 troy ounces. #BY876
George V sterling silver box. Made by Sampson Mordan in London in 1914. Rectangular with straight sides and curved corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab and gently curved top. Cedar-lined and partitioned interior. Leather-lined underside. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 5/8 x W 9 x D 5 1/2 in. Heavy gross weight: 41.8 troy ounces. #BZ316
Pair of German 800 silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. Each: Swan with ovoid body, upturned tail, and scaly-s-scroll neck terminating in in closed bill. Imbricated feathers and hinged plumy wings that can be opened to suggest flight. Hollow gilt-washed interior for holding treats. German marks including Hanau maker’s stamp (Gebrüder Neumann) and American importer’s stamp (Buchholz & Zelt). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 3 1/4 in. Wingspan: 8 1/2 in. Total weight: 1...
Modern Classic sterling silver melon bowl. Made by Tiffany in New York. Shallow and fluted oval. Pierced and cast end handles with stylized leaves and scrolled vines. Rests on 4 balls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 22974, and director's letter M (1947-56). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 10 x D 5 3/8 in. Weight: 8.5 troy ounces. #BY978
English King sterling silver wine bottle coaster. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round well with chased wavy borders. Applied bead-and-reel rim interspersed with scallop shells. Interlaced script monogram engraved in well. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 11161 and director’s letter C (1902-7). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3/4 x D 6 1/2 in. Well diameter: 4 in. Weight: 5.4 troy ounces. #BY833
English King sterling silver wine bottle coaster. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round well with chased wavy borders. Applied bead-and-reel rim interspersed with scallop shells. Interlaced script monogram engraved in well. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 11161 and director’s letter C (1902-7). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3/4 x D 6 1/2 in. Well diameter: 4 in. Total weight: 5.4 troy ounces. #BY832
Rare Bird's Nest sterling silver baby cup. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1870. Ovoid bowl on stepped foot. Scroll handle with squiggle tail. Bowl has shaped pointille ornament and wire scrollwork applied with cast fluttering and flapping birds. Beading. Oval frame engraved with 3-letter monogram. Fully marked including Tiffany and Moore stamps, and pattern no. 1063. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 1/4 in. Weight: 5.7 troy ounces. #BZ160
English Modern sterling silver box, 1919. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover curved and hinged with short tab; on top inlaid agate in form of stylized thistle in rondel. Silver lined interior. Leather-lined underside. Indistinct marks include Birmingham assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 1/8 x W 5 1/8 x D 3 7/8 in. Heavy gross weight: 15.2 troy ounces. #BZ292
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...
Modern sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1915. Round with tapering shoulder and reeded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 18975 (first produced in 1915), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3/8 x D 11 in. Weight: 18.8 troy ounces. #BX721
German silver figural bird bowl, ca 1920. A swan with s-scroll neck, closed bill, and direct expression. Webbed feet in glide mode. Fine delineation of feathers from scaly neck to downy wing plumes. Hollow gilt-washed interior; frosted glass liner with scalloped rim. Silver marked “Sterling Silver Germany”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 5 1/4 x W 4 in. Weight (silver only): 6 troy ounces. #BZ279
Victorian Classical sterling silver paper knife. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1885. Serpentine and integral with hollow handle tapering into flat blade. Handle has allover floral repousse with feathered leaf border at bottom. Blade recto has acid-etched monogram with elongated, interlaced, and whiplash letters. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, director’s letter M (1873-91), and no. 730. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 10 x W 1 1/4 x D 3/4 in. Weight: 3 troy ounces. #BZ252...
Fujiwara Fuseki
A Scenic Spot in Atami, Mt. Izu Coast
Not dated. ca mid-century.
Publisher: Nisshinbo
Size: The artwork measures 5.75 x 3.75 inches and is attached along its top edge only to a 7.5 x 5.75 inch paper frame.
Sealed by the artist.
Medium: While this piece has the look of a watercolor, the cover states "hand-printed woodblock print".
Condition: Artwork is excellent. Paper folder is toned.
Note: The print features mica highlights.
Cyrus leRoy Baldridge (1889-1977)
Soo-Chow Canal
Date: 1944.
Size: 16.5 x 12.25 inches.
Signed, titled, and dated by the artist.
Medium: Etching.
Condition: Creasing primarily in margins. Please see last photo. Marks in margin. Small tear at mid-right margin.
Note: Cyrus Baldridge was also a woodblock print artist. See examples in our gallery.
Masaharu Aoyama (1893-1969)
Man Cutting Hay by Hand
Date: ca. 1950s.
Print size: Oban. 16.5 x 12 inches.
Signed in pencil.
Aoyama's seal at lower right.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print attached along top edge only to original holiday card.
Condition: Creasing (See last photo).