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...

An often overlooked implement in tea ceremony, here we have the humble kogo (incense box) with an image of a sleek and flowing dragon. Commonly thought to represent strength, freedom, good luck, and magic, dragons are a popular theme in the artwork across Eastern cultures. Interesting to note, the dragon here is portrayed in the Korean style with four claws, with dragons in China typically having five claws and dragons in Japan typically having three. Fashioned by one of the few great female Jap...

The artist who produced this piece, Wataru Motomura, prides himself in living a traditional life in the eastern hills of Kyoto—long known for its rich clay and idyllic pastoral lands. Though the form of this vessel appears innovative and modern, the techniques and materials used to produce it have been around for many hundreds of years. Taking inspiration from the varied pottery traditions of his native Hyogo, Motomura is also known to use clay and methods from the Shigaraki region and many of...

An example of some of the finest porcelain modern Japan has to offer. According to Wakao Kei, the artist who crafted this piece, it took him years of trial and error to perfect these stunning translucent glazes and associated techniques such as getting the right flowing consistency and pooling effect around the base. The unglazed portions at the foot of the bowl seen here in pictures was created by the artist's fingers as he plunged the vessel into the glaze while holding firmly to the porcelain...

A beautiful example of Ohi inspired Raku-ware; the body of this stylish tea vessel is a mix of a dark black gradating to charcoal grey with undertones of reddish maroon. A hasami-no-ato mark can be seen where the tongs were used to remove this piece from the kiln, and the potters mark can be seen near the foot of the bowl. Simple and refined, perfect for collectors and practitioners of tea alike.

Born into a generational line of tea-ware potters from Kanazawa, Fumiaki Kaihatsu (b. 1...

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 ...

German Rococo 830 silver bowl, ca 1900. Round well with rosebud-gathering cherubs in relief. Sides tapering with scrolled and wavy rim. Heraldic shields with more cherubs and flower baskets as well as flower-strewn scrolled frames on pierced ground. Foot ring with scrolls and scallop shells. A fancy piece in the Hanau style. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 D 15 1/4 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BZ141

Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless members of the flag corps wandering into the thick of things. In background (that is, at top) peacetime is represented by houses and trees. On front applied heraldic shield (vacant). Cast dragon handle—a horned scaly, serpentine serpent gripping the side with talons. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condit...

German 800 silver figural stirrup cup, ca 1910. Cast boar head with flexed-back ears, fierce eyes, funny snout, and fearsome teeth and tusks. Bowl straight and tapering with tooled bands; gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Pocket-sized dimensions: H 4 1/2 x W 1 7/8 in. Heavy weight: 5 troy ounces. #BZ597

German 800 silver lady’s shoe, ca 1920. Plain sole and low heel, and loose-mounted c-scroll strap. Chased leafing and flowering scrolls on stippled ground. Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x L 7 3/4 x W 2 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 6.8 troy ounces. #BZ641

Set of 6 Belle Epoque cast 950 silver candlesticks in Louis XVI style, ca 1910. Made by J. Gruhier in France, ca 1910. Each: Spool socket with stepped and detachable bobeche. Tapering paneled shaft with stippled and elongated egg-and-dart; domed foot on octagonal base. Gadrooning and reeding. Substantial and elegant. Fully marked including Minerva head and maker’s stamp. Five have retailer’s stamp for Boin-Taburet, a Paris firm associated with adapting and reproducing historic French wares. ...

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

Art Nouveau glass perfume with engraved silver overlay. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1900. Globular with short neck and everted rim in silver collar; ball stopper. Overlay in open stylized pattern with leafing tendrils and interlaced and whiplash scrolls; heraldic cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is red. Silver has Gorham maker’s stamp and no. D942. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/4 x D 4 in. #BZ505

German Rococo 800 silver casket, ca 1900. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Cover hinged with curved top. Chased scenes of frolicking cherubs in nature. Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 2 1/2 x D 1 3/8 in. Weight: 1.8 troy ounces. #BZ624

German 800 silver figural bird bowl, ca 1910. A big beautiful swan with graceful downturned neck terminating in closed and tapering bill. Fan-shaped tail and hinged wings ready to spread for taking flight if the party chat gets too dull. Finely chased and engraved feathering from dense and imbricated to fluffy and plumy, and tucked-up taloned and webbed feet. Capacious hollow body for holding treats or flowers. Marks include maker’s (Friedrich Reusswig) and Munich retailer’s stamp (Rosenau) ...

Austrian Biedermeier silver gilt casket, 1846. Bellied, lobed, and rectangular. Hinged cover same and concave with raised center and swing-mounted scroll bracket cast handle with flowers. Hardstone mounts including porphyry and lapis lazuli as well as cabochon jewels. On front two turquoise cabochon beads of which one a push button for opening cover. At ends carved intaglio heads, one a Classical soldier and the other a philosopher. Corner paw supports. On exterior the gilding is deeply toned; ...

German Biedermeier Classical silver tray, ca 1860. Plain oval well. Sides have open border in form of leaves set in ovals. Cast leaf-and-dart rim on lined ground. A practical serving piece with lots of Mitteleuropa charm. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/8 x W 18 x D 12 3/4 in. Weight: 37 troy ounces. #BY866

Pair of Antique Russian Classical Silver Candlesticks, ca 1888. Each: Round socket; flared rim mounted with pierced and scalloped border. Baluster spool socket with floral garland knop and leaf flanges on domed foot mounted to square base. Chased and tooled leaf-and-dart ornament. Marks include assayer’s stamp (Josef Sosnkowski) dated 1888, city stamp (St Petersburg), and 84 alloy stamp (that is, 84/96 or 875 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions (taller): H 14 x W 4 5/8 x D 4 5/8 in. To...

South American dish, ca 1920. Lozenge-form with flared rim and 3 splayed supports comprising Brazilian 1000 Reis coins minted in the first two decades of the twentieth century. A great way to give “currency” to your décor. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x W 7 3/4 x D 7 3/8 in. Weight: 17 troy ounces. #BY753

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

Pair of Chinese export silver mustard pots, ca 1890. Each: Cylindrical with fixed and entwined ratan-style handle; cover chained with inset and engraved diaper top. Applied wraparound horned and taloned dragon. For piquant condiments. Marks include stamp for Tien Shing, who was active in Hong Kong in the third-quarter of the 19th century. Very good condition. One pot has a detachable clear glass liner.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x D 1 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.3 troy ounces. #BZ583

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. A sweet beast with flexed ears, stubby horns, and slightly agape mouth spout. A stocky body with spindly legs and firmly planted hooves; flicked-back tail handle and hinged flap for refills. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x L 5 3/4 x W 1 7/8 in. Weight: 5.3 troy ounces. #BZ349

Pair of Belle Epoque Classical 950 silver gravy boats. Made by Odiot in France, ca 1900. Each: Ovoid with u-form end spouts and raised oval foot mounted to Oval shaped stand. Molded rims. Bowl sides have applied cast leafing scrollwork and stand rim interspersed with leaf-mounted scallop shells. With liner. Fully marked including Minerva head, maker’s stamp, and nos. 178 (stand) and 4122 (liner). Very good condition with nice patina.

Overall dimensions: H 5 x L 9 7/8 x W 6 in. Total weight: ...

Set of 6 Japanese silver shot glasses. Each: Straight and tapering sides; applied horned and taloned dragon. For the strong stuff. Unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x D 1 3/8 in. Total weight: 5 troy ounces. #BY231

Pair of German silver birds, ca 1920. A rooster and hen with downturned wings and flamboyant flouncy tails. The rooster has a shaggy crown and raised talon and looks down while the hen, who has a small trim crown and scaly wattles, looks up. Cawing beaks suggest a barnyard tiff. Marked. Very good condition Gilt wash traces.

Dimensions: Rooster: H 6 x L 6 1/2 x W 2 1/2 in. Hen: H 4 3/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 2 1/2 in. Total weight: 10.6 troy ounces. #BZ417

German Classical 800 silver centerpiece, ca 1910. Solid oval well and curved sides with reeded rim, open basketweave, and chased and engraved ornament: Leafing scroll frames inhabited by cherubs feasting on grapes in company of a goat as well as waving torches and hoisting flower baskets overhead. Cast double-scroll end handles surmounted by cast figures of same, precariously perched and drapery-clad cherubs. Four scroll- and flower-mounted stepped supports. Gilt-washed interior. Fully marked ...

One of Hector Aguilar's most iconic designs done in his signature 940 silver. Known as the Fertility Bracelet it is featured in the books "Mexican Silver" and "Silver Masters of Mexico". It measures 7" long by 7/8" wide and is quite heavy at 91.1 grams. Signed with the HA mono, 940, Taxco Mexico and the eagle stamp. It has the early style pin closure and is in good condition with no damage noted. An iconic bracelet by one of the finest Mexican Silver Jewelry artist.

A spectacular pair of vintage Antonio Pineda Earrings with a bold modernist design. With a half dome at the top it features an elongated trumpet shape silver dangle with a cone shaped Amethyst stone set slightly inside so that it hangs from the end. They measure 3" long and together they weigh 26.6 grams. One earring has the Antonio Taxco Crown mark and the other is marked with the eagle 17. In good vintage condition with the typical screw backs. A very special and rare pair of earrings by a tru...

Classical coin silver basket. Made by Haddock, Lincoln & Foss in Boston, ca 1860. Round and curved with four cast leaf-mounted leaf supports. Beaded mouth rim and c-scroll swing handle. Marked with maker’s stamp. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H (without handle) 3 3/8 x D 5 in. H (with handle) 6 3/8 in. Weight: 8.2 troy ounces. #BZ390

We are delighted to present to you this remarkable pair of candlesticks in the shape of Athenian women, real jewels inspired by the drawings of the illustrious artist Jean-Charles Delafosse. These 18th century candlesticks harmoniously combine functionality and aesthetics, offering a unique experience. Each candle holder, in addition to being a magnificent candle holder, is also a refined perfume burner. The combination of these two functions makes them versatile and elegant pieces, bringing a ...

This iconic bracelet by the famous William Spratling is from his 1st design period and features braided bands of silver and copper at the center between two silver bands and wide end pieces of silver with an incised design. A big bracelet it measures 5 1/2" long with an opening of 1 1/2" long, 11/4" wide and it weighs a heavy 102.5 grams. In good condition with minor age related wear, it has developed a deep patina and will polish us nicely if you choose. Hallmarked with "Spratling Made in Mexi...

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...

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...