This beautiful painting from late Edo portrays Mount Fuji as a sublime centerpiece, overlooking a serene landscape below. A lush pine forest embraces the foot of the sacred mountain, its deep greens contrasting against the pristine snow-capped peak. A tranquil lake reflects the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, mirroring the image of Fuji and the towering pines. The composition captures the harmonious coexistence of nature's grandeur, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the ...

A very versatile and innovative artist, Sakata Jinnai produces pieces such as the vase seen here in his easily recognizable trademark style. Many of his pieces are earthy and primal in compositions, often inlaid with gold or partially painted in “makie” using various lacquers for dramatic effect. Waves and contours also feature prominently in his work; inspired, he says, by cosmic energies and architectures of the universe. Sakata very actively exhibits his pieces and looks for interesting c...

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...

If you are familiar with the work of Hiramatsu Ryoma you know that he creates very unconventional ceramics inspired by forms found in nature. Here we have a sake set he describes as “Ou-tekko” (pyrite) and “Ammonite” (same in English - a kind of sea fossil). Part of a series he has been developing, the ancient Ammonite fossil has been the inspiration behind his latest creations. Pyrite, meanwhile refers to the metallic patterning on the outer surface of the clay body. Truly unique pieces...

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia of Chinese artistry. With its distinctive deep red glaze, reminiscent of brilliant sunsets, red chili peppers, and festival colors; its presence creates an enchanting visual allure. The bowl's form is elegantly simple, with a gently flared rim that invites contemplation. Crafted with precision and care, this piece reflects th...

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...

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...

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters working in the field today. With a breathtaking ash glaze that appears half planned and half left to the dictates of the kiln, we can see a number of textures and colors that one might encounter in a Zen garden or while hiking along a mountain brook. The front of the vessel is adorned with an “enso,” however, unlike the tr...

Decidedly masculine in character with straight sculpted edges, a rich palette of color, and a calm steadiness in the hand; this tea bowl was crafted by one of Japan’s great masters, a Mashiko potter by the name of Takauchi Shugo.

A native of Tokyo, Takauchi (b. 1937) took the well-established path of working for a company after graduating from university and it was not until a number of years later—upon visiting the town of Mashiko and being inspired by the works of artists such...

Rare Edwardian 14k gold picture frame. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1915. Oval window in plain and flat surround. With glass, silk lining, and stained-wood back with hinged easel support. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 18880 (first produced in 1915), and director’s letter m. Very good condition with nice toning.

Dimensions: Frame: H 5 7/8 x W 4 1/4 in. Window: H 5 1/8 x W 3 1/2 in. Weight (gold only): 48.7 grams. #BZ802

American Modern sterling silver vase. Tapering and faceted bowl and raised round foot. Support in form of two interlaced Cs. C is for Cartier, the world-famous retailer of super stylish wares. Marked “Cartier / Hand Made / Sterling”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x D 2 1/2 in. Weight: 5 troy ounces. #BZ768

Set of 12 Queen Elizabeth sterling silver goblets. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Each: Ovoid bowl with flared rim; slender cylindrical stem on raised and round foot. Holds 2 ounces. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. H121. Ten have date symbols: 1953 (1), 1955 (7), and 1956 (2). Very good condition.

Small dimensions: H 4 1/4 x D 2 in. Total weight: 20.5 troy ounces. #BZ680

Palmette sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Curved sides and flared rim. Rests on 4 side-mounted stylized floral supports. Each support radiates 3 incised vertical lines. An early piece in this pattern (no. 23238), which was first produced in 1947. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern number, and director’s letter M (1947-56). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 x D 8 3/8 in. Weight: 23.6 troy ounces. #BZ778

Danish Modern Classical sterling silver box. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Rectangular with straight sides; short inset foot with engraved egg-and-dart. Cover hinged with open bracket finial; to has flat raised border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1945-77) and no. 825. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 5 1/4 x D 3 3/8 in. Weight: 10 troy ounces. #BZ777

Danish Modern sterling silver box. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Long and rectangular with straight sides; square corner supports. Cover flat and hinged with cutout stepped tab. An austere Classical design by Harald Nielsen. Fully marked including maker’s (1945-77) and designer’s stamps, and no. 883. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 3 3/8 in. Weight: 10.5 troy ounces. #BZ774

Midcentury Modern sterling silver bowl. Made by Alfredo Sciarrotta for Cartier in New York. Oval with curved sides; allover spot hammering. Open oval foot comprising four joined s-scrolls. A gorgeous centerpiece. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s stamps, and no. 154. Very good condition with nice shimmer.

Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x W 11 5/8 x D 7 5/8 in. Weight: 25.3 troy ounces. #BZ707  

Pair of English Georgian Neoclassical sterling silver goblets, 1783. Each: Ovoid bowl on cylindrical stem flowing into raised foot with incised bands and reeded foot. Fully marked including maker’s initials WB (attributable to Walter Brind) and London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 x D 3 3/8 in. Total weight: 13 troy ounces. #BZ735