From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up.
Born in the port city of Shimoda, Sakiyama studied art in Osaka and then later went on to open his own kiln that he named “Hidaka” (High Sun). Appearing to have a natural gift for form and proportion, his pieces soon attracted the attention of galleries and collectors...
The style of this vase, known in Japanese as karakane (“kara” meaning Chinese and “kane” meaning copper), has been carried on by Japanese craftsmen since its theorized introduction during China’s Tang Dynasty. Falling in and out of fashion over the centuries as Japan alternated between preferences for Chinese style tea-ware and more homegrown versions, today it remains a common fixture in many tea rooms. With beautiful red accents on a dark background, this is surely one of this artist...
George II sterling silver mug. Made Thomas Tearle in London in 1735. Baluster bowl with leaf-capped double-scroll handle and spread raised foot. Later ornament in form of chased and engraved scrolls, flowers, and scallop shells on stippled ground. Scrolled frame (vacant). Fully marked. Very good condition with deep patina.
Overall dimensions: H 4 1/8 x W 5 x D 3 1/8 in. Weight: 7.2 troy ounces. #BY964
Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278
American Midcentury Modern sterling silver basket. Rectangular with straight sides and curved ends. Plain rim and fixed and high c-scroll handle. Woven strips. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition.
Small dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 2 1/2 x D 2 in. Weight: 1.6 troy ounces. #BR473
Edwardian stoneware match strike with sterling silver collar. Made by Royal Doulton in Lambeth in 1909. Globular with cylindrical interior and silver collar. Applied ornaments include windmill, pipe-smoking peasant, and running dogs. Shaded brown and cream glaze. A homely piece in the Dutch style. Fully marked on underside and collar. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 3 x D 3 ½ in. BH609
Pair of English Neoclassical-style sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1917. Each: Urn socket mounted to tapering shaft on raised and round foot. Pointillé frames and Vitruvian scroll borders. Faceted. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 19221 (first produced in 1917), order no. 6727, and director’s letter m as well as phrases “Reproduction Original by John Green & Co. Sheffield 1797” and “Silver 13 1/2 OZS Wood Weighted”. Very good cond...
Ca 1892 An ornately stamped gilt metal blue chalcedony (dyed agate) bracelet in original condition with detailed crimped frames and expandable panels all accented by flowerheads and small opals. The stones' facets and tables show light wear; one stone has a small chip on a table facet, another has a small section missing adjacent the setting (please refer to pictures). Hidden box clasp and safety chain. There is some darkening to the metal. A lovely piece sold as is. 7 -1/4".
In excellent condition, this bird-shaped, or “torigata” vase is a beautiful example of Iga pottery from last century. A master of form, material, and technique, the potter Furutani Michio (1946-2000) wrote several books later translated to English on the construction and use of the “anagama”—an earth-dug, wood-fired, small-batch kiln traditionally used in Japan—celebrated for the extraordinary results that often emerge from its fires. Winner of a number of awards during his lifetime ...
The poem accompanying the artwork on this antique scroll reads: Fishing little trout—Precious drops of dew glisten—Flowing with the blossoms—The mountains and rivers of spring ( Rengetsu, age 78 ). A rather later and mature work by Rengetsu, this piece was created right as Edo ended and Meiji began, marking a major turning point in Japanese history and culture.
Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875) was born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki fam...
Spare and Modern sterling silver geometric centerpiece after design by Frank Lloyd Wright. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Large and detachable shallow cone set in small shallow cone mounted to two rows of rectangular pillars in turn mounted to square base. Fully marked including post-1967 Italian maker’s stamp (Pampaloni), retailer’s stamp, and Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation stamp. Very good condition.
Overall dimensions: H 5 7/8 x D 16 in. Heavy total weight: 96.6 troy ounces. #BZ1...
Royal Danish sterling silver gravy boat on stand. Made by International in Meriden, Conn. Boat bellied with helmet mouth, banded scroll handle, and oval reeded foot. Stand ovalish with pierced acorn motif at ends. Desirable pieces in the classic pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. G39. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Boat: H 4 x L 7 x W 3 5/8 in. Stand: H 1 1/4 x L 9 x W 5 1/4 in. Total weight: 17 troy ounces. #BW897
Pair of Chinese export silver vases, ca 1910. Each: Flat and round moon body on domed foot; animal-head handles mounted to shoulder. On front and back is chased dragon—a horned and taloned serpentine serpent on hand-hammered ground. Marked Wang Hing & Co., an early 20th-century retailer active in Canton and Hong Kong. Very good condition. Handwork visible on foot underside.
Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x W 3 1/2 x D 2 in. Total weight: 7.5 troy ounces. #BY228
French Belle Epoque Classical 950 silver gravy boat on stand, ca 1910. Boat has ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised oval foot with imbricated leaf rim. High-looping and split leaf-mounted handle with armorial engraved in beaded oval frame. Stand oval with open well and four trefoil supports. Both have stippled tubular frames alternating with stylized flower heads. Reeding. Fully marked with Minerva head and maker’s stamp (Alphonse Dutac). Very good condition.
Dimensions: Boat: H 6 x W 8...
Equestrian-themed silver tankard with German imperial association, ca 1875. Straight and paneled sides with low-relief frieze depicting galloping riders, racing through the countryside, trees and buildings in the background; branch borders. Split-mounted s-scroll handle with thumb rest. At bottom applied branch and leaf border and open supports. Cover hinged and bellied with imbricated leaf rim; on top is cast finial in form of mounted jockey and engraved phrase citing Kaiser Wilhelm I in an all...
Plique à jour enamel and gilt sterling silver bowl. Made by David Andersen in Norway, ca 1925. Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprised of warrior’s shields. Oval form for stealthy gliding. Planks with filigree rinceaux. Stylized Arts & Crafts ornament. Translucent green, red, yellow, and purple. Marks include maker’s stamp. Excellent condition with strong and intact color.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 6 5/8 x D 3 1/4 in. #BY195
Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired sterling silver and enamel picture frame, ca 1980. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Rectangular surround based on stained-glass window design with mostly white as well as some colored blocks in irregular rectilinear grid. Cutoff circle in lower-right corner of off-center window. Eggshell blue liner and black laminate back with hinged easel support for portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) display. Fully marked including retailer’s and Frank Lloyd Wrigh...
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...
Dating from the 17th century, Kutani-ware is a type of fine porcelain that takes its name from the region from which it originates—the name literally means “nine valleys.” In sharp contrast to many other styles of Japanese ceramics which tend towards more modest color palettes, Kutani-ware are known for their vibrant red enameles, gold trimming, and complementary greens, yellows, and blues. This set of tokkuri is painted with a common hanging-lantern ornamental pattern known as youraku. Th...
Edwardian Classical sterling silver gravy boat on stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1924. Boat: Ovoid bowl with scrolled helmet mouth, and leaf-capped high-looping double-scroll handle; raised foot. Stand: Rectilinear with scrolled corners and oval well. Cast guilloche and egg-and-dart rims. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, director’s letter m, and sequential pattern nos. 20327 (boat) and 20328 (stand), which were first produced in 1924. Very good condition.
Overall dimensi...
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...
Handsome European stone trinket box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Shoulder and base chamfered. Cover hinged, inset, and chamfered. Silver-plated mouth and cover rims. Cover has cabled border and filigree scrolled tab. Stone mottled red. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 2 x W 4 x D 2 1/2 in. #BX269
This pretty brooch with stones mounted in silver-topped 18k gold has been designed in the shape of a flower.
The petals have been formed from 5 incised citrines in a warm smokey yellow-brown color which surround a cut diamond in the center.
The stem of the flower and the petals' border are all highlighted by inlaid old European and rose-cut diamonds.
The back has been marked with a French guarantee stamp.
The brooch measures approximately 1 3/4" X 1 1/4" and was made Circa:1880.
It is a lov...
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
The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Bizen-ware is known for employing a natural-ash glazing technique that is unique to this type of pottery and which requires extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures. This means that constant attention is required to ensure good results. The tea bowl shown here...
Edwardian Rococo sterling silver mirror. Made by William Comyns in London in 1907. Heart-shaped beveled glass in shaped surround with pointed top and bracket supports. Embossed leafing scrolls and flowers in pell-mell, dynamic arrangement. At top scrolled cartouche engraved with the very turn-of-the-century name “Gertie”. Velvet mount with hinged easel support. A wonderful period piece with lots of charm. Fully marked. Very good condition. Velvet wear.
Dimensions: H 13 x W 10 1/2 in. #BY97...
Royal Danish sterling silver sauce bowl on stand. Made by International in Meriden, Conn. Ovoid bowl with tapering sides and short inset foot. Stand has oval well and wide and tapering sides. At ends are open and embossed acorns and scrolls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and nos. G23/2 (bowl) and G39 (stand). Very good condition.
Dimensions: Bowl: H 3 1/8 x W 8 1/4 x D 4 5/8 in. Stand: H 1 1/4 x W 9 1/8 x D 5 1/4 in. Total weight: 14 troy ounces. #BY775
Antique Chinese porcelain cricket cage of a gourd form. Its lid has reticulated air vents, enamel peonies and Chinese characters and gilt edge details. The cage front has enamel scene of a young boy and girl having tea in a field of flowers, with an inscription on the backside. Red four character mark on base.
Size: 4.75" L x 2.75" W x 1.75" H
Francis I sterling silver bowl. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. in 1950. Quatrefoil well and wide flared mouth with wavy scrolled rim. Chased and embossed fruits. A nice piece in the classic French Renaissance pattern. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, no. X569, and date symbol. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 x D 11 5/8 in. Weight: 20.4 troy ounces. #BX690
Colonial sterling silver ale pitcher. Made by Old Newbury Crafters in Newburyport, Mass. Curved bowl with reeded staves; c-scroll handle and sharp v-spout. For serving ye olde fermented refreshment. Fully marked including maker’s and craftsman’s (Fletcher S. Carter) stamps as well as phrase “Boston / Museum of Fine Arts / Reproduction”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 5 x W 6 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weight: 10.5 troy ounces. #BY462
The pottery style know as “nerikomi” or sometimes “neriage” in Japan is a technique where various colors and consistencies of clay are stacked together and then cut through to reveal a unique pattern. Here we see a beautiful execution of this approach by potter Wakasugi Naomi (b. 1974) who spent many years perfecting the technique. Wakasugi typically uses Shigaraki clay and porcelain clay from Kyoto in her works and says that when she first started out very few people were ma...
Modern sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1907. Ovoid body, stepped foot, short neck, and helmet mouth; soft bracket handle with trefoil shaped tail mount. A spare full-bodied vessel. Nice heft. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16974 (first produced in 1907), director’s letter m, and volume (4 pts). Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 8 1/4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/8 in. Weight: 31.8 troy ounces. #BZ545
Pretty Edwardian Classical sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Graff, Washbourne & Dunn in New York, ca 1910. Wide-bodied baluster with helmet mouth, leaf-capped high-looping handle, and 4 leaf-mounted volute scroll supports. Chased frames (vacant) entwined with flowers and leafing scrolls Mouth rim has applied leafing scrolls and flowers. Voluptuous form with nice heft. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (JE Caldwell) stamps and no. 626. Very good condition.
Overall dimensio...
Early gilt-washed sterling silver sauce bowl on stand with butler finish. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round and tapering bowl with gilt interior and raised foot. Side handles in form of post inserted with short perpendicular column and mounted with stylized leaves. Classical rim. Engraved presentation: “W.B.K. Jr from W.B.K. Sr / Newark N.J. / April 29, 1871.” Stand round with well and same rim. A fine Greek Revival piece that incorporates Aesthetic influence. Union Square hallmarks...
Sometime around the year 1600 the first Takatori kiln was constructed at the foot of Mt Takatori in Fukuoka. This tradition was based on styles created by Korean potters brought to the shores of Japan during its colonial expansionism of the late 16th century. A favorite of the Kuroda lords of the time, its production and use was closely guarded until later in the 19th century when the domain system was abolished, freeing it up to be more widely used. Though Takatori-ware has been admired by many...
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 ...