Midcentury Modern sterling silver porringer. Made by Richard Dimes in Boston. Curved sides and cast open and scrolled handle with kitty sitting pretty, with stiffened forelegs and gaping, gleeful mouth. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 137. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 6 1/2 x D 4 1/4 in. Weight: 4 troy ounces. #BZ377

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

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

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...

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...

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...

Set of 12 Midcentury Modern sterling silver cocktail cups. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Curved conical bowl on tapering columnar stem with incised bands. Foot round and raised with applied cutout snowflake. A snowflake motif but not for snowflakes. These ones are for the grownups. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and postwar pattern no. 23411. One cup has director’s letter M (1947-56) and 11 have director’s letter L (1956-ca 1965). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 3/4...

Set of 6 German 800 silver figural open salts, ca 1920. Each: A swan with erect neck and down-turned bill and pointy tail; body hollow. With fluted and scalloped frosted glass liner. Fully marked including maker’s stamp attributable to Martin Mayer. Numbered 2 (1), 42 (2), and 88 (3). Very good condition. One liner has bottom crack.

Dimensions: H 2 x L 2 1/4 x W 1 1/4 in. Total weight (silver only): 2.5 troy ounces. #BZ325

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.

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

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

Set of 12 Art Nouveau sterling silver nut dishes. Made by Howard Sterling Co. in Providence, ca 1900. Each: Round and pierced with 3 leaf-mounted paw supports. Cast and open tendril rim with flower heads. Well has engraved single-letter monogram. Pretty bowls for small servings of treats. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 491X. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x D 3 1/2 in. Total weight: 26.8 troy ounces. #BX778

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

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...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver centerpiece bowl. Made by Alphonse La Paglia (d. 1953) in New Jersey. Deep and tapering with flared rim. Raised foot with short support in the bead and ring arrangement that proved influential with other American silversmiths. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 116. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 10 1/8 in. Heavy weight: 33.3 troy ounces. #BZ270

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...

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 ...

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...

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

Edwardian sterling silver baby cup. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark, ca 1915. Upward tapering sides and scroll handle. Acid etched frames with animals, including an elephant, camel, and gazelle. Frame with American eagle has vacant space for engraving the name of the cutest and cuddliest beast. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 1684. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x W 4 x D 3 in. Weight: 3.5 troy ounces. #BY526

Set of 12 Edwardian sterling silver holders. Made by Schofield in Baltimore, ca 1910. Each: Round and curved bowl with floral repousse; open bottom and plain spread foot. High-looping side handles with case repousse-style floral ornament. With: Cream porcelain inserts with gilt rim bands. Originally intended for bouillon but perfect for rich treats like ice cream and custard. Holders marked “Sterling” with maker’s mark. Inserts have maker's mark (Lenox). Very good condition.

Overall dime...

Modern sterling silver tray. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Deep well, wide shoulder, and flat rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 20188, and director's letter L (1956-ca 1965). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 13 in. Heavy weight: 28.5 troy ounces. #BY657

Grande Imperiale sterling silver dinner set. Made by Mario Buccellati in Italy. This set comprises 48 pieces (dimensions in inches):

Forks: 8 dinner forks (8 5/8) and 8 salad forks (7);

Spoons: 8 tablespoons (8 1/2), 8 dessert spoons (6 7/8), and 8 ice cream spoons (5 1/4);

Knife: 8 dinner knives (9 3/4).

Dinner knives have stainless steel blades.

Complete with impressive sculptural heft.

All pieces fully hallmarked including maker’s stamp (“M. Buccellati”). Very good condition...

Victorian brilliant-cut glass ice bucket with sterling silver mounts. Made by Wilcox (part of International) in Meriden, Conn., ca 1900. Tapering sides with diaper and star ornament. Mouth has sterling silver collar with beaded rim and c-scroll tapering and concave swing handle. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H (with handle) 10 1/2 x D 6 in. H (without handle) 6 1/2 in. #BZ280