Seto is a pottery tradition established in the 12th century with the aim of reproducing fine Chinese porcelain and tenmoku-style tea bowls—which were hard to come by in Japan at the time. Later, during the Muromachi period, Seto potters established kilns in Mino thus starting the period known as ko-Seto, or “old Seto.” These pieces were distinctive as they were produced in small batches and with great care. Later in Edo, the large-kiln style of production or “ogama” was introduced ushe...

Fine quality Japanese Meiji silver incense burner, ca 1890. Barrel-form with solid top and bottom and open sides; applied chrysanthemums heightened with gold and silver. Cover oval and flush; finial in form of big loosely-tied bow with tassels. Ends plain and studded; copper and gold ornament with central mons encircled by two scaly, taloned dragons. Scrolled cradle mounted to pillar with brackets on four scroll supports. Applied leafing and flowering tendrils.

Appears to be unmarked. Very goo...

Japanese Modern silver flask, ca 1950. Curved and faceted sides with flat bottom. On front bright-cut leafing-scroll lozenge (center vacant) between side borders. Back hand hammered. Tall and straight exterior cover and cork-lined interior cover; both threaded. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/8 x W 4 x D 1 3/8 in. Weight: 5.7 troy ounces. #BZ410

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. ...

Stylish Italian 800 silver lighter. Large apple with naturalistic irregular form and striated skin. Leafing stem. Underside has inset lighter. Italian maker’s mark (1944-68) as well as script Buccellati stamp. Good condition with deep patina. Lighter not detachable or in working order.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 4 1/4 x D 3 3/4 in. Gross weight: 6.3 troy ounces. #BZ547

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

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; ...

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 ...

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Drum form with spread base; cover raised. Cast egg-and-dart and floral rims. Heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath on cover top and body. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe from the Ancien Regime do-over years. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 1819. Very good condition with nice toning.

Dimensions: H 2 1/4 x D 1 5/8 i...

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...

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...

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...

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Rectangular with straight sides and leaf-and-dart base rim. Cover flat and hinged with same as well as leaf-and-flower border. Cover top has central heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath; leaf and flower border. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe from the Ancien Regime do-over years. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 18...

Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Rectangular with straight sides and leaf-and-dart base rim. Cover flat and hinged with same as well as leaf-and-flower border. Cover top has central heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath; leaf and flower border. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 1819. Very good condition with nice ton...

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.

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...

Art Nouveau Craftsman glazed earthenware whiskey jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Rookwood Pottery in Cincinnati in 1893. Globular with short neck; silver collar round mouth with lip spout flowing into c-scroll handle. Painted ear of corn with exposed kernels on shaded brown green ground. Overlay in form of entwined grapevine and berry branches with succulent fruit and outsized leaves.

The painter was Harriette Rosemary Strafer (1873-1935), who began working at Rookwood Pottery in 189...

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chōzaemon came with him and established Ōhi-yaki in Kanazawa. Chōzaemon had been the chief apprentice to the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ōhi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea cere...

Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can incorporate centuries of experiential knowledge and technique into producing new and interesting forms are oh so valued. Though this Bizen jar fits into the category of mizusashi, a vessel central to tea ceremony that holds fresh water, it seems to transcend this narrow category and stands as an independent art object all its own....

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...

With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi” or what we might call in English a “tribute piece.” Such pieces are typically made by all Raku potters, regardless of the kiln and tradition, and seek to emulate famous works from the early masters over 400 years ago—in this case, a tea bowl created by the brother of the second Kichizaemon, Tanaka Somi, born sometim...

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...

Father to internationally known Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (the 8th generation Sanzaemon potter), though he never achieved the same level of notoriety as his son, his pieces have a grace and elegance all their own as demonstrated here with this charming tea bowl. With its milky crackled glaze and split foot (wari-kodai) showing the rich clay this piece was fashioned from, it possesses strong character and has a calming presence, bringing a sense of stability. Perfect for those deepen...

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...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s premier Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano�...

Large and pretty silver tray. Round and plain well and wide shoulder with engraved and repousse garland; applied rim with leaf border. Marked. Visible handwork on underside. Good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 16 in. Weight: 39.5 troy ounces. #BW804

Set of 3 Midcentury Modern shot glasses. Made by Schofield Co. in Baltimore. Each: Straight and tapering sides. Engraved presentation from the Tred Avon Yacht Club in Oxford Maryland. All awarded in 1950s for a comet class boat, which was a snug 2-crew vessel developed in Maryland in the 1930s. One has the boat name, the Eisenhower-era cozy domestic-sounding “We Two”. At top engraved crisscrossing burgees of which one for the club. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 540. Very goo...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creativity and the organic world. Now several centuries old, this piece continues to serves not only as a functional display piece, but also as a symbol of the enduring leg...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creati...

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...

Pretty Classical Silver tray. Octagonal. Sides tapering with repousse leafing scrollwork and flowers; rim beaded. Marked “Silver”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 13 1/2 x D 12 1/2 in. Weight: 22.9 troy ounces. #BY065

Special Offer: Reduced from $1200. now $700. Impressive Ming Dynasty pottery “sancai” green and amber glazed wedding bed. There are two repairs: appears to have been cut in half and then glued back together and there is one on repair at the top of the roof façade- all noted in last enlargements. H: 47cm18.5in and W: 35.5/13.9in x 20cm/8in.

Chinese silver mug, ca 1910. Straight and upward tapering sides and c-scroll handle. A spare form enlivened with applied wraparound dragon chasing its tail. Marks include stamp for Wang Hing, a maker and retailer in Canton and Hong Kong. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 x W 5 x D 3 1/4 in. Weight: 10.8 troy ounces. #BX461

A testament to the brilliance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this lacquered mizusashi—skillfully handcrafted from bamboo—showcases a deep crimson hue that radiates warmth and sophistication. Its seamless design and flawless finish reflect the skilled hands of the first generation artisan who crafted it, achieving a harmonious balance between form and function. Designed for use in Japanese tea ceremony, this indispensable implement would love to be put back into service o...

The term “tenmoku” (heavens eye) refers both to a shape of tea bowl popularized in the Song Dynasty dating back almost 1,000 years, and also to a style of glaze that these pieces are renowned for. In the case of tea bowls themselves, the troughs often have darker coloration with radiating colored rays and, depending on the style, often resemble the iris of a human eye. In the case of the glaze, the individual oil spots that appear on the walls of the vessel can sometime also rese...

Lake Tanganyika Scene in Watercolor measuring 28”x 33”. More information coming soon

This Meiji period vase is made of fine white porcelain fashioned after classic Chinese motifs.. The potter, first generation Miura Chikusen, is the same generation as many of the better known Imperial Court artists (Kozan, Siefu, Tozan, etc…) and just as accomplished in terms of mastery of technique, level of artistic expression, and volume of pieces produced.

An exceptionally skilled Meiji potter, Chikusen (1854 – 1915) specialized in high-quality Kiyomizu-yaki and...

A magnificent oil on canvas color block study circa 1970, done in the time of then Abstract Expressionist period of Art. Unsigned measuring 59” x 41” Please see #3463 for a matching artwork

Chinese porcelain hat stand vase with a hand painted scene of a boy playfully dangling a toy spider in front of his pet cat. Mother and brother are standing nearby watching. Dates early 20th C. Measures 11.5" high x 5" diameter.

A stylized grass motif painted in ferrous pigment across each side and on the inside of this mukozuke serving dish marks it as being more likely produced in Karatsu as opposed to having come out of a Mino kiln. Though very similar styles and techniques were utilized during the late 16th or early 17th C. when this would have been produced; the color, distribution of glaze, and patterning suggest Karatsu. While at one time this would have been part of a set of 5 pieces, very few sets s...

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...

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprising warrior’s shields. Stylized plant and geometric ornament. Well has radiating guilloche enamel; each in different color (blue, red, and purple). Oval form for stealthy gliding. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and...

Tokoname pottery has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the town of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this pottery tradition has flourished due to the region's abundant red clay deposits. The history of Tokoname pottery can be traced to the 12th century when the art form was greatly influenced by Chinese ceramics, specifically, by the Yixing clay pottery tradition. Over the centuries, Tokoname pottery evolved to develop its unique style characteri...

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...

The term “Raku” was once reserved for a style of pottery produced by a specific household in Kyoto that began over 450 years ago. Over the years, as it gained popularity, several branch kilns were established (Ōhi, Tamamizu) and a number of other lineages arose making pieces in the style of Raku, though they were not formally associated with the Raku household. Today, we see that Raku has become a world-wide phenomena and the name is no longer reserved strictly for the Raku fami...

Several years ago we were invited by our very talented kintsugi craftsman to what is known as a “kura-ake” or storehouse opening. Many reading this may be familiar with the traditional storehouses in Japan (kura) with their thick plaster walls used to store valuable items—sometimes for hundreds of years—safe from humid air, insects, and the like. On occession, after the passing of a parent or relative, these storehouses are opened up and the art pieces and valuables inside ar...

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

Kohiki is a traditional Japanese pottery style known for its simple and rustic aesthetic. It involves applying a white slip onto the vessel's surface, followed by a transparent glaze, creating a contrast between the white and exposed clay areas. Kohiki ware is commonly used in tea ceremonies but it can also be found in various other forms. Its humble and understated style, with organic textures and subdued colors, continues to be appreciated by collectors worldwide. Here we see a koh...

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

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 ...

In the tranquil pond, a solitary turtle finds repose upon a weathered rock. With its ancient shell glistening under the gentle sunlight, it sits in serene contemplation. The stillness of the water mirrors the turtle's quiet presence, as it basks in the harmony of its surroundings. In this harmonious scene, time seems to slow, and the turtle becomes a symbol of patience and tranquility amidst the ever-changing world.

Deep in the water A serene heart resides Floating above it...

German Modern 800 silver box, ca 1920. Rectangular with straight sides and crisp corners. Cover hinged with tapering tab; cover top gently curved and inlaid with shagreen in geometric pattern. Cedar-lined interior. Open leather-lined bottom. Marks include maker’s stamp (Wilhelm Binder). Good condition with some wear and rubbing to shagreen.

Dimensions: H 4 x W 7 1/2 x D 5 1/2 in. Gross weight: 28.6 troy ounces. #BX428