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...

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...

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...

The poem etched on the side of this exceptional piece reads: "As a pastime ― bringing clumsy, fragile things to sell ― at Uruma Market ― how lonely!"  A very significant poem as it conveys a bit of irony; for the Edo period nun who inscribed this poem would go on to create a legacy of art, beauty, and philosophy that endures even today. The poem also suggests that this is one of her earlier works that would have been produced before she became renowned throughout Japan for her...

An interesting contemporary Hagi piece resting on a split-foot (wari-kodai) and a unique glaze patterning that somewhat resembles layers of flower petals. A creation of Morishige Tetsuyo, a native of the famous potting town of Hagi who later studied in Kyoto and eventually took up a position at the family kiln “Renkozan” with tutelage from both his father and grandfather. This particular piece is from a series he began in 2009 aptly named “Kaben” (The petal series). Actively displaying b...

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

Unlike many of the pieces in the genre of Kyo-ware, this tea bowl is decidedly demure in appearance. Milky, flowing glaze pools in places along a backdrop of ivory and coral pink sides, contrasting nicely with the rough, unrefined clay of the base. In the center of the kodai is a decorative swirl pattern reminiscent of the yin and yang.

The potter, Kanpu Kawanabe (1873 - 1947) was born into a family of weavers but went on to be trained in many of the arts related to tea ceremony. A...

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...

Japonesque sterling silver spoon. Made by George W. Shiebler & Co. in New York, ca 1885. Tapering stem and round terminal; front hand-hammered and applied with a bug and bit of bamboo. Oval bowl. Back plain. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Theodore B. Starr) stamps. Very good condition. Dimensions: H 6 3/8 x W 1 3/8 in.;

With: Victorian sterling silver spoon. Made by same, ca 1891. Cast terminal in form of leafing nutmeg on stem. Back plain with engraved 3-letter script mon...

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...

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl from the Shinragi kiln in Korea. Pieces like the one seen here are baked in a traditional wood-fired “climbing kiln” at a temperature of over 1,300 degrees for 5 days. Fashioned after classical works held in museum collections, the motifs are timeless and captivating.

In excellent condition, this piece is 5.5 in...

Set of 3 Modern sterling silver open salts. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Each: Curved and shallow bowl with tapering and high-looping split-mounted handle with bead terminals. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 110. Two have postwar maker’s stamp (1945-77) and one has maker’s stamp “Georg Jensen / Silversmiths Ltd” and letter E in lozenge. Very good condition. Overall dimensions: H 1 x W 3 x D 2 in.

With: Set of 3 Acorn sterling silver salt spoons. Made by Georg Jens...

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�...

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...

A technique most commonly seen in Tenmoku tea bowls, “konoha” is accomplished by applying a coating to an actual leaf and then attaching the leaf to the surface of an artwork before firing. The exact details of this process seem somewhat murky as it appears to be a well-guarded secret among potters. After some research we were unable to identify the potter; and, although there is a signature on the bottom that appears to read “Raishō,” we could find no potter by this name. R...

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...

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...

Using local materials and traditional methods, the creator of this work Masahiko Imanishi, has brought a distinctively modern interpretation to the classical form of the tsutsu chawan. At the same time, he somehow manages to maintain the simple rusticity that Tanba-ware is renowned for. Stretching back over 800 years, Tanba is counted as one of Japan’s 6 ancient kiln sites and is known for making large pots with red ferrous clay and natural ash glazes with a distinctive greenish tinge. More re...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a warm crackled glazing with a white translucent overcoat that beads in areas.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery. Hagi-ware is prized for its subdued colors and classical features, especially the glazing, which is often clea...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver 3-piece baby set. Made by Kerr in Newark. This set comprises cup, bowl, and plate. Acid-etched tree-framed fairytale scenes depicting beguiling maidens, stooped crones, and credulous children. Two monogram frames (vacant) on cup and bowl. Fully marked including maker’s and retailer’s (Spaulding & Co.) stamps and no. 4568. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Cup: H 2 3/4 x W 4 x D 3 in. Bowl: H 2 x D 4 3/8 in. Plate: H 1/2 x D 6 1/2 in. Total we...

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1907. Bombe form. Curved and overhanging mouth with lip spout and cylindrical bowl; round and stepped foot and c-scroll handle. Acid-etched ornament: Meandering ivy on mouth and handle and half-fluting on bowl. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 16867B (first produced in 1907), director’s letter m, and volume (5 1/2 pts). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 x W 8 3/4 x D 7 in. W...

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Round and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including mak...

Edwardian Modern Classical sterling silver serving bowl. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Oval and serpentine with tapering sides and reeded rim. Cover raised with tapering sides and plain and flat rim. Dense engraved scrolls, flowers, scallop shells and diaper on bowl interior sides and on cover top and exterior sides. For serving a special dish—make that two special dishes: The twist-lock finial can be detached for converting the cover to a second bowl. Fully marked including make...

Pair of Neoclassical-style gilt sterling silver tea urns. Each: Ovoid bowl on raised foot mounted to round base. Cover domed with knopped top terminating in bud finial. Swags and acanthus leaves as well as beading and leaf and dart. Fluted spout with carved leaf twist tap (one in black and one in white). Traditional vessels revved up with scaly and entwined snake handles. One marked “Sterling Silver” and the other marked “Sterling”. Very good condition with rich color.

Dimensions: H ...

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Round with curved sides. Well guilloche enamel (two red, one blue). Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/2...

Edwardian Classical water pitcher. Made by Redlich in New York, ca 1890. Clear cut-glass with bead-and-reel bands on bowl and brilliant star on underside; Neck faceted and notched with reeded bands. Sterling silver collar with helmet mouth and applied leafing scroll and beaded rim. Silver-mounted horn handle. A beautiful big game-era piece. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 305. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 9 3/4 x W 8 1/4 x D 6 1/2 in. #BX106

American Classical sterling silver compote. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1876. Bellied bowl with leaf-mounted c-scroll side handles and knopped stem flowing into round and raised foot. Low-relief ornament on stippled ground. Bowl has wraparound frieze with garlands, leafing volute scrolls, and leaf-ornamented columns between tête à tête gryphons. On foot rim is a garland held up by dancing putti. Bowl interior gilt.

Fully marked including maker's stamp, location "Union Square N.Y.", no. ...

German silver figural dog stirrup cup, ca 1920. Cast bust of spaniel with long snout, resolutely closed mouth, and direct, concentrated gaze as well as floppy ears and thick fur. Mounted to plain and upward tapering bowl. A loyal hunt companion. Marked with maker’s stamp “Föhr” (probably, Eduard Foehr) and old-fashioned “13” (that is, 13/16 loths or 812 silver). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 6 3/4 x D 3 5/8 in. Weight: 8 troy ounces. #BZ714

Super snazzy sterling silver cocktail shaker. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1929. Gently curved and upward tapering sides and flat cover with same-form finial. Bracket handle. Stubby spout with chained cap. Built-in strainer. A late prohibition-era Art Deco classic. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 21374 (first produced in 1929), and director’s letter m. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 1/4 x W 6 3/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 25.4 troy ounces. #BY310

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

American Edwardian Classical sterling silver tea caddy, ca 1910. Ovoid ginger-jar bowl with short neck and bellied cover. Three chased leafing-scroll frames of which 2 vacant and 1 engraved with interlaced script monogram. Shoulder has flower heads on stippled ground. Cover top has central triangle on leaves. Fully marked including stamp for Theodore B. Starr, a New York maker and retailer, and no. 249. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/2 x D 2 3/8 in. Weight: 3 troy ounces. #BZ577

Set of 6 Midcentury Modern sterling silver seafood scallop shell plates. Made by Gorham in Providence. Each: Straight and tiered flutes, scalloped rim, and 2 ball supports. The hard-to-find size for the new era of small dinner parties. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 42677. Four have date codes from 1940s and ’50s. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x W 6 x D 6 in. Total weight: 31 troy ounces. #BY776

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

Set of 4 turn-of-the-century French Belle Epoque Rococo 950 silver open salts and spoons. Each salt: Open oval with scrolled and leafing rim and four reeded and scrolled supports. Asymmetrical scrolled cartouches engraved with interlaced script monogram. Cobalt glass liner with scalloped rim. Each spoon: Double-sided gilt-washed shell bowl and tapering stem with raised scrollwork. All pieces have maker’s stamp for V. Boivin. Spoons have Minerva head. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: ...

English Georgian sterling siler ladle with oval bowl; twisted baleen handle with sterling silver terminal. Worn marks including maker’s initials TM (possibly Thomas Mynd). Good condition.

Height: 13 7/8 in. #BX386

German silver tea scoop. Imported to England in 1892 by Thomas Glaser. Leaf-form bowl with veins and wispy, irregular tips. Woody stem with coiled tendril mounts. German maker's marks and English sterling-standard import marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x L 4 1/8 x W 1 7/8 in. Weight: 1 troy ounce. #BZ286