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...

Pair of German Biedermeier Classical silver candlesticks, ca 1830. Each: Socket mounted to leaf flange in turn mounted to baluster shaft on raised round foot on square base. Fluting, gadrooning, acanthus leaf, and leaf-and-dart ornament. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 10 1/8 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 1/2 in. Weighted. #BY091

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...

Classical coin silver baby cup. Made by Eoff & Connor, a partnership active in New York from 1833 to 1835. Bellied bowl with drum-form neck, flared rim, and capped s-scroll handle; raised and stepped foot. Shaped frame (vacant) with chased scrolling leaf surround, and leaf and flower bands. Foot has cast egg-and-dart border. Handwork visible on interior. Lovely with strong regional association. Marks include “J.H. Connor” and “G. Eoff” stamps. Very good condition with nice patina.

Over...

Unusual American Modern 18k gold chain, ca 1980. Small yellow gold links interspersed with large tooled ovals with central wraparound band as well as thick and solid rose ovals. With clasp. Very good condition.

Length: 32 in. Weight: 21.7 dwt/33.8 g. #1232

German 800 silver bowl commemorating Napoleon I and Marie-Louise. Lobed quatrefoil with embossed medallion bust portraits of the couple surmounted an eagle; at bottom a military trophy. Open sides with leaf swag with pendant ribboned medallions (vacant) applied to interior. Beaded rim. Mounted end handles in form of burning torch between gryphons.

The eternal flame such as might have been supposed to burn between Napoleon and his teenage bride, an Austrian archduchess—and grandniece no less ...

American Modern ring with cabochon tiger eye in 14k yellow gold setting; brilliant-cut diamond on each shoulder. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 8 1/2. Weight: 10.5 dwt (16.3 g). #1223

With pottery shards from excavated kilns dating back to the 5th Century, Mino-ware is one of the oldest and most revered pottery traditions in all of Japan. Though the piece featured here does not fit neatly into any of the typical categories of Mino pottery such as Kiseto, Setoguro, Oribe, or Shino; the shape and overall feel of this piece unmistakably places it within this pottery tradition.

Exceptionally well-proportioned and utterly unique, this tea bowl displays a ...

Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design. England, ca 1880. Hallmarked. Excellent condition.

Size: 4 1/2. Weight: 2.1 dwt (3.2 g). #1221

Turn-of-the-century Silberiris glass vase by Loetz with engraved silver overlay. Ovoid with flared rim in silver collar. Overlay in form of open and stylized leaf band and c-scroll neck border. Glass iridescent in orange, pink, and green. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x D 3 1/2 in. #BX858

Large Dutch silver cow creamer, 1910. A sweet beast with stocky body on slender legs and delicate hoofs. Head quizzically turned to side with flexed ears, sharp horns, red cabochon glass eyes, and gaping mouth spout. Flicked back tail handle and hinged back cover. Appears to be unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/4 x L 10 3/8 x W 3 3/8 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX771

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. Stocky body, flexed ears, flicked-back tail handle, and hinged and stippled back flap with engraved wreath and applied fly finial. A gentle face with red-glass eyes and gaping-mouth spout. A capacious dispenser on four firmly planted hoofs. German marks and American importer’s mark for Buchholz & Zelt in New York. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 7 1/2 x L 10 x W 3 1/8 in. Weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BX770

European silver fish-form spice box, 19th century. Hinged head and lower mouth, and faceted red eyes. Articulated and scalloped wide body, and hinged fins and tail. Loose-mounted ring. Unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Overall dimensions: H 1 5/8 x L 3 1/8 x D 1 7/8 in. #BS513

German 800 silver cigarette case, ca 1910. Rectangular and hinged with curved corners. On cover are enameled sin symbols: Women (opera girl), wine (champagne), and gambling (cards and ponies). Three vices – but smoking is not among them. Marks include maker’s stamp (Louis Kuppenheim) and no. 130. Very good condition with intact color.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 3 1/4 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 4.3 troy ounces. #BX884

Art Nouveau glass decanter with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corporation in Providence, ca 1890. Conical with cut-to-clear geometric ornament at base, and star on underside. Dense overlay with rinceaux, flowers, and scrollwork. Ball stopper with grape bunches and leaves in strapwork frames. Decanter is cranberry and stopper is clear. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R112QT. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 12 3/4 x D 5 1/2 in. #BX887