For sale here is a very rare vintage 1950s one of a kind handmade pewter and enamel over silver and gold modernist box by American artist/enamelist Hilda Kraus. A two piece box with the top fitting closely over the bottom section. The top section features the enamel over gold and silver artwork at top, and the bottom section is signed inside as shown. No doubt one of a kind as were all of her boxes, and a very beautiful design of an imaginary creature perhaps a fabulous 'flame sheep'? Hilda Krau...
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...
Art Deco sterling silver and enamel box. Made by Harman Brothers in Birmingham in 1972. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover hinged and tabbed; top gently curved with rectangle (vacant) surrounded by purple guilloche enamel. Interior cedar lined. Laminate-lined bottom. Fully marked. Good condition with strong and intact color. A few pings to cover.
Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 3/8 in. Gross weight: 10.6 troy ounces. #BW001
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...
English Victorian Modern sterling silver smoking box 1885. Rectangular with straight sides. Scroll-bracket handle mounted to central panel between two hinged covers. On one in blue enamel “Cigars”; on other “Cigarettes”. Cedar lined. Felt-lined underside. Fully marked including London assay stamp and maker’s initials “T.W”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 7 3/4 x D 6 1/2 in. Gross weight: 28.3 troy ounces. #BX649
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 ...
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...
Rare Chrysanthemum sterling silver water pitcher. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Double-gourd with irregular fluting; helmet mouth with leaves wrapped around reeded rim. Shoulder has applied leaf and flowerhead border with radiating squiggles incised on body. High-looping handle with layered and sprawling leaf mount. Same beneath handle. Four volute-scroll supports with leaf and flowerhead mounts.
An early, one-of-a-kind piece in the historic Japonesque pattern that debuted in 1880.
Fu...
Dutch silver figural spice box. Imported to England in 1891 by BH Joseph & Co. An egret gracefully scrolled neck, red glass eyes, and gaping beak stands on one scaly leg, the other leg raised with clenched talons. A beautiful bird with nicely delineated plumage. Hinged at bust. Dutch assay stamp and date letter, and English sterling-standard import marks including London assay stamp. Excellent condition.
Dimensions: H 15 1/2 x W 6 3/4 x D 4 1/4 in. Weight: 19 troy ounces. #BZ288
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...
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...
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 elegant necklace by Los Castillo features thick links in the shape of Leaves done in heavy sterling silver repousse. Very well made with links connected by a pin rivet to give the piece movement. Measures 15" long, 3/4" wide and is nice and heavy at 98.4 grams. Hallmarked Los Castillo Taxco, Sterling Made in Mexico, 329 and the eagle 15. It has a secure box clasp and is in good condition with a lovely patina. One of the nicest (and heaviest) examples of this design we've seen.
Edwardian sterling silver and enamel place card holders. Made by Sampson Mordan & Co. in Chester, 1905-13. Each: Two flat discs mounted to flat circular base. Front disc smaller and enameled scene with leaping, writhing fish, the hook and line barely visible. One has engraved 2-letter block monogram (ER). A second has same in script. Fully marked including 1905, 1912, and 1913 date letters as well as retailer’s stamps “Finnigan’s Manchester” (2) and “Wilson & Gill / 139 Regent St Londo...
This stunning bracelet by the famous Antonio Pineda showcases his remarkable design skill and quality craftmanship. The round links are hinged at the top and bottom and each holds two uniquely cut deep toned Carnelian stones at the side. Measures 7 1/2" long by 7/8" wide and weighs 55.6 grams. Hallmarked with the Antonio Taxco Crown, Hecho en Mexico, 970 and the eagle 17. Gem set box clasp and attached safety chain. A rare and special bracelet by one of the Masters.
A beautiful old Kyo-ware tea bowl slightly elongated on one end producing an interesting and unique effect. The collector who furnished the box labeled it as being by the legendary potter Ninsei (17th C.). Though the potter’s mark suggests this could be the case, there is no way to confirm for certain other than by its age and undeniably elegant craftsmanship. Believing it to be quite precious, the previous owner bestowed it with the poetic name "Ibitsu" which means "warped" or "cu...
Accents formed using iron pigment stand out across a backdrop of blue-green glaze. The base and a portion of the inside of this ceremonial tea bowl are unglazed displaying rich clay. Created by Shibayama Toshiya, this is an example of contemporary Japanese ceramics at its finest.
A native of Nagoya Shibayama (b. 1959) is exceptionally versatile, working in styles such as Seto, Shino, Karatsu, and Shigaraki among others. A practitioner of tea himself, Shibayama is known for crafting ...
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...
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".