Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted over seven decades. The piece shown here then would be from an earlier period and is evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the one he is most well-known for. As any experienced potter will tell you, tenmoku ...

Also known as "The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life,” here in this pre-Edo Buddhist painting we see Amida and his two assistant bodhisattvas, Seishi on the left (associated with wisdom and strength), and Kannon on the right (associated with compassion and mercy), descending from the Western Pure Land to welcome newly deceased believers into the realm of paradise. In this practice known as raigō, the faithful are transported via the small lotus pedestal the Kannon holds in his...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

German Rococo 830 silver bowl, ca 1900. Round well with rosebud-gathering cherubs in relief. Sides tapering with scrolled and wavy rim. Heraldic shields with more cherubs and flower baskets as well as flower-strewn scrolled frames on pierced ground. Foot ring with scrolls and scallop shells. A fancy piece in the Hanau style. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 D 15 1/4 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BZ141

American Art Nouveau glass trivet with engraved floral silver overlay, ca 1900. Large and round with straight sides. Overlay in form of buds and blooms with splayed and floppy petals on entwined whiplash stems. Solid round center engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is clear. Silver marked “Sterling”. Very good condition. A few scratches to underside.

Dimensions: H 1/4 x D 12 in. #BZ601

Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless members of the flag corps wandering into the thick of things. In background (that is, at top) peacetime is represented by houses and trees. On front applied heraldic shield (vacant). Cast dragon handle—a horned scaly, serpentine serpent gripping the side with talons. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condit...

Pair of German 800 silver pheasants, ca 1920. A rooster and hen, each with hinged wings, long overlapping tails, closed beak, and wary stare. An on-guard couple standing on scaly talons, ready to take flight if the party talk turns dull. Heads detachable for hiding a secret stash of treats or booze. Hanau maker’s marks (Vereinigte Silberwarenfabriken). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: Rooster: H 8 1/2 x L 19 3/8 x W 4 3/8 in. Wingspan: 7 1/4 in. Hen: H 9 x L 18 3/4 x W 4 1/2 in. Wing...

Modern sterling silver porringer. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with straight sides. Cast open cinquefoil handle inset with acorn-nibbling squirrel. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 23111, director’s letter m (1907-47), and wartime star (1943-5). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 5 7/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 6.5 troy ounces. #BZ175

German 800 silver figural stirrup cup, ca 1910. Cast boar head with flexed-back ears, fierce eyes, funny snout, and fearsome teeth and tusks. Bowl straight and tapering with tooled bands; gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Pocket-sized dimensions: H 4 1/2 x W 1 7/8 in. Heavy weight: 5 troy ounces. #BZ597

George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by Docker & Burn Ltd in Birmingham in 1923. Rectangular window in flat cutout curvilinear shaped surround. A simplified postwar Edwardian design. With glass, silk lining, and wood back and hinged easel support. Very good condition. Wear and warping to wood.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 1/2 x W 8 1/2 in. Window: H 8 x W 6 in. #BY909

Pair of English Neoclassical-style sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1917. Each: Urn socket mounted to tapering shaft on raised and round foot. Pointillé frames and Vitruvian scroll borders. Faceted. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern no. 19221 (first produced in 1917), order no. 6727, and director’s letter m as well as phrases “Reproduction Original by John Green & Co. Sheffield 1797” and “Silver 13 1/2 OZS Wood Weighted”. Very good cond...

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 47/4, and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 16 x D 12 in. Weight: 43.8 troy ounces. #BY625

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 47/4 and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 16 x D 12 in. Weight: 43.8 troy ounces. #BY624

American Art Deco sterling silver tray, ca 1925. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular with chamfered corners, tapering sides, and molded rim. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 25/4, and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x W 13 3/4 x D 10 1/4 in. Weight: 23.8 troy ounces. #BY623

Pair of English Retro Deco sterling silver wine coolers, 2014. Each: Chamfered and tapering bowl; stained-wood side handles with stepped sterling silver mounts. Tapering and stepped support mounted to chamfered square base. All planes and angles for holding a round bottle. Super stylish style-of barware. Fully marked including unidentified maker’s stamp (R&SN) and London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 10 3/8 x W 8 5/8 x D 7 1/2 in. Heavy gross weight: 170 troy ounces. #BZ651...