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...

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...

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...

Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau glass flask with engraved silver overlay. Flat with curved sides. Overlay in form of grain stalks and fruiting grapevine. Asymmetrical cartouche engraved with script monogram. Silver neck collar and hinged and cork-lined cover. Glass is clear. Lady’s medicinal size. Can be held in one small gloved hand. Marked “Sterling” and numbered “232”. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x W 2 3/4 x D 1 in. #BW418

La Rochelle silver dinner set for 12. Made by Tetard Frères in France. This set comprises 90 pieces (dimensions in inches):

Knives: 12 dinner knives (9 3/4) and 12 fish knives (8 1/8);

Forks: 12 dinner forks (8 1/4), 12 dessert forks (6 7/8), and 12 fish forks (6 7/8);

Spoons: 12 soup spoons (6 7/8) and 12 teaspoons (5 3/4);

Serving pieces: gravy ladle (6 7/8), spoon (8), sugar spoon (5 1/2), cold meat fork (9 5/8), butter spreader (6 1/2), and pie server (10 7/8).

Dinner knives, butt...

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 ...

This tall and lovely Hagi chawan rests firmly on a wari kodai or “split foot” pedestal that is unglazed—displaying the coarse rich clay. The crackled milky glaze covers the curves and contours of the bowl, contrasting dramatically between the foot and the clay body. Hagi-ware such as this is part of 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, ...

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...

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

A green turquoise pendant with matching chain. The center turquoise appears to be stabilized with an epoxy film. The silver and dyed howlite bead chain measures 20"; the pendant 2" x 1-5/8". Ganadonegro has been creating jewelry since 1984. The pendant is signed on the back.

Turn-of-the-century German Rococo 800 silver box. Rectilinear with tapering sides and chamfered corners with scroll supports. Cover hinged, raised, and inset. Chased ornament with chubby, bare bottomed cherubs with adroitly arranged drapery surrounded by garlands and and Classical architecture. Gilt-washed interior. Marks include Hanau maker’s stamp (Storck & Sinsheimer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 7/8 x W 6 3/8 x D 4 1/2 in. Weight: 15.5 troy ounces. #BX028

Large Japanese Meiji silver chalice, ca 1890. Oval bowl with irregular rim on tall cylindrical shaft flowing into raised and scalloped foot. Spout hammered ground. Double walled. Applied iris and chrysanthemum flowers and blossoming branches. Wire stem with flower head and bud wrapped around shaft. Mount Fuji-form mono plate (vacant). No cliché left behind. A wonderful ceremonial vessel for the advanced export market. Japanese marks and “Kuhn & Komor / Sterling”. Kuhn & Komor was a Hungari...

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; ...

Pair of magnificent French Neoclassical 950 silver 7-light candelabra, ca 1880. Each: Six leaf-wrapped s-scroll arms each terminating in single leaf-and-dart socket, mounted to central socket on shaft set in petal mount on knopped and tapering shaft; raised foot on 3 bracket-mounted feet. Imbricated leaf wreaths and garlands, fluting, beading, and pendant flowers. Two oval medallions with armorials for Bernard de Lassus, a mountaineering baron, who divided his time between the remote peaks of th...

Japanese Meiji Art Nouveau silver tea tray, ca 1890. Retailed by Arthur & Bond in Yokohama. Lobed oval. Well stippled and engraved with shaded interlaced monogram. Upturned c-scroll end handles. Blossoming prunus branches, iris flowers, and bamboo applied to handles and tapering shoulder. Exotic ornament and Western form. Marked “Arthur & Bond / Sterling / Yokohama”. Very good condition. One handle back has dent (not visible from front).

Overall dimensions: H 2 7/8 x W 28 1/2 x D 18 1/2 in...

European silver flagon after the antique, late 19th century. Tapering bowl with curved front and back Tapering sides and curved front and back on spread and ribbed rectangular foot. Rectilinear neck with flat top. Round and domed cover with same ribbing and finial chained on both sides to ribbed rings loose-mounted to applied Classical satyr’s heads. Engraved Renaissance figures on front and armorial on back; leafing scrollwork and birds. Marked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimens...

Art Deco bronze urn: $44,000, reduced to $38,000 This Art Deco bronze figurative planter (jardiniere), circa 1920, measures 55" in height, 36" across (elbow to elbow), 18" deep.  caste bronze, 150-250 lb. This work was the combined effort of two French sculptors; Pierre Lenoir and Marcel Guillard (1896 - 1932). It is believed two castes of this sculpted urn were made.  Pierre Lenoir (1879 - 1953) was a French sculptor and medallist and was one of the Breton sculptors born in the 1880s ...

Master of a very difficult technique from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) known in Japanese as Neriage, the potter who created this elegant vase uses extreme precision to combine sheets of differing types of clay, culminating in a unique visual effect. While many of his pieces are ringed with swirls of colors, this one is more modern and subdued. With quite a lot of character, this lovely vase will draw attention without being overpowering.

Born in Nagano, Kosei Matsui (1927-20...