Ohara Koson
Peafowl on flowering cherry
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: ca. 1900s-1923.
Bears Koson seal.
Publisher: Daikokuya (97)
Reference: K38.13 and plate 87 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Excellent. A few small black marks in sky at left and above bird. Pencil number on back.
Provenance: The Bedford, NY estate of Eleanor Jay and Arthur Iselin. Eleanor Jay was a de...

Art Nouveau glass claret jug with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corp. in Providence, ca 1900. Cylindrical with small lip spout and spread base; c-scroll handle in silver collar. On underside cut-to-clear star. Overlay in form of entwined and scrolling fruiting grapevine with pendant bunches and leaves. Asymmetrical scrolled cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Silver fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. R326. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 ...

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".

Beautiful German sterling silver swan bowl with rare glass liner. A nice-sized bird with twisting s-scroll neck, closed bill, and direct expression. Gently protuberant haunches and webbed feet in glide mode. Fine delineation of feathers from scaly neck to downy wing plumes. Liner is frosted with scalloped rim. Silver marked “Sterling 925 Fine / Germany” with stamp for Israel Freeman & Son Ltd in London. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 10 1/2 x D 6 in. Weight (silver only): 32 ...

Turn-of-the-century American Art Nouveau glass claret jug with silver overlay. Cylindrical with spread base, c-scroll handle, and small lip spout. Star cut to underside. Overlay in form of scrolls and diaper. Shaped tubular cartouche engraved with interlaced script monogram. Glass is red except handle which is clear. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 9 1/2 x W 5 1/2 x D 4 3/4 in. #BR791

A beautiful and very old Hagi tea bowl; showing signs of long use and appreciation. The gold repairs add to the overall composition and highlight the important role this piece played in someone’s tea practice. Though still functional to be used as a ceremonial implement, this would fit much better as a treasured display object.

In excellent condition this tea bowl is 5.1 inches in diameter at its widest point (13cm), and stands 3.1 inches tall (8cm). It comes with a pe...

Antique accessories have unique style and flair. This pair of art deco–style silver wine coolers features straight sides, reeded rims, and faceted corners. They also have ring handles and triangular mounts, making them distinct among antique wine coolers. Chill wine as you entertain guests at cocktail parties and other gatherings. You don’t want to miss this excellent pair of art deco–style silver wine coolers from our collection.

Excellent condition. Dimensions: H 12 x W 8 1/2 x D ...

George V sterling silver vase. Made by Alexander Clark in Birmingham in 1923. Straight and faceted sides, small knop, and raised foot. Molded and scalloped rim with curved and pierced sides. Weighted. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. Weighted. #BL740

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...

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...

An antique American Edwardian delicate filigree platinum bow pin decorated with a center round diamond and inlaid with small diamonds throughout the bow. A small circular pendant of diamonds with a center drop diamond hangs from the bow. American, circa 1900 approx. 1 carat of diamonds total. Excellent condition, the pin measures 2" in length.

Japonesque mixed metal copper tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Lobed and rectangular with curved sides. Applied copper and silver ornament: Tree with blossoming branches and sinuous irregular trunk rooted in granulated soil; above a butterfly and bird. Ground engraved with wild grass in foreground and hills in background. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. B75, and date letter. Good condition with some spotting to copper.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x W 12 x D 9 1/8 in. #BY284

Takashi Nakazato is a celebrated Japanese ceramic artist whose family's mastery of pottery now spans 14 generations. Born in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture in 1937, Nakazato inherited a rich legacy of craftsmanship dating back over 400 years. He trained extensively in traditional ceramic techniques under his father, and later pursued further studies at the Kyoto City Arts and Crafts Institute. Nakazato's work is deeply rooted in the aesthetics of Karatsu-ware, known for its earthy tones an...

Three Japonesque sterling silver ladles. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1885. Each: Curved and tapering handle; round and lobed bowl with small lip spout; bowl interior gilt washed. Terminal curved with applied mixed metal cherry branch. Allover spot hammering. A multi-course set. Rare serving pieces for connoisseurs of food and art. Marked “Sterling & Other Metals” with maker’s stamp. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: Soup: H 12 3/4 x D 4 in. Oyster: H 11 x D 3 1/2 in...

Japonesque mixed metal napkin ring. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1882. Hand-hammered sterling silver ring applied with cooper ornament: A man in pointy hat is seated on the ground, smoking while a small dog approaches from behind, interrupting the opium-induced serenity. Above is a darting butterfly. Engraved name “Edward Hegeler”. Hegeler (1835-1910) was a German-born American industrialist and publisher. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, no. 675, and date letter. Very good conditi...

Richly colored plique a jour beaker, ca 1910. Straight and gently tapering sides. Ornament includes stylized flower heads in rondels and beaded and guilloche borders. Colors red and blue. Silver gilt wire frames and cabled rim. Unmarked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x D 1 3/4 in. #BV278

Handsome European stone trinket box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides and sharp corners. Shoulder and base chamfered. Cover hinged, inset, and chamfered. Silver-plated mouth and cover rims. Cover has cabled border and filigree scrolled tab. Stone mottled red. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 x W 4 x D 2 1/2 in. #BX269

George III sterling silver salver. Made by Ebenezer Coker in London in 1765. Round with molded scrolled rim interspersed with alternating large and small shells. Armorial with lion rampant in lozenge frame with leafing and flowering branch surround. Three hoof supports. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/4 x D 12 1/4 in. Weight: 23.6 troy ounces. #BY060

Aesthetic mixed inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Bell-form copper body with reeded silver foot rim. Applied silver ornament including flower-inset guilloche band and tendril border at neck. Cover hinged and domed with silver ball finial. With clear glass liner. A later version (1892-1902) of a pattern (no. 6231) that was first produced in 1880. Fully marked: “Tiffany & Co / Makers 6231 / Sterling Silver / 925-1000 / T / And / Other Metals”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 ...

Japanese Mugiwara pottery emerged in the Mino region of Japan during the Momoyama period in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its distinctive straw-rope patterns etched into or painted on its surfaces that typically contains hues of indigo, mustard, hazel, ochre, and sometimes greens. The creation of Mugiwara pottery involves a process of hand-building or wheel-throwing clay pieces—typically serving dishes, vases, and teaware items—and then meticulously applying a straw-r...

Going back over 1,300 years, Seto-ware has the distinction of being Japan’s oldest pottery tradition still active today. Made from the rich clay and silica of the region of production, Seto porcelain in particular has been highly prized throughout the history of Japan. The piece shown here can be described as Seto-guro (Black Seto) and is an excellent example of this type of pottery. The writing on the box describes it as being from Muromachi, so well over 400 years old. The form and compositi...

Oribe is a visual style named after the late-16th-century tea master Furuta Oribe (1544-1615). Typically, black or green glazes are applied to the bodies of these works and light-colored windows are created using feldspar. These high-contrast areas then act as a canvas upon which abstract, minimalistic, and often naturalistic themes are painted.

As can be seen here, this piece is of the green variety and looks to be from the mid-to-early Edo period as can be determined ...

George II sterling silver salver. Made by Robert Abercromby in London in 1741. Round with molded and scrolled piecrust rim with alternating big and small shells. Well has engraved armorial in leaf and flower surround. Four hoof supports. Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 14 in. Weight: 36.3 troy ounces. #BY071

Born the second son of Ryônyû, the 10th Raku Kichizaemon Tannyû took over the family kiln in 1811 at the age of 16 and served until his retirement and subsequent handing on of the title of Kichizaemon to his son-in-law Keinyû some 34 years later. Retaining many of the unique stylistic innovations of his father including his clay trimming technique, Tannyû went on to establish several new family kilns and to produce wares for both 10th and 11th Tokugawa Lords. The piece seen here is a classi...

Sterling silver centerpiece bowl. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1916. Shallow with scalloped and everted rim, and molded foot. Interior is lobed with geometric and floral piercing. Low-relief foliage on rim. Very sweet. Hallmark includes date symbol and pattern number (2163A).

Dimensions: H 3 ½ x D 12 in. Weight: 21 troy ounces. BH680

Edwardian stoneware match strike with sterling silver collar. Made by Royal Doulton in Lambeth in 1909. Globular with cylindrical interior and silver collar. Applied ornaments include windmill, pipe-smoking peasant, and running dogs. Shaded brown and cream glaze. A homely piece in the Dutch style. Fully marked on underside and collar. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x D 3 ½ in. BH609

Spare and Modern sterling silver geometric centerpiece after design by Frank Lloyd Wright. Retailed by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Large and detachable shallow cone set in small shallow cone mounted to two rows of rectangular pillars in turn mounted to square base. Fully marked including post-1967 Italian maker’s stamp (Pampaloni), retailer’s stamp, and Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation stamp. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 5 7/8 x D 16 in. Heavy total weight: 96.6 troy ounces. #BZ1...

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...

Midcentury Modern sterling silver porringer. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Round with straight sides, flared rim, and chamfered and tapering solid handle. Frieze with birds, bunnies, and kitties dancing paw in wing. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, postwar pattern no. 25991, and phrase “Hand Chased”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 7/8 x W 6 x D 4 1/8 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #BX525

Stemming from the philosophy of wabi-sabi—often described as the beauty found in the imperfection and transience of the world—cracks and repairs in a work of pottery are often seen as highlighting the history and importance of a ceramic object. Practitioners of tea in particular are fond of reminding us that works repaired with lacquer and gold such as the one featured here become more resilient and beautiful for having been damaged. In this case, the gold repairs undoubtedly enhance the bea...

During Japan's Momoyama period, spanning from the late 16th to the early 17th century, Bizen pottery flourished, producing exquisite pieces such as this symmetrical and elegant flower vase. Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this vase embodies simplicity and understated elegance. Its unassuming form showcases the natural beauty of the clay, enhanced by a delicate ash glaze. The texture and shape evoke a sense of rustic charm, reflecting the profound harmony between human creati...

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...

Crafted from locally sourced Bizen clay, this mid-Edo period vase embodies simplicity, beauty, and understated elegance. Originally crafted as a tokkuri, or sake flask, it was recovered from the estate of a tea-practitioner who reportedly cherished it as a vase that would hold colorful flowers and various grasses throughout the seasons.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of a researcher by the name of Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986) we can be assured that this vase is a...

Set of 3 Etruscan Revival sterling silver tureens. Made by JC Moore & Son for Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1865. This set comprises 1 large round tureen and 2 small oval tureens.

Each: Tapering, ovoid body on raised foot. Egg-and-dart border. Reeded bracket side handles with cast ram’s head mounts. Cover domed with cast Roman helmet finial. Beading. Super stylish midcentury design. Bold Classicism that works in a contemporary interior.

Early marks (1854-70) with Moore and Tiffany stamps...

A Zohiko covered soup bowl. Colorful leaf decoration sparsely applied on black ground with almost iridescent effect with gold and silver maki-e and red details. Zohiko mark in silver lacquer inside the bowl's foot rim. 20th century. Bowl diameter 4 9/16 inches (11.59 cm). Condition is relatively quite good with only a small abrasion to the lacquer on foot rim of the bowl. The lacquer otherwise is in good condition with no distress or wear of note. A quirk in the underlying wood (not an issue wit...

Set of 4 Edwardian sterling silver figural place card holders. Made by Levi & Salaman in Birmingham 1906. Each: Pair of perched owls with scrolled back clip; raised and round base. Wise birds standing ready to tamp down excessive dinner party levity. In leather-bound case with fitted velvet and silk lining with gilt retailer’s stamp (“Leighton / Lancaster”). Fully marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x D 1 1/2 in. Gross weight: 2.3 troy ounces. #BW863