Traditional Japanese art tends to be timeless and inspiring in form, however, occasionally lacking in diversity and innovation. That is why artists who can incorporate centuries of experiential knowledge and technique into producing new and interesting forms are oh so valued. Though this Bizen jar fits into the category of mizusashi, a vessel central to tea ceremony that holds fresh water, it seems to transcend this narrow category and stands as an independent art object all its own....

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 ...

In Japan, famous for its generational potting families, only a handful have made it all the way through to the 14th generation—the Nakazato line being one of them with over 400 years of history. Handcrafted by the current 14th potter in the renowned Karatsu tradition, this piece displays subtle, earthy tones and organic textures reminiscent of nature. Blending elements seamlessly, a canvas is created that complements the beauty of the floral elements in glossy contrast across the s...

With a masterfully applied black Raku glaze and a noticeable aesthetic of austerity and stillness, this piece is what is refereed to in Japanese as an “utsushi” or what we might call in English a “tribute piece.” Such pieces are typically made by all Raku potters, regardless of the kiln and tradition, and seek to emulate famous works from the early masters over 400 years ago—in this case, a tea bowl created by the brother of the second Kichizaemon, Tanaka Somi, born sometim...

Francis I sterling silver 3-light candelabrum. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton. Central socket on spool base to which are mounted to reeded wraparound branches, each terminating in single socket. Branches have short leaf and flower band. Branch plug set in socket mounted to baluster shaft; raised foot. Engraved and low relief ornament with leaves and fruit and flower clusters. Sockets bellied and shaft and foot fluted. Foot and bobeche rims scrolled. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, patt...

American Midcentury Modern sterling silver picture frame. Retailed by Cartier in New York. Rectangular window in same surround with convex front and flat sides. In hard-to-find landscape form with regal gold crown applied to top rail. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support. Fully marked including retailer’s stamp, no. 47CC, and phrase “Hand Made”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 7/8 x W 9 7/8 in. Window: H 6 3/8 x W 8 1/4 in. #BY629

Edwardian sterling silver tray. Made by S. Kirk & Son Inc. in Baltimore. Oval well and wide shoulder with repousse floral garland on stippled ground; imbricated leaf rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (1925-32), no. 2517, and phrase “Hand Decorated”. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 17 x D 11 3/4 in. Weight: 38.3 troy ounces. #BY473

Modern sterling silver tray. Made by Arthur Stone in Gardner, Mass., ca 1930. Round well with curved sides, tapering shoulder, and molded rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and craftsman’s initial T for Herbert A. Taylor, who was active from 1908-37. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3/4 x D 12 1/8 in. Weight: 23.7 troy ounces. #BX526

Set of 10 Acorn sterling silver place card holders. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Each: Double-sided stylized acorn mounted to rectangle, in turn, mounted to larger rectangle. Marks including maker’s stamp (1945-77), designer’s stamp (Johan Rohde), and no. 62. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x W 1 1/8 x D 7/8 in. Total weight: 5.7 troy ounces. #BY846

Pair of pretty Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Fisher Silversmiths, Inc. in Jersey City, ca 1950. Each: Ovoid socket with detachable and turned-down bobeche; baluster shaft on domed foot. Rims have applied shells and scrolls. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and no. 3310. Very good condition. A few minor pings.

Dimensions: H 10 3/8 x D 5 1/8 in. Gross weight: 31 troy ounces (weighted in shaft). #BY678

Chippendale sterling silver tray. Made by Reed & Barton in Taunton, Mass. Round with molded curvilinear ogee piecrust rim. Fully marked including maker’s stamp, pattern name, and no. X365. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 12 in. Weight: 20.4 troy ounces. #BX721

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...

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...

Father to internationally known Hagi potter Kaneta Masanao (the 8th generation Sanzaemon potter), though he never achieved the same level of notoriety as his son, his pieces have a grace and elegance all their own as demonstrated here with this charming tea bowl. With its milky crackled glaze and split foot (wari-kodai) showing the rich clay this piece was fashioned from, it possesses strong character and has a calming presence, bringing a sense of stability. Perfect for those deepen...

A delightful Hagi tea bowl from the Jōzan Kiln in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Very representative of the genre with its milky glaze and ido-shape. This piece is a step above their typical offerings as can be discerned not only from the lovely composition but also from the quality of the box and the silk pouch that was also custom furnished. For those interested in getting better acquainted the world of Hagi without spending the thousands of dollars typical for works by better known artist...

Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s premier Hagi potters.

Born in the famed pottery town of Karatsu in 1942, Zenzo Hatano spent a number of years learning the various styles particular to his region before taking up an apprenticeship under well-known Hagi potter Yoshiga Taibi. Winner of a number of awards including the Japan Crafts Exhibition Award in 1977, Hatano�...

Modern sterling silver picture frame, ca 1910. Round in window in plain surround; 2 ball supports. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support. Fully marked including New York maker’s (JF Fradley) and retailer’s (Udall & Ballou) stamps. Good condition. Velvet wear.

Dimensions: Frame: H 10 x W 9 1/2 in. Window: Diameter: 8 3/8 in. #BY385

Large and pretty silver tray. Round and plain well and wide shoulder with engraved and repousse garland; applied rim with leaf border. Marked. Visible handwork on underside. Good condition.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x D 16 in. Weight: 39.5 troy ounces. #BW804