When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Senso Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the lord of the tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chozaemon came with him and established Ohi-yaki ware in Kanazawa. Chozaemon had been the chief apprentice for the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ohi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea ceremony desp...
Chrysanthemum sterling silver dinner set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1890.
This set comprises 145 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 24 dinner forks (7 1/2), 12 salad/terrapin forks (6 3/8), 12 seafood forks (6), and 12 ice cream forks (5 5/8); Spoons: 10 teaspoons (5 5/8), 12 round gumbo spoons (7 3/4), 12 bouillon spoons (5 1/2), 10 grapefruit spoons (5 3/4), and 6 tablespoons (8 1/4); Knives: 12 dinner knives (10 1/8), 12 lunch knives (8 7/8), and 11 butter spreaders (5 3/4).
Ito Sozan
Peahen
Date: Pre-1923. Pre-earthquake.
Size: Tanzaku. 11.75 x 5.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Artist's double red square seal at lower right.
Reference: Attribution by Mauro Novelli as T-48 at itosozan.com.
Medium: Crepe (chirimen) Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Lightly foxed.
The distinctive and easily recognizable style of Bizen pieces, such as the one featured here, originated in Okayama (south-western Japan) and has a long history that is closely intertwined with that of tea culture. Bizen-ware is known for employing a natural-ash glazing technique that is unique to this type of pottery and which requires extremely long firing times (7-14 days) at very high temperatures. This means that constant attention is required to ensure good results. The tea bowl shown here...
Tsuchiya Koitsu
Asakusa Kinryusan, 1938
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.75 x 11.25 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Doi watermark.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi.
This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Reference: Koitsu catalog TK-DH-51.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Left margin has two tears that do not impinge on image.
Decidedly masculine in character with straight sculpted edges, a rich palette of color, and a calm steadiness in the hand; this tea bowl was crafted by one of Japan’s great masters, a Mashiko potter by the name of Takauchi Shugo.
A native of Tokyo, Takauchi (b. 1937) took the well-established path of working for a company after graduating from university and it was not until a number of years later—upon visiting the town of Mashiko and being inspired by the works of artists such...
Pretty Edwardian inkwell. Made by Foster & Bailey in Providence, ca 1910. Rectangular clear glass base with chamfered corners, wraparound acid-etched garland, and star cut to underside. Ovalish well with short neck in sterling silver collar with hinged and domed cover. Cover top has enameled flower basket and garland on white wavy and chevron ground with ornamental blue lunettes. Fully marked. Very good condition with strong color.
Dimensions: H 4 x W 3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in. #BS636
Kawase Hasui
The Torii at Miyajima at Night
Date: 1930s.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Size: Koban. Approximately 6.25 x 4.25 inches.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Reference: Hotei Hp-52.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Victorian sterling silver scent bottle, 1889. Ovoid with short neck and threaded ball cover. Allover repousse with flowers and scrolls. A peacock on one side, a dove on the other. Pretty and portable. Worn marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 1 7/8 x D 1 in. Weight: 1.5 troy ounces. #BR502
Simple yet classic styling—this tea bowl is perfect for anyone looking for the quintessential Ido-shaped chawan crafted by one of Japan’s master 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’s greatest d...
Ohara Koson
Two goldfish and lotus plants
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.75 x 7.5 inches.
Date: Early 20th century.
Reference: AK.21 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Publisher: Daikokuya.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
"Made in Japan" stamped on back.
Condition: Excellent. Marks in top margin. Slight edge indentation as shown.
Large French Rococo Revival 950 silver oval centerpiece plateau, ca 1890. Curvilinear cartouche with 6 leaf-mounted scroll supports. Beaded oval on strapwork armorial with ribbon and quiver, and interlaced script monogram. Mirrored top. Note: Larger and more ovalish than appears in images. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 3 3/8 x W 31 3/4 x D 20 1/2 in. #BS831
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.
This piece is quite unique for its brown color which may have been produced using a copper glaze under very specific conditions. Typical o...
Exquisitely painted cherry blossoms (sakura) and willow branches (yanagi) on a background of jet-black traditional lacquer.
The craftsman, Wakashima Takao (b. 1935) was born in the north of Japan in the picturesque town of Wajima. The lacquer technique particular to this region (Wajima-nuri) is rather unique in its use of an undercoating incorporating special compounds that make it exceptionally durable over time. Wakashima perfected this demanding technique and, over the course of...
Eijiro Kobayashi
Pagoda by Moonlight
Approximately 10.25 x 7.5 inches.
Date: 1938-1960.
Red "Eijiro" seal at lower right.
Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku. From the "Hasegawa Night Scenes" series. Hasegawa catalogue No. 1243.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Utagawa Fusatane
An evening scene from the Snow, Moon, Flower series
Date: ca. 1850s-60s.
Size: 11.75 x 9.5 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Two punch holes from original folio. Thinned area from wormhole at upper left.
Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Cold Winter Wind.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15.0 x 6.5 inches.
Date: pre-1936 (Mid-1920s).
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No. 204 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. M-4 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. On the back, there is clear tape along the top edge.
Kaoru Kawano
Two Girls
Date: 1950s-60s
Size: Approximately 16.5 x 11.5 inches.
Sealed by the artist at lower right and on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. We've removed this print from its original folder.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
In the Moonlight Under the Trees a Beautiful Woman Comes (Getsumei Rinka Bijin Majiru)
No. 59 from the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon"
Date: 1888
Size: Oban. Approximately 14.5 x 10 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.
Carver: Yamamoto.
Condition: Some spots and creasing.
"The elegantly dressed Chinese woman represents the spirit of the plum ...
German sterling silver place card holders. This set comprises 8 holders in 3 designs. One holder features an elegant courtly couple executing a cozy minuet. Three holders feature spirited country jiggers. Four holders feature entwined Bacchic babes, and are gilt. Marked “Sterling” and “Germany”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 3/4 x W 1 1/2 x D 1 in. Total weight: 2.7 troy ounces. #BQ399
Hiratsuka Un-ichi (1895 ~ 1997)
Selected Woodcuts By Un-ichi Hiratsuka
Date: 1954
Publisher: Nippon Geijyutsu Hangasha
This rare book contains 30 lithographic plates (23 black-and-white, 7 color) by the renowned sosaku hanga artist. English and Japanese text.
Size: 14.25 x 10.5 inches.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Very good. Light toning and foxing.
Okuyama Gijin (Yoshito) (b. 1934)
Ginkakuji
Date: ca 1950s.
Size: 19 x 9.75 inches.
Self-published by the artist.
Signed in pencil and sealed.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Slight margin creasing and wave.
Paul Jacoulet
Le Phare de Mikimoto, Shimoda Izu (Mikimoto Lighthouse, Shimoda Izu)
Date: February 1954.
Fewer than 80 impressions made. This example is stamped "PRESENT" on the verso.
Size: 17.75 x 13 inches.
Signed and sealed with peony seal. Carver: Maeda. Printer: Onodera
Reference: No. 134 in The Prints of Paul Jacoulet by Richard Miles
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toning on verso. Please see additional photos showing partially trimmed...
Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Woman returning in autumn evening
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15 x 6.75 inches.
Date: pre-1936.
Shotei seal at left.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
No. 205 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. M-5 in Shotei catalog.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Geisha and Lanterns
Date: Early postwar
Print size: Approximately 6.75 x 3 inches.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo. Seal at lower left.
A Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge to a filled out holiday card.
Condition: Tiny spotting in the yellow.
Sweet American Edwardian sterling silver picture frame, ca 1910. Rectangular window with scalloped border and shaped surround with concave sides and bottom arched top, and double-scroll corners. Acid-etched leafy-scroll and shell ornament. Reeded rim with bunches of pretty forget-me-nots. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged support. For portrait (vertical) display). Marked “Sterling 3208”. Very good condition.
Dimensions: Frame: H 13 5/8 x W 10 in. Window: H 8 3/4 x W 6 in....
Pair of Retro 14K gold pins. Each: Open and shaped triangle with strapwork scroll bisected by stepped arch. Fluid and snazzy. United States, ca 1940. Hallmarked. The original Tiffany stamp was lost during conversion. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 5/8 x W 1 3/8 x D 1/2 in. Total weight: 15.4 dwt. #896
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Itsukushima Moon
No. 21 from the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon"
Date: 1886
Size: Oban. Approximately 14.75 x 10.25 inches.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon.
Carver: Enkatsu.
Condition: Very good. Invisible paper wear can be seen when held to back light.
- "A courtesan from the port town of Muro on the Seto Inland Sea drifts past the base of a hu...
Bertha Boynton Lum (1869-1954)
Junks Wei-Hai-Wei
Date: 1922
Size: 9.5 x 4.5 inches.
Pencil signed and copyrighted 1923 by the artist.
Edition: "44" noted at lower right.
Reference: Gravalos/Pulin No. 63.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned paper areas primarily in margin.
Cyrus leRoy Baldridge (1889-1977)
Coal Hill, Peking, 1925
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.5 inches.
Signed and dated by the artist.
Edition: "X49" noted at lower left corner.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent color. Fugitive green and mauve on rooftops are preserved. Tone line in margin. Reinforced margins.
American Colonial sterling silver bowl. Made by Tiffany in New York, ca 1965. Bowl has curved sides and straight circular foot. Spare historic design that works equally well in Modern interiors. Hallmark includes pattern no. 19750 and phrase: Reproduction / Original by / Joseph Conyers / Boston / about 1700. Fine condition.
Dimensions: H 4 x D 9 in. Weight: 22.5 troy ounces. #BQ855
Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)(1871-1945)
Shrine in the woods; blue Sky
Size: Approximately 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Shotei seal at lower right.
Date: Pre-1936.
Reference: Shotei catalog #S-38.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print in postcard form.
Condition: Mark near upper right edge.
Nautical sterling silver and enamel cigarette case. Made by Thomae in Attleboro, Mass., ca 1960. Rectangular and hinged. Signal flags enameled on front. Gilt interior. Hallmarked. Very good condition with intact color.
Dimensions: H 3 1/8 x W 4 3/8 x D 1/4. Weight: 4.8 troy ounces. #BQ946
George V sterling silver jewelry box. Made by Levi & Salaman in Birmingham in 1913. Octagonal with straight sides and hinged and domed cover. Cover inlaid with star-form floral garland. Box interior velvet lined. Box underside leather lined. Fully marked. Good with attractive velvet wear.
Dimensions: H 2 1/8 x W 4 3/8 x D 4 3/8 in. Gross weight: 5.4 troy ounces. #BN234
Ohara Koson
Eight white-fronted geese in flight, a full moon behind
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: 1920s-30s.
Reference: K11.10 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Publisher: Daikokuya/Adachi.
Koson signature at lower left.
"Made in Japan" stamped on back.
Condition: Excellent.
Provenance: The estate of Robert O. Muller.
Edwardian sterling silver salver. Made by Charles Stuart Harris & Sons in London in 1908. Round with solid well. Tapering and pierced shoulder with applied swags, vases, and laurel-wreathed heads. Rim has applied Vitruvian scrollwork. Four supports same. A pretty piece in fashionable Regency Revival. Fully marked. Very good condition.
Dimensions: H 1 1/2 x D 12 in. Weight: 30.5 troy ounces. #BQ521