Restauration Classical silver gilt box. Made by Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot in Paris, ca 1820. Drum form with spread base; cover raised. Cast egg-and-dart and floral rims. Heart engraved with single script letter monogram set in flower wreath on cover top and body. Sumptuous Return-of-the-Bourbons luxe from the Ancien Regime do-over years. Fully marked including maker’s stamp and the fineness (950) stamp instituted in 1819. Very good condition with nice toning.

Dimensions: H 2 1/4 x D 1 5/8 i...

German 800 silver box, ca 1910. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged; tapering sides applied with flower head border. Embossed Olden Days scenes of merrymaking with dancing and flirting by men in neck ruffs and women in laced bodices. On front are massed soldiers carrying swords and pikes. Gilt interior. Corner leaf-mounted scroll supports. Marked “800” with Hanau maker’s stamp (Karl Söhnlein & Söhne). Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 4 x W 4 x D 2 7/8 in. ...

German Rococo 800 silver centerpiece, ca 1900. Ovoid and bellied bowl with leaf and flower-capped split-mounted double-scroll end handles, and four scroll-mounted supports. Exuberant leafing scrolls, layered scallop shells, and open flower-strewn diaper. Two scrolled and bead-and-reel frames (vacant). Detachable brass liner. Gilt interior. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Bruckmann & Söhne). Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 8 3/4 x W 17 3/4 x D 8 1/2 in. Weight (wi...

Russian 875 silver ladle, ca 1880. Oval bowl and fiddle terminal with engraved initials and year 1881. A nice serving piece from the twilight of tsarist Russia. Marks include maker’s (PA) stamp and Moscow assayer’s (Aleksandr Nicolayevich Krollau) stamp dated 1880. Very good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 11 1/4 x W 3 1/2 x D 3 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #BY490

Large Dutch silver cow creamer, 1910. A sweet beast with stocky body on slender legs and delicate hoofs. Head quizzically turned to side with flexed ears, sharp horns, red cabochon glass eyes, and gaping mouth spout. Flicked back tail handle and hinged back cover. Appears to be unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 7 1/4 x L 10 3/8 x W 3 3/8 in. Weight: 19.5 troy ounces. #BX771

German 800 silver box, ca 1910. Oval and lobed. Cover hinged and raised with scroll tab. Sides have chased and engraved fruits and foliage on stippled ground in curvilinear frames alternating with plain lobes. Cover top same with beaded frames. Gilt-washed interior. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 1/4 x W 7 x D 5 1/2 in. Weight: 13.7 troy ounces. #BX430

French Classical silver coffeepot, 18th century. Baluster with silver-mounted stained and turned wood handle. Cover hinged with bud finial. V-form fish-mouth spout. Three hoof supports with oval medallion mounts. Gadrooning, twisted fluting, and ribbon-tied blossoming branch. Engraved on underside are 3 presentations of which two dated 1881 and 1950 as well as phrase “Bought in Tours, France”. Marked. Good condition with nice patina.

Dimensions: H 10 3/4 x W 9 1/4 x D 4 1/2 in. Gross weigh...

Turn-of-the-century Chinese export silver picture frame. Oval window in shaped surround with scrolls and flower heads at top, and leaves, stars, flowers, and heart cartouche vacant on stippled ground at bottom. With glass, silk lining, velvet back, and hinged easel silver wire support. Marked “Sterling”. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: Frame: H 7 1/4 x W 4 3/4 in. Window: H 4 1/4 x W 2 3/4 in. #BW978

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. A sweet bovine with upturned horns, flexed ears, and smiley mouth spout. Sturdy sagging body with ring-handle tail and hinged back cover with fly finial. Stands on firmly planted hooves. Unidentified Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/8 x L 5 1/2 x W 2 in. Weight: 5.6 troy ounces. #BY777

German 800 silver stirrup cup, ca 1910. Plain upward tapering bowl with molded rim; cast mount in form of bull head with thick, matted fur and pointy flexed ears under sharp, oversized alpha horns. Firmly closed mouth and direct stare suggest a hunched-shoulder resolve. Marked. Very good condition with nice patina.

Overall dimensions: H 5 1/2 x D 2 7/8 in. Weight: 7.3 troy ounces. #BZ593

German 800 silver cow creamer, ca 1910. Stocky body, flexed ears, flicked-back tail handle, and hinged and stippled back flap with engraved wreath and applied fly finial. A gentle face with red-glass eyes and gaping-mouth spout. A capacious dispenser on four firmly planted hoofs. German marks and American importer’s mark for Buchholz & Zelt in New York. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 7 1/2 x L 10 x W 3 1/8 in. Weight: 17.5 troy ounces. #BX770

German 800 silver cigarette case, ca 1910. Rectangular and hinged with curved corners. On cover are enameled sin symbols: Women (opera girl), wine (champagne), and gambling (cards and ponies). Three vices – but smoking is not among them. Marks include maker’s stamp (Louis Kuppenheim) and no. 130. Very good condition with intact color.

Dimensions: H 3 1/2 x W 3 1/4 x D 3/8 in. Gross weight: 4.3 troy ounces. #BX884

German Neoclassical silver urn, 18th century. Oval tapering bowl on raised and stepped foot. Cover domed with vasiform finial. Chased imbricated leaf border at bowl bottom; same on cover dome. Visible hammering and handwork. Marked. Good condition.

Dimensions: H 4 3/4 x W 4 1/2 x D 3 in. Weight: 5 troy ounces. #BX291

European Biedermeier silver keepsake casket, ca 1840. Lobed and bombe with hinged and raised cover. Cover top flat and vacant. Chased and engraved clusters of leafing scrolls and flowers. Corner leaf-mounted volute-scroll supports. Engraved on underside: “Souvenir from / Sarine & Isaac”. Marked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 x W 7 x D 6 in. Weight: 12 troy ounces. #BW830

A student of Itaya Hazan, one of the most sought after potters in the world of Japanese art, the ceramicist who crafted this fine vase displays here a high degree of mastery, both in form and glazing technique. For the collector who has always wanted a Hazan but has never been lucky enough to chance upon one, this may be a worthy acquisition. Although much of Inoue’s work is quite different in style to that of Hazan’s, you can find a number of pieces where the influence is unmistakeable—th...

German 800 silver and glass decanter, ca 1910. Flat and round bowl with cylindrical neck. Double-sided acid-etched landscapes with picturesque windmills, bridges, and houses. At bottom 800 silver mount with pierced and chased scrollwork, as well as musicians and colonnade. Silver neck collar. Silver ball stopper with figural finial in form of water carrier; clear glass plug. Marks possibly for Wolf & Knell in Hanau. Good condition with deep patina. Plug sanded down on one side.

Dimensions: H 1...

German silver tea scoop. Imported to England in 1892 by Thomas Glaser. Leaf-form bowl with veins and wispy, irregular tips. Woody stem with coiled tendril mounts. German maker's marks and English sterling-standard import marks including London assay stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x L 4 1/8 x W 1 7/8 in. Weight: 1 troy ounce. #BZ286

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

German 800 silver figural bird bowl, ca 1910. A big beautiful swan with graceful downturned neck terminating in closed and tapering bill. Fan-shaped tail and hinged wings ready to spread for taking flight if the party chat gets too dull. Finely chased and engraved feathering from dense and imbricated to fluffy and plumy, and tucked-up taloned and webbed feet. Capacious hollow body for holding treats or flowers. Marks include maker’s (Friedrich Reusswig) and Munich retailer’s stamp (Rosenau) ...

German 800 cast silver figural bird bowl, ca 1910. Swan with plumy wings and tail, and ringed s-scroll neck with graceful head terminating in long and closed bill. Hollow with gilt-washed interior for holding treats. Fully marked including maker’s stamp (Martin Mayer). Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 5 1/4 x L 6 3/4 x W 4 1/4 in. Weight: 9 troy ounces. #BY011

Large Russian Classical 875 silver bowl, ca 1843. Oval well with engraved armorial and curved and fluted sides with applied scroll and shell armorials (vacant). Rim has applied leaves, scrolls, and scallop shells. Fully marked including Adolf Sper maker’s stamp, St Petersburg city stamp, and Dimitri Tverskoy assay master’s stamp dated 1843. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 3 x W 17 x D 12 5/8 in. Weight: 43.8 troy ounces. #BW874

French 950 silver inkwell on stand, ca 1910. Straight sides with vertically applied strapwork bands; curved bottom and raised foot. Cover hinged and domed with flower-head finial. Gadrooned rims. Interior has engraved curvilinear border and clear-glass liner. Mounted to oval curvilinear stand with ornamental border. Fully marked including maker’s stamp CG. Very good condition.

Overall dimensions: H 5 x W 9 3/8 x D 5 7/8 in. Weight (without glass): 15.5 troy ounces. #BT381

Set of 6 Japanese Meiji silver cast figural knife rests, ca 1910. Each: A horned and taloned dragon with arched back and fan tail. Scaly, scampering serpents for the next dinner party. Unmarked. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 1 x L 2 3/4 x W 5/8 in. Total weight: 5 troy ounces. #BY235

French Belle Epoque Classical 950 silver gravy boat on stand, ca 1910. Boat has ovoid bowl with helmet mouth and raised oval foot with imbricated leaf rim. High-looping and split leaf-mounted handle with armorial engraved in beaded oval frame. Stand oval with open well and four trefoil supports. Both have stippled tubular frames alternating with stylized flower heads. Reeding. Fully marked with Minerva head and maker’s stamp (Alphonse Dutac). Very good condition.

Dimensions: Boat: H 6 x W 8...

Set of 6 Belle Epoque cast 950 silver candlesticks in Louis XVI style, ca 1910. Made by J. Gruhier in France, ca 1910. Each: Spool socket with stepped and detachable bobeche. Tapering paneled shaft with stippled and elongated egg-and-dart; domed foot on octagonal base. Gadrooning and reeding. Substantial and elegant. Fully marked including Minerva head and maker’s stamp. Five have retailer’s stamp for Boin-Taburet, a Paris firm associated with adapting and reproducing historic French wares. ...

Plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver bowl. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Round with curved sides. Well green guilloche enamel. Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). A beautiful piece by Hammer, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 4 1/4 x W 6 1/8 x D 4 in. #BY196

German Neoclassical silver tray, 18th century. Oval with crimped rim. Embossed flower basket in well and garland on shoulder. A naïve representation of modish ornament. Marked. Good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 1/2 x W 10 1/4 x D 7 1/8 in. Weight: 5.5 troy ounces. #BV724

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Round with curved sides. Well guilloche enamel (two red, one blue). Horse bust side handles. Bands of stylized plant and geometric ornament. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. In form of Viking kjenge (ale bowl). Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and history. Fully marked including maker’s stamp. Excellent condition.

Dimensions: H 2 1/2...

Set of 3 plique à jour enamel and gilt 930 silver open salts. Made by Marius Hammer in Norway, ca 1910. Each: Inspired by Viking longboat with dragonhead stempost and tail sternpost, and rim comprising warrior’s shields. Stylized plant and geometric ornament. Well has radiating guilloche enamel; each in different color (blue, red, and purple). Oval form for stealthy gliding. Fine craftsmanship and rich colors. Beautiful pieces by this maker, who contributed to the revival of Norwegian art and...

Chinese-style bowl, ca 1920. Mottled green hardstone urn on silver gilt fretwork base with 4 splayed supports. A pretty ornament that works as an ashtray with silver gilt leaf cradle mounted to rim. Marked “Edward I Farmer / Sterling”. Very good with nice toning. Rim has a few fleabite irregularities.

Overall dimensions: H 3 1/8 x W 2 7/8 x D 2 in. #BV277

Edwardian Classical glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by La Pierre Mfg. Co. in Newark, ca 1910. Faceted cone with scalloped rim; round flat foot with star cut to underside. Overlay in form of garlands threaded through interlaced arches (body) and star (foot); scrolled frame (vacant) also on foot. Marks include maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 1/8 x D 5 in. #BY773

Edwardian Classical glass vase with engraved silver overlay. Made by La Pierre Mfg. Co. in Newark, ca 1910. Faceted cone with scalloped rim; round flat foot with star cut to underside. Overlay in form of garlands threaded through interlaced arches (body) and star (foot); scrolled frame (vacant) also on foot. Marks include maker’s stamp. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 11 1/8 x D 5 in. #BY772

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...

A unique and heavy sterling turquoise squash blossom necklace and earring set by Navajo artisan Hemerson Brown. The silver has been "antiqued" . The necklace measures 23" while the naja measures 2-1/2" x 2-1/2". The earrings (for pierced ears) are 2-1/4" x 1-1/2. Total weight 5.4ozs.

German 800 silver lady’s shoe, ca 1920. Plain sole and low heel, and loose-mounted c-scroll strap. Chased leafing and flowering scrolls on stippled ground. Hanau marks. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 2 5/8 x L 7 3/4 x W 2 3/8 in. Heavy weight: 6.8 troy ounces. #BZ641

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...

Handwoven with delicate precision, this Japanese bamboo ikebana basket showcases the beauty of traditional bamboo weaving and the elegance of classic Chinese design that much of Japanese traditional art is based on. Its sturdy construction and balanced proportions make it perfect for ikebana arrangements, merging floral artistry with cultural aesthetics.

Though little is known about this artisan, I was able to find examples of their work in several high-end Japanese g...

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

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

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...

Occasionally while browsing through the temple markets of Kyoto or perusing backstreets tea-ware shops, an attractive piece will catch my eye for no particular reason. When this happens, I typically buy it immediately without hesitation, trusting that I will be able to place it to a specific period or kiln given enough time and research. In some cases however, this proves to be a fruitless task and I am left only to appreciate the beauty and form of the object without having access to too many d...

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

First presented at the Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition, this fine mizusashi crafted with extraordinary precision is a testament to the generational knowledge, skill, and dedication of one of Japan’s top traditional craftsman. Its tapered polished sides have a beautiful texture and luster that compliment perfectly with the hand-crafted custom lid adorning the top. Truly an exceptional artwork fused with the aesthetics of tea culture that gives it a sense of stability, calm, a...

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.

Unlike many of the pieces in the genre of Kyo-ware, this tea bowl is decidedly demure in appearance. Milky, flowing glaze pools in places along a backdrop of ivory and coral pink sides, contrasting nicely with the rough, unrefined clay of the base. In the center of the kodai is a decorative swirl pattern reminiscent of the yin and yang.

The potter, Kanpu Kawanabe (1873 - 1947) was born into a family of weavers but went on to be trained in many of the arts related to tea ceremony. A...

When the founder of the Urasenke style of tea ceremony, Sen-So Soshitsu (1622 -1697) was invited to Kanazawa as the master of tea ceremony for the powerful Kaga lords in 1666, the first Chōzaemon came with him and established Ōhi-yaki in Kanazawa. Chōzaemon had been the chief apprentice to the Raku family in Kyoto and took with him many of the principles and ideas associated with Raku-ware. Since those auspicious beginnings, Ōhi-ware has held a high place in the world of tea cere...

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...

Pair of German silver wedding cups. Imported to England by Martin Sugar in 1891. Each: Snug-fitting bodice and raised arms holding aloft scrolled brackets with swing-mounted double-domed bowl. Larger bowl in form of skirt. Chased and engraved strapwork and leafing scrolls. On back is a Green Man between conch-blowing cherubs. One in form of bosomy woman with crown. The other in form of hirsute man with wreath.

Hanau maker’s stamp (Neresheimer) and English sterling standard import marks with ...

Japanese silver box, ca 1890. Rectangular with straight sides and hinged cover. On cover top and box sides are chased and engraved iris flowers and tendrils in eddying water. Stippled ground. Box and cover interior lined with stained wood. Open bottom. Meiji-era Art Nouveau for the cosmopolitan West. Appears to be unmarked. Very good condition with deep patina.

Dimensions: H 3 x W 6 3/4 x D 3 5/8 in. Gross weight: 15 troy ounces. #BX248

Charming rectangular Shakudo brooch with gold and silver detail featuring a laughing man. The brooch is braced by a 12K gold mount. Made in Japan. Meiji era, ca. 1880. Excellent condition with fine patina.

Dimensions: H 7/8 x L 1 7/8 in. #1119

A mesmerizing piece of ceramic art, this exquisite tenmoku tea bowl embodies the rich traditions of Japanese craftsmanship that are inspired by over a millennia of Chinese artistry. With its distinctive deep red glaze, reminiscent of brilliant sunsets, red chili peppers, and festival colors; its presence creates an enchanting visual allure. The bowl's form is elegantly simple, with a gently flared rim that invites contemplation. Crafted with precision and care, this piece reflects th...

With an uncanny ability to emulate features of the natural environment, the creator of this sake vessel,Tsujimura Yui, is one of Japan’s most skilled potters working in the field today. With a breathtaking ash glaze that appears half planned and half left to the dictates of the kiln, we can see a number of textures and colors that one might encounter in a Zen garden or while hiking along a mountain brook. The front of the vessel is adorned with an “enso,” however, unlike the tr...

Splashed across a beautifully textured backdrop of shimmering black, the willow leaves painted in silver bring with them a sense of calm and contemplation. Generously proportioned though not too heavy in the hand, the wide base ensures stability while the upward curvature of the sides breaks with convention and offers a unique and decidedly modern flair.

Born in Kyoto as the 4th son of a famous lacquer artist named Shogo, Banura Shiro (1941-2001) followed suit and went i...

Tokoname pottery has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originating in the town of Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, this pottery tradition has flourished due to the region's abundant red clay deposits. The history of Tokoname pottery can be traced to the 12th century when the art form was greatly influenced by Chinese ceramics, specifically, by the Yixing clay pottery tradition. Over the centuries, Tokoname pottery evolved to develop its unique style characteri...

Gorgeous Titania glass vase by historic maker Loetz with engraved silver overlay, ca 1900. Upward tapering sides with gently flared mouth. Sides concave and corners chamfered. Overlay in form of vertical leafing scrollwork mounted at corners and joined on sides by double arches. Glass is mottled and iridescent white shading to green with exposed patches of the solid cobalt blue interior. Very good condition.

Dimensions: H 8 1/8 x W 3 3/4 x D 3 3/4 in. #BZ193

An example of some of the finest porcelain modern Japan has to offer. According to Wakao Kei, the artist who crafted this piece, it took him years of trial and error to perfect these stunning translucent glazes and associated techniques such as getting the right flowing consistency and pooling effect around the base. The unglazed portions at the foot of the bowl seen here in pictures was created by the artist's fingers as he plunged the vessel into the glaze while holding firmly to the porcelain...

This scroll contains a sutra written as [寿至蓬莱不老僊], pronounced in Japanese as “Jyu-Ita-Hōrai-Furō-Sen.” Originating from Chinese, the characters “蓬莱” refer to the mythical land of “Penglai,” home to the immortals. According to legend the trees that grow here cure all disease; there are rice bowls and flasks of wine that never go empty; and its great castles are built entirely out of gold and silver.

The brushwork is done by a Rinzai sect m...

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and showcasing a soft and gracefully executed red glaze, this Raku tea bowl exudes a sense of ease, tenderness, and tranquility. Adorned with subtle crackling patterns and variations in texture, the tea bowl's surface adds to its unique and organic feel. Made by one of the true veterans of Japanese pottery, these are some of the finest Raku tea bowls you will find in all of Japan.

Sugimoto (b. 1935) is one of the most important...

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...