Amethyst Metalwork

An exceptional and large antique Middle Eastern regal gem set silver intaglio collectors seal ring dating from circa 1900. This large and heavy man’s ring is handcrafted with wonderf...

PRESENTING a GORGEOUS, VERY HIGH QUALITY and EXTREMELY RARE piece of Japanese Meiji Period Sterling Silver 2 Handled Basket by Katsu Miyamoto. EXQUISITE, EXCEPTIONAL, RARE & IMPORTANT! This is definitely a Meiji Period piece due to the fact that it is marked with the sterling silver mark “jungin”. The Meiji period was from 1868 to 1912 and in 1928 a law was introduced in Japan compelling the use of decimal marks for silver. This pre-dates that decimalization law. We are of the opinion that it is from circa 1900. Miyamoto Shoko was founded in 1880 as the first silverware specialty shop. In 1899, Miyamoto Shoko’s silverwares were ordered by the family members of the Emperor of Japan, and to this day, they are making fine and graceful handicrafts with skillful craftsmen. Loved by numerous customers since the Meiji era, Miyamoto Shoko’s products have also been given to Princess Mako and Princess Kako of Akishino, as well as Princess Aiko Toshinomiya, on their birthdays. Katsu Miyamoto (宮本勝), in 1880, in order to increase the sales of tobacco and cigarettes to foreigners founded the Moyamoto Shoko company, which produced different silverwares in general and particularly silver cigarette cases. Miyamoto’s first name, Katsu (勝) in some sources is written as “Masaru”, since 勝 kanji can be pronounced in both ways. This basket is of the HIGHEST QUALITY imaginable! The top of the basket has the MOST GORGEOUS repousse work of flowers, probably lotus flowers, with leaves and foliage. It has an underlying chevron effect chasing, reflecting parquetry. The 2 handles are cast in the form of bamboo handles. The rim of the top likewise is cast as bamboo. The base is equally stunning in a different way! It is chased with a chevron effect, like parquetry flooring and the four feet simulate pieces of sliced bamboo with an interlinking gallery of support columns, likewise, simulating bamboo. The QUALITY of WORKMANSHIP is OUTSTANDING! The pieces weighs exactly 525 grams. This piece takes my breath away! This is one for the SERIOUS COLLECTOR of EXQUISITE AND RARE Japanese silver. You will not find another like it, for sale ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD …… I know as I have searched! Provenance: Acquired from a Dallas Private Collector. Dimensions: 9.6 inches wide, 7.6 inches deep and 2.75 inches tall ( 7.25 inches tall with handles up) Condition: Very good. It looks like the base 4 legged gallery, has been repaired/re-attached to the base, but otherwise it is excellent and of Museum quality. The Meiji period (明治時代 Meiji-jidai?), also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from October 23, 1868 through July 30, 1912.[1] This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan during which Japanese society moved from being an isolated feudal society to its modern form. Fundamental changes affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded with the reign of Emperor Meiji after 1868, and lasted until his death in 1912. It was succeeded by the Taishō period upon the accession of Emperor Taishō to the throne. Solid silver pieces...

A fine & rare antique 19th Century Ottoman Tombak (Gilt Copper) Nargile or Hookah pipe, Turkey, circa 1850. A nagile or hookah pipe's history dates back...

A sublime Chinese carved boxwood figure of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, called Guanyin in Chinese, mid-Qing dynasty. The an...

Silver gold gilt Persian bib necklace with turquoise Middle Eastern Antiques A Highly detailed gold gilt metal Persian bib necklace influenced by the ancient style with turquoise and...

Fine Qing Dynasty Chinese Silver Dragon Box – Late 19th Century Description: An exquisite antique Chinese silver box from the late Qing Dynasty, sho...

Vintage Ethnic Himalayan Turquoise Coral Necklace A beautiful necklace of Tibetan Turquoise beads interspersed with natural red coral and silver beads with silver clasp Period 2nd ...

Inspired by a scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita. Antique Indian Temple Toy bronze camel on wheels. Antique hindu bronze temple camel with rider statue toy on wheels. Commonly known as "Temple Toys...

This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains of Southeast China, Laos, Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Hmong people are known for...

A good antique bronze temple horse on wheels toy originating from Jhansi City in Bundelkhand in Northern India and dating from the 19th century. The Hindu region of Bundelkhand is we...

Large Chinese Cloisonne enamel bowl, Qing Dynasty Exceptional and finely decorated Chinese cloisonne punch bowl with gilt metal foot and rim. The bowl has slightly flaring sides ...

A good, large, antique Chinese Qing dynasty bronze and cloisonne censer, circa 1900. The lidded censer having a Chinese lion (Shi) to the lid, the...