Gold decanter set comprised of decanter, six cups and a tray. All covered in gold inside and out with handpainted scenes on each item in center of the item. Only mark on the pieces is a gold crown with Le Mieux China - 24 Karat Gold written on bottom.

This is a oil painting by Tamanaha Seichiki, painted in 1953. Tamanaha Seichiki was a member of an artists colony on Okinawa -- the Okinawan artists of the Nishimui Artists Society. I believe this painting was a study done in preparation for a larger painting done by Tamanaha in 1954, titled Portrait of Old Mother. I was able to view that painting on a website about the arts of Okinawa. I am quite certain the woman sitting for that painting is the very same in the painting that I own. The painting is done in an impressionistic style with very thick paint. There are areas on the surface of the paint where it has cracked and there are 2-3 small places where the canvas has been "bumped" and there is additional cracking to the paint in those areas (in the background and on her robe). There are no holes or rips in the canvas. Right now at UC Berkeley there is an exhibition of these artists, and I learned more about this group of artists from their show information. I am having a very difficult time finding out what my painting might be worth. I believe it is an important piece of Okinawan history. Thank you for any help you can give me.

Front cover was bent in half longways once but is now flat with an obvious crease line. Front blank page was torn out but copyright page is intact and all pages are in excellent condition.

These ashtrays have been in my family since I can remember and have never been used as they have always been on display.  I would like to know if they are of any real value.