Dear Friends
Welcome to our September newsletter, it’s already beginning to look and feel somewhat autumnal, what with the passing of the final bank holiday of the year and early signs of decaying foliage. There seems little doubt that what were once rigid seasonal events are now rather more uncertain, in the UK we have apparently witnessed the hottest summer on record, it doesn’t feel that way to me. As a child I fondly remember 1976, now that was a proper heatwave, we were swimming in the sea after school on March 1st that year, the summer seemed to last forever. Interestingly, I do not recall endless government health or severe weather warnings, we just had fun and somehow survived to tell the tale😊 Perhaps today’s readings are based on more accurate longer-term measurements, or perhaps our lives are being orchestrated for us. Conversely, I did read last week that the arctic ice is melting at its slowest rate in over 20 years, in fact hardly moving at all, which can only be good news, if true.
On a business front, August unexpectedly delivered up a handful of very meaningful sales, once again to overseas clients purchasing higher end mixed metalworks in outstanding condition. If you recall back in the spring I purchased this super quality parcel gilded bronze vase that originally stemmed from a UK gentleman’s collection. It has now been acquired by a returning USA based client.
Another most welcome sale in August were the two very fine shibuichi and mixed metal vases, each individually artist signed and sealed by the Ozeki company. Remarkably both vases retained their original protective silk pouches as well as their original hardwood stands and tomobako. These rather special vases were sourced direct from a Japanese collection and now find their way to a valuable European client.
Thank you to these returning clients for once again placing their trust with me.
The battle now is to replace items of this quality and condition at a price that renders them commercially viable for collectors, whilst leaving a fair profit margin to work within. I have to say I have never witnessed such a shortage of high-quality pieces coming to market, the best of the best is drying up like never before, or so it seems.
In what is an easy to access worldwide online marketplace, you can readily buy as many ordinary commercial type wares as you like, and at attractive price points. However, the moment something exceptional comes onto the open market it proves very difficult to own, but for passionate dealers and collectors that is where the fun begins, these are the pieces we truly covet.
“There is no doubting the appetite for the finest Meiji period artworks remains as strong today as ever before.”
As often I quote, “Less is More” and today that soundbite has never been more relevant. History records that a few well-chosen pieces, usually acquired over time and from reputable trusted sources, will always outshine a hastily gathered collection of lesser objects. Always!!!
And so, as we approach autumn, the Asian Art London series of sales and exhibitions come into focus. Sadly, following Bonhams Japanese department closure there is no longer a specific Japanese works of art sale at any of the major London auction rooms. Thankfully, a few of the provincial salerooms still have the passion and desire to promote this most important genre of artworks, long may that continue.
During this period, I really look forward to exhibiting a hand-picked selection of works by leading Meiji period artists as part of my 2025 exhibition catalogue. As stated, it has proved more of a challenge than ever before to source and curate these artworks. I remain ever confident that this year’s collection will be well received by my worldwide database of Japanese art enthusiasts, who as always, will be first to initially view the exhibition pdf. Launch date to follow soon!!!
I wanted to highlight this gorgeous little cloisonne tray which I accidentally posted online during August. This diminutive tray most unusually features flattened gold wire work within the main subject. Although artist signed, it is proving difficult to pinpoint the exact artist who executed this fine example of Meiji period enamel.
Please click the link for further details.
For this month’s featured items, I invite you to view a small but important catalogue of bronze objects that formed part of one man’s vision for a Japanese garden. This one owner collection came to market for the first time since it was personally sourced and curated by Dr Carl Duisberg (1861-1935) during his travels in the early 20th century. I hope that you enjoy looking at what is clearly a unique collection with a very interesting provenance, all now available in our gallery for immediate delivery to your home.
And finally, undoubtedly the finest market fresh recent arrival was my daughters first son & my grandson, Louie Michael, weighing in at a healthy 8lb 12 oz, arriving on July 31st, yep, that’s another July birthday in the family, but what a welcome addition!!
Best wishes
Steve