World leading expert seeks exceptional Japanese works of art from distinguished private collections

I welcome confidential enquiries from owners considering the sale of exceptional Japanese works of art, with a particular interest in the finest artworks of the Meiji period, 1868–1912.

My attention is drawn to objects of outstanding artistic merit: a remarkable example by an acknowledged master, an important work with a traceable provenance, or a carefully assembled collection.

Whether you wish to discuss a single treasured possession or a substantial private collection, I offer a personal approach informed by decades of handling, collecting and dealing in Japanese art.

To discuss a possible sale, please send photographs and any accompanying history to steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com, or use the enquiry form below. Initial assessments for works offered for sale are free and without obligation.

A specialist eye for the finest Japanese art

An exceptional work deserves an assessment that looks closely at what sets it apart.

The quality of the composition, the assurance of the workmanship, the handling of materials and the survival of original detail all warrant careful attention. Signatures, inscriptions, provenance and accompanying documentation provide further context.

My particular passion is the extraordinary artistry of Meiji period metalwork. My expertise also encompasses fine Japanese bronzes , cloisonné enamels, ceramics, lacquer and Shibayama work. 

I am especially keen to hear from owners of works that have remained in private hands for many years, including objects with early invoices, exhibition records, historic photographs or original Japanese tomobako.

Japanese works of art I am interested in buying

Exceptional metalwork and bronze sculpture

Fine Japanese metalwork lies at the heart of my collecting and dealing interests.

I welcome enquiries concerning outstanding works in bronze, silver, iron and mixed metals, including sculptural okimono, incense burners, presentation pieces, vases and finely worked boxes.

Works by masters represented in my current and previous collections include Unno Shomin, Jomi Eisuke, Kajima Ikkoku and Kaniya Kuniharu. My archive also includes pieces by the Komai Company of Kyoto and Suzuki Chokichi of the Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha.

Above all, I am interested in the very finest objects produced during the Meiji Period. 

Fine Japanese cloisonné enamels

I welcome the opportunity to consider exceptional Japanese cloisonné, particularly works of the quality associated with Namikawa Yasuyuki, Namikawa Sosuke and Hayashi Kodenji.

Subtle colour, accomplished wirework and the relationship between decoration and form reward close examination. For owners considering a sale, photographs of the entire object, its base and any accompanying documentation provide a useful starting point.

Distinguished ceramics, lacquer and Shibayama

My interests extend to outstanding Japanese ceramics, including fine Satsuma and works by artists such as Yabu Meizan and Makuzu Kozan, alongside exceptional lacquer and Shibayama objects.

An individual masterpiece is always of interest, whether it forms part of a specialist collection or has been treasured within a family for generations.

Selling an important private collection

A collection assembled with pride deserves a considered conversation about its future.

I have purchased both complete collections and selected groups of works, including a collection numbering more than one hundred pieces. I understand that the decision to sell may follow many years of collecting, a change in direction or the inheritance of objects with considerable personal significance.

Please contact me if you are considering the sale of an entire collection, a particular collecting category or a small number of exceptional pieces.

An initial overview, supported by representative photographs and any existing inventory, will help us begin that discussion. All enquiries are treated confidentially.

Experience reflected in the works handled

My business has developed through a lifelong involvement with antiques and a sustained commitment to fine Japanese art. Over the years, I have acquired important private collections and placed many works with leading collectors and museums.

My online gallery, archive and exhibition publications offer an introduction to the objects that inspire me.

These include a Namikawa Yasuyuki enamel vase with Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum provenance; an important shakudō and gold box by Unno Shomin; and an Imperial presentation mixed-metal vase formerly in the same Kyoto museum.

For an owner considering a sale, these examples provide a useful indication of the quality, scholarship and collecting histories that particularly interest me.

A personal and confidential route to sale

The process begins with a direct conversation about your work or collection.

Please provide clear photographs, approximate dimensions and any information you hold about the artist, acquisition history or previous ownership. Where available, include images of signatures, seals, inscriptions, labels and accompanying boxes.

Following an initial review, we can discuss whether further photographs, research or examination are required.

Where I wish to acquire a work, I will discuss a direct purchase with you. Assessments for a possible sale are free and without obligation, with no seller’s commission charged for a direct purchase. Payment is made by bank transfer in accordance with the agreed arrangements.

Formal Japanese art valuations

I also welcome enquiries about written valuations for insurance, probate and other purposes, where the objects fall within my expertise.

Please explain the purpose of the valuation at the outset so that we can discuss the appropriate scope, documentation and fee.

Considering the sale of an exceptional Japanese work of art?

I would be delighted to hear from you.

Email: steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com
Telephone: +44 (0)7774 635918

I am regularly asked to provide valuations on individual items or indeed entire collections, both formally and informally. Valuations can of course be required for varying reasons including sale of goods, insurance, probate, family disputes etc, and providing the works of art fall within the scope of my expertise I would be delighted to discuss your requirements.

Goods offered for sale will be valued on a fair open market basis with my intention to pay immediately by way of bank transfer upon safe receipt, naturally this valuation service comes free of charge and without obligation.

Formal written valuations for any of the other reasons set out above will carry a nominal administration charge of 1% ( minimum £30 plus vat) and will arrive hand signed by myself on company headed paper. At all times client confidentiality is absolutely assured.

Visit my Google reviews page for further reassurance of how your genuine sales enquiries will be handled.

Frequently asked questions about selling Japanese art

Do you buy important Japanese works of art directly from private owners?

Yes. I welcome direct approaches from private owners considering the sale of exceptional Japanese works of art. My particular interest is in the finest Meiji-period objects, including outstanding metalwork, bronze sculpture, cloisonné enamels, ceramics, lacquer and Shibayama. Please send photographs and any known history so that I can consider the work.

Do you purchase entire Japanese art collections?

Yes. I consider complete private collections as well as selected groups and individual works. I have previously purchased collections numbering more than one hundred pieces. For an initial discussion, please send an overview of the collection, representative photographs and an inventory if one is available.

Which Japanese artists and makers are of particular interest?

My current stock and archive reflect an interest in masters including Unno Shomin, Namikawa Yasuyuki, Jomi Eisuke II, Kaniya Kuniharu, Yabu Meizan and Makuzu Kozan, together with distinguished workshops such as the Komai Company of Kyoto and Suzuki Chokichi of the  Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha. These names are a useful guide to my interests but many others exist and each work is considered on its own merits.

Are you interested in Japanese art with museum or distinguished collection provenance?

Yes. A documented history involving a museum, an important private collection, an exhibition or a scholarly publication is of particular interest. Please include catalogue references, collection labels, invoices and related correspondence where available. Such material helps establish the object’s history and provides context for its assessment.

Can I offer a work that has never appeared at auction?

Yes. I welcome enquiries about works that have remained in private ownership, including objects passed down through a family. Previous auction appearances are not a prerequisite for consideration. In fact market fresh works will command a premium price in most instances. Please share whatever you know about when, where and by whom the work was acquired.

Can you assess an unsigned Japanese work of art?

You are welcome to submit an unsigned work for consideration. An initial review will consider its apparent quality, materials, construction and any supporting history. A signature is just one part of an assessment; photographs alone may not be sufficient to establish an attribution but we can reach a final opinion as to quality and value.

What photographs should I send for a Japanese art valuation?

Please begin with clear photographs of the complete object from several angles, together with its base and any signature, seal or inscription. Include approximate dimensions and close views of any damage or restoration. Photographs of accompanying boxes, labels and documents are also helpful. For a collection, an overall view and representative individual images provide a useful introduction.

Should I include the original Japanese box and old paperwork?

Yes. Please include photographs of any accompanying tomobako, including inscriptions on the lid and its underside, together with old invoices, catalogue entries, exhibition labels or correspondence. These materials may help clarify the work’s attribution, ownership history or previous identification.

Can I sell an inherited Japanese art collection?

Yes. I welcome enquiries from owners who have inherited individual Japanese works of art or a collection. You do not need to identify every object before making contact. Begin with photographs and any available family history, inventory or valuation, and explain whether you are considering a sale or require a formal written valuation.

Can collectors outside the United Kingdom contact you about selling?

Yes. Enquiries from overseas owners are most welcome. Please include the location of the work or collection with your photographs and supporting information. If an acquisition is of interest, the arrangements for examination, transport and any applicable requirements can be discussed before proceeding.

Will my enquiry and collection details remain confidential?

Yes. Enquiries about valuations and potential sales are treated confidentially. If discretion is particularly important, please explain your preferences when making contact so that these can be discussed from the outset.

Is a valuation for a possible sale free?

Yes. An assessment of a work offered for sale is free and without obligation. Formal written valuations for insurance, probate or other purposes are a separate service and carry a fee. Please state the purpose of your enquiry when you contact me.

Is a private purchase offer the same as an insurance valuation?

No, they serve different purposes. A purchase offer sets out the amount I am prepared to pay to acquire a work. A formal insurance valuation is prepared for its stated purpose and is often higher. Please explain what you require so that the appropriate service and basis of assessment can be discussed.

Do I pay seller’s commission if you buy my Japanese art?

No seller’s commission is charged for a direct purchase. If I wish to acquire your work, we will discuss the purchase price and the arrangements for examination, delivery and payment before proceeding.

How do I begin a confidential discussion about selling?

Email steve@steveslyjapaneseart.com or use the enquiry form on this page. Include photographs, approximate dimensions, the location of the work and any known provenance. Please indicate whether your enquiry concerns a single object, selected works or an entire collection.