Dear Friends
Welcome to our April newsletter.
Its officially April fool’s day, however, when you look at the foolish and reckless actions of certain world leaders and politicians, it leads me to the conclusion that we don’t actually need a special day for them to perform some of their pantomime antics.
Back to business, I was somewhat shocked to see an article recently released by the BADA – British Antiques Dealers’ Association, an association I am proud to be a member of, in which they stated that UK art exports to the USA had decreased by around 46% since President Trump adopted his global tariffs, that is a staggering number considering the size of this particular market. I know first hand how valuable the USA market is to me, and I am a tiny representation of the entire trade.
NO JOKE – SSJA ANNOUNCES TARIFF FREE TRADE TO THE USA.
Whilst I continue to sell to a handful of USA based friends and clients collecting metalwares and enamels usually at the higher price points, I do feel it is vitally important to embrace and continue to encourage the numerous US collectors that have likely found these punitive tariffs “a bridge too far”. For instance, take the many US based Satsuma and ceramic collectors, where a 10-15% levy naturally makes quite a difference on the cost of items that generally have a relatively standardised market value, with some exceptions of course.
With this in mind, I wish to announce that from today I will include free fully insured shipping, a certificate of authenticity as well as Tariff free travel for all items in the under £10,000 price range, hopefully encouraging our valued customers to return to their passion of collecting fine Satsuma and ceramic items, or indeed anything that takes their fancy. All items above this price range will also receive a Tariff subsidy on a bespoke basis… every little helps, as the saying goes.
Whilst on the subject of ceramics and in this instance Satsuma, I was delighted to find an overseas client for this most unusual porcelain panel painted in Tokyo by a little known Satsuma artist.
There seems little doubt that the recent significant spike in the precious metal markets, now somewhat quelled since war in the Middle East, has had a knock-on effect in the fine art market for pieces manufactured from silver or gold.
A savvy UK collector could not resist our 18ct gold cigarette case carved by the luminary artist Unno Shomin (1844-1915), the gold content alone made this a very solid investment, let alone the pieces artistic significance and scarcity.
Our most beautiful pure silver and mixed metal vase depicting Manchurian cranes, found a new home with a long-standing European client.
Sincere thanks to both new and existing clients for their valued patronage.
This month’s exclusive featured item is this most charming bronze okimono group depicting an adult bear teaching its cub the art of salmon fishing, the okimono fully signed by the highly regarded and well recorded artist Kaniya Kuniharu.
And finally, how many men does it take to launch a boat?
Following exhaustive preparation and fastidious attention to detail by Ryan and his team at EngineTek Marine, I was pleased to see our new “holiday home at sea” finally launched just in time for the Easter holidays. Really looking forward to cruising the channel whilst making some long-lasting memories for the grandchildren in what is a most beautiful environment… now, where did I put those waterproof jackets 😊
Best wishes
Steve