Dear Friends
Welcome to our February newsletter.
Much of last month’s news has been building up to events across the pond with the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President for the second time around, and by coincidence some tentative signs of peace in the Middle East at long last. Meanwhile here in sleepy Dorset much of my business has been concentrated in the UK, which is quite a rare occurrence in recent times, but most welcome, nonetheless.
On the first morning of the first day of 2025 I turned on my computer to find a sales order and online payment for the delightful lidded box that featured in my January newsletter, this time to a UK based collector who just happens to love shibuichi panels, especially with scenes of birds.
Now, if that doesn’t give me inspiration to continue in this vein then nothing ever will, my sincere thanks to that client for getting the next 364 days off to a flying start, quite literally 😊
Another UK based collector also concluded a transaction with me in the first hours of the new year, this time on the stunning condition Satsuma vase by Seikozan, an item that had featured at plate 13 of our Autumn 2024 exhibition catalogue. The gentleman concerned took the trouble to write to me upon safe receipt, I have his permission to share his very rewarding feedback.
“Good morning, Steve,
Just to let you know I’ve finally taken delivery of my parcel from Royal Mail and am absolutely delighted with the contents. The Seikozan vase more than lives up to your description and photos and looks simply stunning in every respect and from every angle. Be assured it will be much treasured and admired and will be safely housed in a glass-fronted cabinet.
Also, many thanks for my copies of your autumn catalogue and your latest Newsletter – both make for interesting reading and stimulate my interest and imagination.
I’m really glad I contacted you just a week ago today, and I complement you on the courteous, professional and efficient manner in which you have dealt with my enquiry. My very best wishes for 2025.”
Thank you to that gentleman for taking the “leap of faith” on what was a meaningful ceramic purchase, I am so glad that you will continue to cherish that super condition vase.
The balancing bronze elephant on stand by Genryusai Seiya, has been sold to a local Jewellery business as an interesting display prop for their clients to enjoy as they are awaiting repairs, valuations or just considering their purchases, what a great idea, who doesn’t love an elephant, thank you for the business guys.
Finally for UK sales, a gentleman made a kind and respectful offer on our charming bronze okimono turtle group, it was a bit close to the bone, however a deal was agreed as I felt the time was right to find these little guys a new home, once again, thank you for the purchase and the positive feedback upon safe receipt.
We are always happy to listen to respectful offers, particularly on items that may have been in the online gallery for a while longer than anticipated. There is no rhyme or reason to this business and quite frankly nothing surprises me anymore.
I can buy an absolute gem at what would be considered great value and price it as such, then typically it can sit for months without an enquiry. Conversely, I can pay what I consider to be almost every pound for an item that I will fight tooth and nail to own, lo and behold, it sells to the first person who sees it, and so to a point my perceived valuation goes out of the window.
If it is simply the very best of its type it always finds a new home, always. You know my oft quoted adage “less is more” it has never been so relevant as with today’s discerning clients, my advice as always is to continue to buy the best you can afford, as opposed to a collection of mediocre shelf fillers.
“You simply cannot put a finite price on ownership of some of the greatest artworks ever produced by man”
I was pleased mid-month to finally accept delivery of a consignment of pieces from an eminent Australian collection, the container literally squeezed into my garage, and at 127kg was not for shifting until empty. I thoroughly enjoyed the unpacking and sorting process, it was Christmas and birthday time for me. There are two or three outstanding pieces reserved for the proposed Autumn catalogue, as well as some lovely objects to list online for those members looking for a special item today, or in the months ahead.
This month’s exclusive featured item, from that important collection, is the large and finely potted Satsuma elephant okimono, vibrantly decorated in the Imperial enamels of the late 19th century period, artist signed and bearing the seal of Kizan.
For further information simply click the image above.
Finally for now, I am pleased to report that Teddy is still enjoying his Christmas present, the poor reindeer may have just about survived January, mad dog!!
Best wishes
Steve