Dear Friends
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026, may I once again take this opportunity to wish every one of our subscribers a happy and healthy new year.
The lull between Christmas and new year is generally a time for quiet reflection and offers us a window to consider the future or make resolutions for the year ahead. Well, my focus remains as clear as ever, that is to continue to source and offer the finest Japanese Meiji Period artworks that I am fortunate enough to unearth during my seemingly endless worldwide search. After all, this isn’t just my job, it is my hobby, my passion, in fact it’s my life.
I have previously likened the finest Japanese metalwork to a drug, a kind of legal high that you simply cannot get enough of, the very best items get “right under your skin”, and they never really leave you. I fondly recall such masterpieces as the cannon shaped vases by Yoshizane, son of the great Shoami Katsuyoshi, now residing in a Japanese museum collection. The mind blowing quality crab okimono by Yamada Motonobu, again returned to Japan. Both the Unno Shomin box and the Takachika silver Hawk koro are now resting in a very special USA collection. Who could forget the sensational Kajima Ikkoku vase now also in a USA collection, and last but not least, the incredibly rare Chokichi Squirrel Jardiniere safely nestled in a seriously good UK collection. It was so difficult to pick just a few of the very special pieces, that whilst gone, have never actually left me, if you follow. And so, remains the challenge to unearth the next masterpieces.
Last months featured item, the silver and mixed metal trinket box was instantly snapped up by a young UK based collector turned dealer, eager to learn more about Japanese Meiji Period artworks, thank you to that client for his continued business.
The Gilded Mistress: A Confession of Obsession, Love, Rivalry, and the Art of Collecting
How Collecting Meiji Art Taught Me About Time, Beauty, and the Stories We Leave Behind
During December I unexpectedly received a link to an article written by a valued friend and long-standing Satsuma and Meiji Period Ceramic collector, based in the USA. Dr Afshine Emrani or Ash to his friends. In fact, I would go as far as to say Ash is possibly the world’s leading collector of Satsuma and ceramic wares, whose outstanding collection I am privileged to have played a small part in developing.
It’s a lengthy, thought provoking incredibly well written article, that I think succinctly sums up why we do what we do, whether as collectors or dealers this article is sure to resonate with you. I particularly love the soundbite that refers to Meiji Period artworks as… “Anchors of quality in a sea of mediocrity”
Do please take the time to read it by simply clicking the link
Focussing on Ash’s obvious passion for Satsuma leads me to this month’s featured item. This exceptionally fine and large Satsuma bowl has resided in a private collection since the year 2000, when it was acquired by the last custodians at Christies London.
I am delighted to offer this fine example as our first exclusive offer of 2026. I do hope that Dr Emrani’s most engaging article further inspires you to consider becoming the next custodian of this lavish piece.
NB: Apologies for my poor photos, Pro images available following the next photo shoot.
And finally:
We had a new face at home on Christmas day, the arrival of grandson Louie for his first ever Christmas dinner was without doubt one of the highlights of the day, the other less well received highlight was Teddy boy destroying his Christmas gift within minutes of receiving it.
Best wishes
Steve