Dear Friends
Welcome to my May newsletter.
I am pleased to have found some time in the garden recently to remedy the ongoing storm damage to our line of red robin standards, at just about 10 feet high they are struggling to cope with the strong south westerly winds coming in from the sea, sadly we had lost two more and so it was decided enough was enough. I built a sleeper type bed, filled it with ericaceous soil and planted three Camellia Japonica shrubs. Whilst we won’t see the full beauty until next spring I’m happy with the result, more Japanese theme shrubs… who’d have thought?
As the years events begin to gather momentum and the diary starts to fill, it is now time for me to make some final plans in terms of this year’s exhibition, will it be physical or online was my dilemma. To be honest, with all the uncertainty in the world it is so easy to allow yourself to be dragged into a negative way of thinking, in fact this year like never before I have probably been a shade more indecisive than usual, more so because I didn’t want to go to work without the correct tools in my toolbox, if you follow my logic.
Following on from my most successful exhibition at Masterpiece, and its subsequent sad demise I have not exhibited at a physical event, I have been invited to exhibit at one or two of the few remaining major London fairs being staged this year, however, after much deliberation I have resisted temptation. I am now able to fully concentrate on the production of my 2024 Autumn exhibition catalogue, once again being launched to coincide with Asian Art London, I am really enjoying further researching and curating the pieces, naturally you will be the first to see the online publication prior to launch.
I have been very fortunate to be afforded the opportunity of buying some wonderful market fresh pieces from private collections around the globe, including enamels and mixed metal from Japan and Europe as well as a fine selection of Satsuma from both the USA and the UK. The draft catalogue is coming together slowly… we cannot rush these things. I am really excited with some of my finds and look forward to sharing these exclusively with you later in the year.
Whilst on the subject of Satsuma I was delighted to hear from an American collector of Japanese ceramics who has found a space in his rather magnificent display for our gorgeous quality bowl by Matsumoto Hozan. I was equally thrilled to receive his feedback…
“Hi Steve, I just wanted to let you know that I received the bowl today. Thanks to your superb packing the bowl arrived here safe and sound. I’m super HAPPY with my purchase and can’t thank you enough for everything. The bowl will make a great addition to my collection. I have to say, seeing and holding the bowl in person is so impressive and the bowl is truly a work of art”.
Another item finding its way to a new UK based client was this rather impressive Huge O-Tanto Wakizashi that featured in my Masterpiece catalogue, as with all the best pieces it was only a matter of time until we found a discerning client that appreciated this magnificent quality work of art.
My sincere thanks to both clients for their valued custom and inspirational feedback.
I wish to thank those of you that supported my initiative to raise funds for the RSPCA. Whilst only a modest sum, every penny counts. I am pleased to report that I was able to post a cheque for £150 to this very important charity. I will consider further initiatives as the year progresses. Thank you once again for your valuable support.
For this month’s exclusive featured item, I am delighted to offer this rather gorgeous gold lacquer Ju-Kobako (stacking cosmetic box) manufactured in the Meiji period. This box has just arrived from the same USA collection as some of our proposed exhibition items, it will make a great addition to your Japanese works of art collection or equally a very special gift to a loved one. Don’t miss it!!
Best wishes
Steve