Dear Friends
Welcome to our May newsletter.
Following on from the April newsletter we did indeed manage to spend some of the Easter period in the marina, in typical UK fashion the bank holiday was pretty much a washout just as predicted. However, throughout the month we did get a few days at sea where we certainly blew away the winter cobwebs, the boat passed its rigorous post service checks with flying colours, literally!
We returned late one evening to a most gorgeous sunset and with Ted anxious to get onto a firmer footing.
Continuing last month’s theme of precious metal objects, we were delighted to find a new home for the large silver Imperial koro artist signed Tsukada Shukyo, this time joining a European collection.
Another mixed metal item to find a new home was the delightful fan shaped box by the highly regarded Kajima Ikkoku, this time finding its way back home to Japan.
Our most unexpected online gallery sale for April was this exceptional suite of lacquer that had originally stemmed from an esteemed Australian collection, within hours of listing on the gallery it attracted interest from a UK based collector. Following some very respectful financial jousting a deal was agreed. I am delighted to say it is now heading to its new UK home where it will hopefully be protected and cherished for many years to come. The condition of this set was extraordinary, as indeed lacquer needs to be to appeal to the serious collectors.
Sincere thanks to both existing and new clients to SSJA.
As this month’s exclusive members item I have chosen another piece that I sourced in Australia, this time a most rare and fine quality carved wooden vase of large proportions, the vase depicting a flock of native birds in an array of poses, please do take a look at this unique work of art.
And finally, the garden has sprung into life bringing much needed joy after a seemingly long winter. The robins have once again nested in Mrs Sly’s kitchen garden, resulting in three balls of fluff now all safely fledged. Another most gorgeous sight in April was this white egret resting in a small lake within a local park, how Japanesque is that scene. Such a simple reminder of everyday life that inspired so many famous Japanese artists, an image that I simply had to capture on a morning walk.
Best wishes
Steve