T he sale begins with a private European collection of prints, showcasing works by Hiroshige and Hokusai. These are followed by a small group of modern paintings by Key Sato and Matazō Kayama, watercolours by Bernard Leach and ceramics by Shōji Hamada. It continues with a fine group of ceramics from the late 17th and early 18th Century, with a selection of late 17th century pieces made for European export. These are accompanied by some fine enamels from the Meiji period, including a vase and cover with a scene of a temple signed Kyoto Namikawa. The sale culminates with a group of a lacquer from a New York collector.
Yamaguchi Kaoru (1907–1968)
A Festival (Aru Saiten)
Showa Period, 20th Century
Estimate £3,000–4,000
Kayama Matazō (1927–2004)
Insect (Konchū)
Showa Period, 20th Century (1960s)
Estimate £7,000–9,000
Bernard Leach (1887–1979)
Japanese Waterfall
20th Century
Estimate 1,500–2,000
Bernard Leach (1887–1979)
Volcanic Peaks, Hawaii
20th Century
Estimate £2,000–3,000
Hamada Shōji
A Stoneware Vase
Estimate £2,000–3,000
Wakita Kazu (1908–2005)
Rolling Bottle (Korogaru Bin)
Showa Period, Late 20th Century
Estimate £5,000–8,000
Sato Key (1906–1978)
Rivière De Pierre
Showa Period, 20th Century
Estimate £5,000–8,000
Inoue Yūichi (1916–1985)
Hana [Flower]
Showa Period, 20th Century
Estimate £10,000–15,000
Hamada Shōji (1894–1978)
A Stoneware Albarello Vase
Showa Period, 20th Century
Estimate £2,000–3,000
During the reign of William and Mary II, the grand houses of Europe acquired fine ceramics from Japan, from functional pieces to figurative objects, via the Dutch East India Company.
This group of modern paintings features some of the work of Japan’s mid to late 20th century figurative and abstract artists, who were greatly influenced by 20th century Western Art and found strong global recognition for their liberated and expressive style. These are accompanied by two beautiful watercolours by the British potter, Bernard Leach, whose oeuvre evokes his devotion to and fascination with Japan and its artistic heritage.
This small group of inro comprises many of the important artists of the 19th century including Shibata Zeshin. Inro were used for containing medicines and seals, and were suspended from their owners’ obi.
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