A tiny oriental enamel lidded box has just been sold for £6k at a local auction
The Japanese cloisonné box known as a ‘kogo’ dating form c.1890/1910 had been discovered on a valuation day at Richard Winterton’s Lichfield Auction Centre. Brought in by a local client along with other pieces of oriental works of art, the box measures just 8cm in diameter.
Experts at the auction house recognised it of superior quality and after research identified the signature to be that of master cloisonné craftsman Yasuyuki Namikawa (1845-1927). Namikawa established himself in Kyoto from 1872 to 1922 and invented the mirror black background technique. Using traditional favoured Japanese motifs (such as ornithology and foliage) he became internationally renowned as a master of his art and won many International prizes. His work remains highly prized among connoisseurs today
The ‘Lichfield’ kogo displays Namikawa’s delicate decoration with intricate diaper background to full effect. Offered in Richard Winterton’s 3rd March Fine Art Sale, it was contested by eight phone bidders to bring £5,800 from a delighted UK phone bidder.
Elsewhere in the same sale, excitement and drama surrounded Lot 30, a Maori jade Hei-Tiki pendant discovered in Burton bringing £3,600 and Lot 179, an antique Indian ivory bison/howdah group at £1,600. Silver prices are very high and this demand with illustrated with lot 77, a 165oz Mappin & Webb sideboard tray at £2,500. In the ceramics section, two Wedgwood lustre Daventry vases designed by Daisy Makeig-Jones sold to a US buyer on the phone for £3,200.
In view of the strong demand for oriental works of art (including ceramics, metalwork, jade and ivory) a series of themed free valuation days are being held at the Lichfield Auction Centre on Tuesdays throughout March and April from 10am to 4pm.
Phone 01543 251081 or email [email protected] for further details.
www.richardwinterton.co.uk
