Up Close & Personal

This Private Scottish Collection of Asian Works of Art is a career highlight. Never before have I had the privilege of being surrounded by such a striking collection of Chinese and Japanese furniture, ivories, ceramics, bronzes and more. Indeed, walking through the home in which these artworks were gathered over a lifetime, was a day I will remember always. It is our honour to present to auction this single-owner collection, which begins its next chapter, soon to be housed by enthusiasts and collectors the world-over.

The owner was a true collector, buying to their personal taste, for their own enjoyment; delighting in a wonderful range of objets d’art.

Chinese stage cabinets may be the first items to catch one’s eye. The intricacy of their wood carving is breath-taking – functional beauty at its best. A stunning Japanese lacquered and shibayama cabinet will undoubtedly be one to watch. In traditional Japanese style, the exterior is a thing of beauty, as is the fitted, lacquered and painted interior. Ironwood tables and pedestals of lovely quality come in many sizes, an unusual Chinese gilt table clock stands out, as does an exquisitely embroidered jacket (worn for mahjong) and presented in a display case.

Looking to ceramics, satsuma, kutani, imari, famille rose and blue and white are all well-represented. Cloisonne, lacquer and bronzes were not left behind by this remarkable collector. One cannot forget to mention the awesome artworks in ivory; surely the best collection of ivory to be seen in the history of this auction. A tangerine so real, one could be forgiven for picking it up to peel. A family of chickens with such life and movement, they may well walk out the saleroom. If art is the illusion of spontaneity, these artists have created magic, carved stills of real life, which seemingly took no time to craft and yet which took a lifetime of learning to master.

In short, this Private Scottish Collection must not be missed, presented to you in lots 751-934.

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Magda Ketterer

The next Asian Works of Art Auction takes place on 1 July 2021; entries are invited for this international auction. For a complimentary valuation please contact specialist Magda Ketterer on 0141 810 2880 or magda@mctears.co.uk.