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Gold, Silver and Bronze in Japan

When there is so much world attention focussed on athletes striving to win bronze, silver and gold medals in Japan, we are taking our own look at Japanese use of these metals in works of art.  The hakko bako, above, are Edo period and would have been made for a noble family.  Although functional, the black lacquer is richly embellished with gold lacquer heraldic devices and gilt bronze mounts.
When the Meiji dynasty came to power in 1868, all regional war lords were forced to lay down their weapons and disband their armies of fighting samurai.
At a stroke the livelihoods of countless skilled metal workers and armourers were at risk.  However, as it turned out, the new establishment also welcomed trade with the outside world for the first time in centuries. 
This resulted in the most astonishing flowering of the decorative arts as Americans and Europeans developed a fascination for this hitherto secret world.
Bronze was the base metal of choice for many of the greatest Meiji artists, including the master metalworker Genryusai Seiya, who drew inspiration for his studies of animals from the recently opened Tokyo Zoological Gardens in 1882.
From as long ago as the ancient Egyptians, metalworks had experimented with mixing metals to create different colours but the Japanese perfected a technique for ‘pickling’ them to create a wider spectrum.  Gold, silver and copper are familiar to us but they also used roiro (brown to red) shibuichi (slate grey) and shakudo (black to purple).

If you are planning your summer staycation in, or near,  the New Forest, do please book an appointment (07768 877 069) to view our stock and our re-furbished showroom or visit us online at www.wickantiques.com

An eclectic mix of top dealers with international reputations has been assembled for the Chelsea Antiques Fair in September.

Just a few stands remain for the historic event that is in its 70th year and will be held between September 21 and 26, with a VIP invitation only preview on the 20th.

The venue will be Chelsea Old Town Hall on the Kings Road, the fair’s traditional and iconic home. Already collectors and buyers from around the world have expressed an interest in attending and trade is expected to be brisk due to a year with few physical events.

Run now by the antique selling platform 2Covet, the fair will be held at the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show which has moved to the autumn from its traditional May.
 

Sophie Wood, director of the antiques fair, said:

“The relaunch is going extremely well and we have some superb exhibitors. There is a real mix with dealers in furniture, clocks, maritime antiques, Chinese and Japanese works of art, paintings, porcelain, glass and much more besides.

“There are 32 exclusive stands and entry is free via complimentary tickets, aside from the first day which is reserved for an invitation only preview. We have a number of key partners including Altido, which provides hospitality management for homes, serviced apartments, hotels and unique destinations across Europe.

“After a year with virtually no fairs, there really is a demand for one, and dealers and clients are extremely keen to meet in person again. We have just a few stands left for dealers and there will be further announcements as we get nearer to the date.”

Register for complimentary tickets on The Chelsea Antiques Fair Website https://chelseaantiquesfair.co.uk

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