Exhibition Book of Masterpiece Japanese Works of Art To Be Unveiled at The Chelsea Antiques Fair

2020 Vision of An Enlightened Ruler Vol. II by Steve Sly, a dealer in Japanese Works of Art, will be launched at The Chelsea Antiques Fair from 21 - 26 September 2021.

The limited-edition exhibition hardback book is the second volume by Steve Sly detailing a personally curated collection of unique Japanese works of art, all of which and more will be on display and for sale at The Chelsea Antiques Fair.

The collection dates entirely from the Japanese Meji period (1868-1912). The inspired artisans from this period enjoyed the support of the visionary Emperor Meiji, an enthusiastic and important patron of the arts whose name “Meiji” literally means “Enlightened Ruler”.

Steve Sly explains: "I am delighted to be unveiling my second exhibition book and this collection including important pieces at the relaunch of The Chelsea Antiques Fair. I have been privileged to collect and deal in Japanese works of art from the Meiji period for over 40 years and I know that handling even a modest piece can bring immense pleasure. Indeed, a masterpiece can leave you almost speechless. Perhaps there should be a health warning issued with these Meiji period works, they simply get under your skin, as many a seasoned collector will testify!"

Among the many highlights will be a monumental vase from the studio of Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha, a company headed by the highly regarded Imperial artist Suzuki Chokichi, his art name being Kako. This exact masterpiece was manufactured by Kako himself and was last exhibited in Boston, USA in 1883.

Two further highlights will be outstanding pieces by the father and son Hagiya Katsuhira and Suzuki Katsuhiro, for the Ozeki company. A silver Tsuitate (table screen) is a tour-de-force of mixed metal work and features a central panel signed by the father Hagiya Katsuhira. An Ozeki cockerel tray by his son Suzuki is another fine demonstration of mixed metal techniques, with gold wire cloisonne snowflakes appearing as fresh now as the day they were formed almost 140 years ago.

Perhaps the most dramatic work in the book and on display will be a superbly modelled sculpture depicting the physical struggle between a determined knife-wielding fisherman and his prey, a huge octopus. This particular sculpture is referred to as “Iki -ningyo” (living doll) due to the incredible realism of the anatomy of the subjects. It was so memorable that in the mid-1890’s the sculpture was photographed and the print hand-coloured by Frank Brinkley for inclusion in a publication he edited, titled “Japan, Described and illustrated by the Japanese, 1897-98”.

Making their debut will be several leading specialist dealers. Hansord from Lincolnshire have more than 60 years’ experience in art and antiques and will be presenting a stand of fine period furniture, works of art, clocks and scientific instruments. They will be joined by Butchoff Antiques, the London dealers from Kensington Church Street and Palm Springs who specialise in the finest English, French and Italian furniture, mirrors, clocks, chandelier, paintings and objets d’art. Their many treasures include examples of the best in gilt and ormolu pieces by Europe’s foremost cabinetmakers.

Also new is Bowman Sculpture, specialising in European Romantic sculpture of the 19th century and recognised as the foremost gallery in the world for sculpture by Auguste Rodin. Robert Bowman also deals others masters of this period such as Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, and Aimé-Jules Dalou through to the Impressionist, Modern and Cubist sculpture of Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Henri Laurens, Jaques Lipichitz and Ossip Zadkine.

Wick Antiques from Lymington, established by Charles Wallrock (now a co-owner of the Chelsea Fair) in the 1980s, provide English furniture with specialisms in rare and collectable globes, Japanese bronzes and maritime collector’s items.

Leading dealers in chandeliers, Fileman Antiques from West Sussex will join the fair. Established in the 1890’s, the fifth generation of family dealers will be showing the finest eighteenth and nineteenth century chandeliers, wall lights, candelabras, candle lustres and glass objects from the most influential and well-known makers and designers.

Fileman Antiques - A rarity never seen, this fabulous regency ormolu and cut glass epergne by the maker John Blades.

Hatchwell Antiques from the King’s Road will be specialising in antique and vintage telescopes and binoculars, maritime models, scientific instruments and aeronautical design together with English and Continental period furniture.

A regular exhibitor at many leading art fairs, Kaye Michie joins Chelsea Antiques Fair for the first time. She will be showing watercolour and drawings from the 19th century and 20th century in addition to a number of contemporary works.

Freya Mitton, specialising in Modern British paintings will also be showing for the first time. She promises works by John Bratby, Mary Fedden, Sir Terry Frost, Fred Cuming and Ken Howard among many more well-known names.

From Southport, Connecticut, David Brooker Fine Art will be showing English and European paintings. Santos from London, well known for their fine stock of Chinese porcelain from the 15th to 19th centuries, are also making their debut. Since 2005 Varela Santos has also been working with an international team to complete the definitive work on Chinese porcelain ordered by the Portuguese market since the early days of 1520’s until the end of the Qing dynasty in 1911. Four of the five volumes have been published with the title Portugal in Porcelain from China: 500 years of trade by A. Varela Santos.

David Brooker Fine Art - 'Jack', William Turner, dimensions: Height 41 cm, Width 46 cm, 1890. Priced at £2,750.

Admission £10.00 (Admits 2) 

Collectors Preview Monday 20 September. 2pm-8pm; Evening Reception Monday 20 September 6pm-8pm (Drinks with waiter service).
Both admission by Invitation Only.

For information, exhibitor details and Chelsea Fair history visit Chelsea Antiques Fair