There is auction history at Christie’s online-only sale Japanese Art at The English Court, ‘At the Candle’ open for bidding until December 19. Comprising 129 lots, the auction takes place almost exactly 400 years after what is believed to have been the first auction of Japanese works of art ever held in London, on December 20, 1614. The sale comprised a group of lacquer wares brought back to England by the Clove, a ship of the English East India Company, the first British ship to trade with Japan. It arrived in Japan in 1613 with gifts for the Japanese shogun. After 6 months the ship left Japan following a successful meeting with the country’s rulers, returning to England carrying cargo which included gifts from the Japanese shogun to King James I. The 1614 auction was conducted using a candle, with bids accepted while there was still an inch of candle alight.
As a tribute to this historic sale the online auction will focus on Japanese works of art relating to trade. There is an array of export ceramics, lacquer, telescopes, illustrated books, screens and other works. Starting bids range from £300 to £65,000 for The Winckler Catalogue, a documentary trade catalogue from the Meiji Period. Here is a small selection:
A pair of Kakiemon Models of Karashishi, Edo Period (starting bid £50,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014
A lacquered plaque depicting the Battle of Dogger Bank (starting bid £12,000).Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014
A woodblock print of Muyder Poort c1772-80 (starting at £8,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014