Curran Posted May 12, 2013 Report Posted May 12, 2013 Taking a much needed day off and enjoying the NYC weather for a bit, an international phonecall came in to let me know that there is a Monday Auction in London with several dozen nice fittings hidden in the back of it. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20790/ I certainly wasn't aware of it before the tip off today. Most are unpapered, but there are several where the work looks right for the attribution. It may be too late to bid, though at least two items caught my eye. If they had photos of the signatures on the kozuka, it would be several more. If any of you have a Bonham's account or the ability to bid tomorrow, you may want to give it a look. Quote
Adrian Posted May 12, 2013 Report Posted May 12, 2013 If you deposit some money they may let you bid by phone. Give them a call tomorrow morning (London time, of course) worst thing they can do is say no :D Quote
Curran Posted May 13, 2013 Author Report Posted May 13, 2013 That would be 4:30 AM my time? 'No honey, nothing wrong, just getting up early to bid on some tsuba on your day off.... go back to sleep'. Not a good way to begin the day. I've been trading up / selling down the past few years. I'm trying to behave, though things like this make it difficult. There are some good items in the sale, including a kozuka that is a steal if the signature checks out (probably doesn't- they don't have a photo of it..... but workmanship is darn spot on for the smith). We'll see if I waver. If you guys don't hear from me, I died a violent death after bidding on kodogu at 4:30am. Quote
watsonmil Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 Dear Curran, I had to laugh to myself ( at myself ? ), ... here I'm 65 and still have the urge to collect one more piece, ... when if I were sane, ... I would be selling off my collection before I up and die leaving a mess for my Wife/Executors to sort out. Perhaps you are young ( I sincerely hope so, as old age sucks ). I actually got up at 2:20 AM last week to bid on a piece ( I won too ) which kind of pleased the hell out of me ! Fortunately I have a most understanding wife of 43 years. I am looking forward to see whether or not you are successful, ...please keep us up to date ... anonymouse Ron Quote
Soshin Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 Hi Curran, That is interesting because I had an account at Bonhams and didn't know anything about the secret tsuba sale. They did send me email about a upcoming London auction of Fine Japanese art on May 16. You must have some friends in very high places. On the May 16th sale is a nice Kinko tsuba of Marishiten on the omote and two oni on the ura from the Taisho/Showa Period by Yanagawa Morihira. Very nice with NBTHK Hozon papers if i remember correctly so that you know the signature is good. Here is a link to the auction: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21101/61350/. Yours truly, David Stiles Quote
Clive Sinclaire Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 Gentlemen I understand that these tsuba were in a sale at CHRISTIE'S South Kensington about a year ago. I was at that sale and these tsuba made high prices but, I have been informed, the American buyer defaulted on payment! Whatever the arrangement between Christie's and Bonhams, the tsuba on Monday are in a Chinese Art Sale! Clive Sinclaire Quote
Soshin Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 Hi Mr. Sinclaire, Thanks for the reply. The tsuba are being listed in a mostly Chinese art auction would explain why I was not notified as I have my account setup to email me when Japanese Art and Arms and Amour are coming up for auction. I will keep on saving my pennies and hopeful bit on something soon or later. Yours truly, David Stiles Quote
jlawson Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 Actually Clive I dont think that is accurate. Many of the tsuba were from the Edward Wrangham collection that was sold last year through Bonhams not Christies. The successful bidder of a bunch of lots apparently never made payment. Many of the items went for much less money this time around likely due to it not being well advertised. Quote
Clive Sinclaire Posted May 13, 2013 Report Posted May 13, 2013 James I stand corrected on this detail, thanks for pointing it out. Clive Sinclaire Quote
Stephen Posted May 15, 2013 Report Posted May 15, 2013 Arrow alert Brian!!! nice set under two K http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21101/l ... 9%26m1%3D1 Quote
Stephen Posted May 15, 2013 Report Posted May 15, 2013 or just one tsuba with arrow head motif http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21101/lot/251/ Quote
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