THREE JAPANESE SAKAZUKI (SAKE CUPS) AND A LACQUERED VASE

THREE JAPANESE SAKAZUKI (SAKE CUPS) AND A LACQUERED VASE
MEIJI ERA (1868-1912)

One cup signed, 14cm max. (4)

WITHOUT RESERVE

The largest cup richly decorated with a large woven basket containing many chrysanthemums, beside a red lacquer table laden with scholar's objects including a table screen, brushes, an ink stone, a scroll painting with aubergines, a variety of boxes and peacock feathers in a vase; all rendered in lacquer of various colours, gold leaf and mother of pearl, signed at the back, possibly Fukui Ippoken with kao; the two other cups with legendary horse riders, both with a stream rushing through rocks to the reverse; the lacquered vase decorated with a multitude of insects including butterflies, cicadas, fireflies and others amongst vegetation, the insects rendered in low relief in lacquer and mother of pearl.

From the collection of Aubrey Furniss (b.1932), and thence by descent.

Aubrey Furniss (b.1932), did his national service in Karachi (Pakistan), then joined the police where he did 30 years’ service. During this time both my mother and father started collecting antiques, creating a sizable collection of Doulton, specialising in Hanna and Florence Barlow. Following one of very many trips to Asia in the 1980s and particularly to Hong Kong, the collection was sold and he started collecting Asian ceramics, in particular Satsuma. His interest and collection spread to oriental ivory, snuff bottles and eventually Japanese bronzes. He did have a very eclectic collection, including English miniatures, English gold coins, Cranbury glass and a vast stamp collection.

Peter Furniss