Saturday, 15 September 2012

Curiosity Shop #2


The animals came in two by two...


  

It’s not every day that something so rare and so beautiful arrives fresh to the market. This rare pair of Japanese Kakiemon models of tigers from the Edo Period (late 17th century) have all of the makings of a sought after lot for sale at auction. Rarity, exceptional beauty and excellent provenance – they formerly came from a European Noble family. Plus there is a similar pair in the China Summer Palace, Drottingholm, in the collection of the King of Sweden and similar pairs sold at Christie's in London: 19th July 1965, Lot 96, 18th February 1975, Lot 78 and 9th March 1987, Lot 338. This pair of tiggers were formerly in the collection of H.R.H. The Late Duchess of Kent.  How they move in such noble circles!

For me, it is their intriguingly cute faces and curious expressions that enable you to fall immediately in love with them. Estimated at £100,000 - 150,000, these guys sold at Christie’s, London in May this year for a whopping £169,250. Still want to tickle their chins?



Decorated in iron-red, yellow, blue and black enamels these playful little characters are each approximately 25cm. high. Kawaiiii!!

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