Join EAR Forum | Follow Eastern Art Report on Twitter | Follow the Editor on Twitter | Follow the Editor on Academia.edu

Asian art features at LAPADA

Asian art and antiques feature prominently in this year’s LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair, Bekeley Square, London 25–29 September 2013.

lapada2012Among the exceptional works on offer are furniture, jewellery, carpets, tapestries, antiquities, clocks, ceramics, silver and fine art.

One hundred dealers and experts in their fields will participate in this year’s Fair, which is a ‘one stop shop’ for the most sought after pieces. Prices of works range from GBP 500 up to GBP 500,000 and beyond, offering the most discerning collector exceptional antiques and fine art to choose from and inviting first time collectors to develop exciting new interests.

The Japanese Gallery will be exhibiting one of Katsushika Hokusai’s famed woodblock prints of the Fugaku sanju-rokkei (Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji) series. The series “36 Views of Mount Fuji” is one of the best-known and most celebrated examples of Japanese woodblock prints in the world.

The LAPADA fair, 2012

The LAPADA fair, 2012

The print’s innovative composition, technique and colouration have brought him international acclaim. While his work prior to this series is certainly important, it was not until this series that he gained broad recognition and left a lasting impact on the art world. Hokusai devoted almost all of his 90-year life to drawing and painting but despite his enormous success he was never satisfied with one technique or style of drawing, always seeking ways to improve as an artist.

Years after his death the series continues to have a huge influence on Japanese artwork, this incredible collection plays tribute to Mount Fuji and is often considered Hokaisai’s masterpiece. The Japanese art Gallery will be displaying a highlight of this spectacular collection at the Lapada Art and Antiques Fair, a wood print titled Sanka Hakuu (Black Fuji).  Formed by three volcanoes, Fuji has always held sway over the Japanese psyche as a spiritual place—it has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and was a destination for pilgims throughout history. The clouds shown in this print traditionally represent elegance and   high status while mountains represent the unyielding, or unmoving. The piece provides an incredible view point of Mount Fuji standing as a testament of Hokaisai’s creativity and artistic impression.

The Japanese Gallery will also be displaying a magnificent selection of Japanese art, antiques and art spanning some 5000 years of culture. The gallery’s founders Mr and Mrs Wertheim will present a selection of genuine Japanese arms and armour, ceramics and original Japanese anume and manga cels, offering fair- goers a taste of the delight, wonder and inspiration of Japanese artwork. Highlights at the fair comprise of work by noted artists, each piece illustrating the extraordinary craftsmanship used in Japanese art. Japanese ceramics are one the country’s oldest art forms. The country’s ceramic history has flourished through the ages influencing artwork around the world. One of the highlights at the fair will be a pair of Kakiemon bowls dating back to late 18th century. The bowls display a beautiful palette of light blue, soft reds and coral green applied on a glazed surface and fired again at a low temperature.

The central medallion is framed by a circural iron-red chain pattern with raised beading on the rim. There is an intricate image of jumping fish painted on the bowls reflecting the Japanese appreciation of the natural world. Japanese swords are an ancient tradition that people from around the world have appreciated for thousands of years. This year a pair of Katana and Wakizashi swords will be on display. Together they are called a daisho, which is translated as “large and small”.

The Katana sword dates back to the 17th century while the Wakizashi sword dates back even later to the 14th century. These swords hold great meaning in Japanese culture, they were principally used as weapons but they were also an expression of status and personality symbolizing both power and reputation. The swords stand as a powerful testament to the country’s fascinating history.

The LAPADA Art and Antiques Fair in Berkely Square, Mayfair, London is this Autumn’s must visit event for anyone interested in one of the world’s most diverse and unique cultures. Bringing together some of the country’s finest artwork the Japanese Gallery is offering a rare glimpse of some of Japan’s most prized treasures.

As Japanese artwork becomes increasingly popular, its true symbolic meaning and considerable importance to its national history continues to captivate public attention. Highlights going on show at this years LAPADA fair are a firm confirmation of the country’s extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic wealth. The LAPADA ART FAIR is providing the unique opportunity to submerge yourself in Japanese culture as this diverse collection of artwork will undoubtedly move, surprise and inspire.
The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair. 25-29 September 2013. Location: Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6EB.

 

Author: Editor

Share This Post On
Join EAR Forum | Follow Eastern Art Report on Twitter | Follow the Editor on Twitter | Follow the Editor on Academia.edu
Share This