SYDNEY L. MOSS PRESENTS JAPANESE ART at the Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art Fair, London

Sydney L. Moss Ltd., celebrating its centenary this year, will be one of the few dealers in Asian art to exhibit at the Russian, Eastern & Oriental Fine Art Fair taking place from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 June 2010 at the Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, London. 

Max Rutherston, responsible for the Japanese activities of Sydney L. Moss, speaks Russian and in the last few years has conducted significant business in the Russian-speaking world, including the Ukraine.  He has become aware of a particular interest there in Japanese art, especially netsuke, and also swords and sword fittings.  As the gallery has a leading reputation in this field, it is above all netsuke that will feature in their exhibition at the fair, Stand No 53.   Prices will range from £200 to £20,000.

Netsuke, kimono sash toggles, were originally very simple and practical but developed as an art form in the 18th century and were used right up until the Meiji period (1868-1912).  Thereafter they were largely abandoned as a practical accoutrement, though by then they had been embraced by connoisseurs, especially abroad, as an interesting collecting area.  This foreign enthusiasm resulted in a thriving craft in Japan which survives to this day.

The netsuke being shown at the fair by Sydney L. Moss will cover the whole span of their history.  From the 18th century, visitors will see a selection of ivory animals such as the classic ox and calf and the legendary Shishi (lion dog) and cub, both pieces carved by the Kyoto master carver Tomotada (c.1775-1825).  Another highlight of this section is a tall powerful Kan’u, a Chinese legendary general, stroking his beard, by an unknown artist and dating from around 1720-50.