Page 98 - Bonhams Chinese & Asian Works of Art Los Angelis December 14 2020

Richard Silverman 1932-2019

Richard Silverman was a larger than life figure to everyone who knew carvings became infectious to those he met during his 15 year
him. His contributions to the field of Japanese art were celebrated by stay in Japan, and he formed close associations with the important
the institutions that he so generously supported: the Toledo Museum dealers and collectors while helping others build their own netsuke
of Art, where he donated 226 ceramic netsuke from his Collection, collections. He moved to Los Angeles in 1980, and shortly thereafter
the International Netsuke Society where he was honored with the became a member of the renown Los Angeles circle of beloved
Silver Kirin award in 2011, the Los Angeles County Museum of netsuke collectors - sharing the honors with Virginia Atchley, Ann
Art where he joined the Executive Board in 1993, the International and Hy Meselson, Ellie Nordskog, and Dave and Sandy Swedlow.
Society of Appraisers, where he served on the board from 1986- He wrote countless articles on netsuke, lectured world-wide, and
1994 and his alma mater, Brandeis University, the beneficiary of consulted with major collections and auction houses for much of
the sale of his collection offered here. Prior to his passing, he was his very active life.
thrilled to learn that he was to be awarded the Order of the Rising
Sun, Silver Rays by the Japanese government “to celebrate the ties Richie was a proud citizen of West Hollywood and worked to
between Toledo and Japan through the Netsuke Gallery, to be held at promote civic activities. He served as chair of the City of West
the Toledo Museum of Art.” Hollywood Fine Arts Commission for nine years and volunteered
for the West Hollywood Sheriff’s station on Saturday evening for 18
A graduate of Brandeis University in 1954, he served in the US years, serving at the Front Desk. Richie approached everything he
Army in Korea in the late 1950’s, then joined the Peace Corps and did with a sparkle in his eyes and that wide, infectious grin that made
ultimately became a Director General of the Ministry of Education for a room light up when he entered. We miss him and are very proud to
teaching English in Bangkok in 1962. He fell in love with Japanese art offer selections from his Collection here at Bonhams.
when he moved to Japan in 1964 to teach English at Aoyama Gakuin
University, and started collecting netsuke when he had no more
room in his small apartment for his extensive Collection of prints
and ceramics. His passion and enthusiasm for these lively miniature

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