Page 88 - Sotheby's May 14, 2019 Fine Japanese Art. London

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THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN GENTLEMAN fuyo bordered by a rare design of stylised The painting is based on a Spanish or
A PORTABLE CHRISTIAN SHRINE flowerheads, the exterior with tachibana Portugese engraving. The scene depicts
and wild pinks bordered with similar amongst others, Saints John, James, Peter,
MOMOYAMA PERIOD, 16 TH CENTURY flowerheads and hanabishi, the top with a Catherine, Alexandria, Anne and Mary
花文蒔絵螺鈿聖龕、桃山時代、16世紀 roundel depicting a crucifix surrounded by Magdalene. It is possible the pigments were
a geometric design, the reverse in black overpainted in Mexico as Nanban lacquers
the shallow rectangular frame with curved lacquer, the frame containing a Western including shrines were sent from Japan to
architectural top and two hinged doors and painting in oils, probably South American, Manila and thence to Nueva España (Mexico).
inner frame, copper gilt fittings engraved of the Virgin and Child surrounded by the There is a Momoyama frame containing a
with chrysanthemum mon, the interior of Apostles and angels playing instruments, the similar painting in a Private Collection (see
the doors decorated in gold hiramaki-e Holy Dove above Christie’s Thursday 8th December 2016 Art of
and inlaid in mother-of-pearl with panels of 49 cm., 19½ in. high. Japan lot 72).
W £ 120,000-180,000
€ 141,000-212,000 US$ 159,000-238,000

86 Buyers are liable to pay both the hammer price (as estimated above) and the buyer’s premium together with any applicable taxes and Artist’s Resale Right (which will depend on the individual circumstanc-
es). Refer to the Buying at Auction and VAT sections at the back of this catalogue for further information.