As well as being signed by one of Japan’s most celebrated Satsuma makers, the 8 1/4in (21cm) diameter plates were in good condition and depicted the commercial subject matter of informal groups of bijin and their children. Although recent demand has been patchy for Japanese-taste porcelain such as kakiemon, this decorative set ticked all the boxes and took £3600 from a West Country specialist dealer.
The London trade secured most of the remaining top pieces including the skilfully carved bamboo piece showing scholars on a pine-clad mountain. The 10 1/4in (26cm) piece sold at £2600.
Occidental material going to London included a George III mahogany tip-top wine table, possibly Irish, which took £5200 while a private buyer went to £4500 to secure a George III walnut bracket clock in ready-to-go condition.
Eye-catching Orientals are Sussex highlights
THE Orient provided the most eye-catching highlights at Rupert Toovey's (15% buyer's premium) March 17-19 sale, in the form of a set of four Japanese Satsuma plates signed by Kinkozan and an 18th century Chinese bamboo carving.
