After nearly two years from the first publication, we are pleased to bring you the 2nd volume of Japanese Masterpieces, a collection of objets d’art of excellent quality.
We constantly look for well-preserved, unique artworks. However, objects with these characteristics – which is what a well-informed, mature and careful clientele requests – can be hard to find.
The purpose of these publications is to try to convey our passion and, at the same time, we strongly believe that the purchase of a work of art will always repay.
2018, which saw the opening of our gallery in Milan, was a pivotal year for us.
We pride ourselves on announcing that in May 2019 we will be taking part in the second edition of Amart at Palazzo Permanente, an established site which has hosted the most relevant exhibitions in Milan, while from 15th to 31st May our gallery will be staging Asian Art during which we will exhibit a collection of Meiji period Satsuma ceramics featuring a stunning pair of vases signed by
Yabu Meizan and one vase painted by Sozan for Kinkozan. And last, but not less important, are the two usual yearly appointments at Mercanteinfiera in Parma.
“Let ourselves get carried away by the charm and character of these artworks, free from unsupported prejudice and beliefs: in this way even the most inexperienced onlookers will easily understand that the object of sublime beauty they are considering is a masterpiece.”
Andrea e Luca Mastromauro
After our first publication “JAPANESE OKIMONO”, we are pleased to bring you another volume with the most relevant objets d’art of the Meiji period.
This book is devoted to the most talented artists of the Meiji period, also called the “Golden Age” and their works of art, true artistic wonders, which a relatively short time ago influenced Western artistic styles.
Intended for both expert collectors and those who are approaching this world for the first time, this book will take the reader through the creations of Japanese
artists at the apex of their artistry, ranging from ivory to wood carving and from ceramics to lacquer, Shibayama inlays and glazes.
We have gathered the best Japanese collectibles of the Meiji period, with the intention of remembering them as well as experiencing again the emotions they elicit. We are committed to compiling a publication each year, so that year after year art enthusiasts will be awed by a selection of impressive masterpieces.
We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of this publication and welcome any further contributions to our next projects.
Andrea e Luca Mastromauro
Our wish has come true: in one single publication, we have gathered Japanese OKIMONOS tracing back to the Meiji period; we have selected the most interesting ones in terms of quality and subject, all deriving from Italian collections only.
First of all, we would like to thank all those who have made this book possible by allowing us to take pictures of their works of art and classifying them.
The materials such as Ivory, Wood, Lacquer, Coral, Mother-of-pearl, Silver and Bronze are treated with techniques handed down from generation to generation and result in objects capable of eliciting visual as well as tactile emotions.
In Japan, during the Meiji period and more noticeably in the Tokyo School, details are exalted: the countenance, the hands and the eyes express fatigue, labour and concentration respectively; these features have the power of involvement and arouse curiosity in those who approach these masterpieces with increasing enthusiasm.
We have tried to enhance the beauty and charm of these objects through images and breathtaking details. At the end of the book, we have presented and explained the characters’ stories which are interwoven with religion, mythology, popular belief, the animal kingdom and nature.
This book aims to offer ideas and reasons to grow one’s collection and is, at the same time, a catalogue of works for those who wish to re ne their knowledge.
Andrea e Luca Mastromauro