MADAM – I cannot believe that I am the only one amused, confused and puzzled by your report (ATG No 2317) of the magnificent lacquer panel by the Japanese master Shibata Zeshin being chosen as the “outstanding work offered by an auction house” and gaining for Bonhams the Asian Art in London award at this autumn’s festival.
But then I go on to read in the same article that the item was sold privately before the auction! So, not sold AT auction at all. Merely sold BY an auction house.
Of course, it doesn’t detract from the supreme quality of the object. It just rather mocks the idea of auction houses operating in a different arena than legitimate dealers.