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Japanese Art

Bonhams have been market leaders in Japanese Art since the department's first auction in 2007, highlighted by the sale of the Szechenyi Collection, the most successful auction of Japanese art ever held in Europe. Every year, Bonhams has achieved impressive results in the category and often world record prices, particularly for netsuke and inro, ceramics as well as Meiji Period metalwork, lacquer and cloisonné enamel.

The London auctions at Bonhams draw collectors, curators and dealers from all around the world, featuring objects assembled, catalogued and researched by internationally-renowned specialists who offer over 100 years of combined expertise in the field.

BUYING AND SELLING JAPANESE ART AT BONHAMS

You can buy and sell through auction at Bonhams. Auctions are held multiple times a year in London, Paris, New York and Marlborough, Massachusetts, often coinciding with Asian Art Week. You can contact us directly to consign an artwork or visit our digital Selling Hub for valuations on consignments to future sales.

You can also buy and sell through Private Sale. Bonhams Private Sales provide clients with a bespoke approach to buying and selling, outside of the auction calendar. Whether you are looking for a specific artwork or to sell an object, our global team is on hand to help research, source or sell on your behalf. Contact a specialist below for more information.

Request a valuation

Thinking of selling? Get a free auction estimate by submitting your item online or contacting your local Bonhams. With specialists based in towns and cities worldwide, we are your local auction house.

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Exceptional results

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Photo of Jeff Olson

Jeff Olson

Director

Jeffrey Olson has been Director of the Japanese Department at Bonhams New York since 2009, and holds more than 20 years of auction experience. He is one of Bonhams auctioneers and regularly handles th…

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Photo of Suzannah Yip

Suzannah Yip

Department Director

Suzannah Yip joined Bonhams in August 2007 to create and head the Japanese Department, and to make Bonhams the leading auction house for Japanese art in Europe. Under her leadership, the department in…

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Photo of Suhyung Kim

Suhyung Kim

Director, Asian Works of Art

Suhyung Kim is Director of Asian Works of Art at Bonhams Skinner. Her areas of expertise include Korean art, Japanese prints and Asian ceramics and paintings. Joining Bonhams Skinner in 2012, Suhyung …

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Photo of Helen Eagles

Helen Eagles

Deputy Director, Asian Works of Art

Helen Eagles is Deputy Director of Asian Works of Art at Bonhams Skinner. She joined the company in 2014 as a Specialist. Prior to Bonhams Skinner, Helen gained experience cataloging and administratin…

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Photo of Rachel Hyman

Rachel Hyman

Department Director

Rachel Hyman is Department Director and Senior Specialist in the Asian Art Department Knightsbridge, having joined Bonhams in 2013. With 20 years' experience in the field of Asian Art, she currently w…

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Photo of Rachel Du

Rachel Du

Specialist

Rachel Du is Specialist and Head of Sale for Chinese Works of Art at Bonhams in Los Angeles. Her areas of expertise include jades, porcelain, scholar's objects and bronzes. Since joining Bonhams in 20…

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Photo of Karina Choy

Karina Choy

Junior Specialist

Karina Choy is Junior Specialist for Japanese Art at Bonhams New Bond Street in London. She focuses on netsuke and military art. Since joining Bonhams in 2017, Karina's exceptional sales have included…

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Photo of Philip Hafferty

Philip Hafferty

Junior Specialist

Philip Hafferty is Junior Specialist for Japanese Art at Bonhams in New York. His areas of interest include early modern Japanese painting and arts related to the Japanese tea ceremony. Before joining…

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Photo of Lazarus Halstead

Lazarus Halstead

Head of Department

Lazarus Halstead is Head of Asian Art at Bonhams Knightsbridge in London. Lazarus has been working in the field of Asian Art for more than 10 years. He previously founded a successful Asian Art depart…

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Submit your item online for a free and confidential valuation. If it’s suitable for sale, a specialist will provide an auction estimate and advise on the next steps for selling.

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