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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.

Submit an item

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 Philip Hafferty

Philip Hafferty

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 Dessa Goddard

Dessa Goddard

Senior Vice President, US Head, Asian Art Group

Dessa Goddard is US Head of the Asian Art Group, Vice President and Global Head, Business Strategy for Chinese Paintings, Senior Specialist for Chinese Art, and a Director of Bonhams Hong Kong. She ov…

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Photo of Colin Sheaf

Colin Sheaf

Consultant

Colin Sheaf is Deputy Chairman of Bonhams, and Global Head of Asian Art. He oversees the Asian Art specialist teams on four continents, holding auctions in London, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles and…

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Upcoming auctions

Sell with us

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.

Submit an item