An acclaimed masterpiece by Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891) led the pack during Bonhams six Asian Art sales in London last week, setting a new world record price of £842,500, far above the pre-sale estimate of £80,000–120,000.Shibata’s work is a rare lacquer panel based on a Noh play that dates from 1883. Executed in lavish silver tones on black lacquer, its composition and texture was in fact in part an imitation of Western oil painting on canvas.Suzannah Yip, Bonhams UK Director of Japanese Art, comments: “We are honored to have been entrusted with the sale of this remarkable collection of lacquer and painting by an artist whose work is so admired both inside and outside Japan. This landmark sale underscores Bonhams status as the leading global auction house for truly important Japanese art. The Zeshin panel achieved the highest price paid for a work during Asian Art in London week and also made a new world record price for a work by Zeshin. ”Follow @ARTINFOJapan
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