BS Fuji Co., Ltd. and Kashima Arts Co., Ltd. will co-host the 4th volume of the Japanese Art Auction, "MEGURU", from June 27 to July 5, 2020.

The consumer-based platform, MEGURU sprang from the need to create a Japanese art marketplace, where works can be bought and sold with ease, assurance and enjoyment. Whether a beginner or an expert, all participants are welcome. Compiling works from sellers all over Japan, each MEGURU delivers a selection of different works alongside a respective catalogue.

With an exclusive clientele of over 20,000 customers, Kashima Arts shares these works with Japanese art lovers all over the world. During the preview, all works can be viewed, free of charge, at the Kashima Arts gallery. Following the last bid, results will be compiled then published on the MEGURU website on the date of the announcement.  

While Japanese art has gained great global acclaim over the years, these are just a few of the reasons why many hesitate to get involved with the Japanese art market. MEGURU is an open Japanese art platform that was designed to eliminate these hurdles.
With the experience and history of dealing with antiques, Kashima Arts has acquired a deep understanding of art and the Japanese art market. With an aim to service all parties, Kashima Arts is the ultimate median that services, both, the seller and the buyer.
 
The MEGURU vol. 4 catalog will feature details and images of roughly 600 lots. Do take this opportunity to contact us for a free MEGURU catalog.
 
All lots can also be viewed on our website.
→ https://meguru-auction.jp/en

Why choose the Japanese Art Auction, MEGURU？
・For those who want to buy
1.    Each lot is screened and selected by Kashima Arts
Each work is carefully selected by Kashima Arts. As an established art gallery, we, in addition to our media exposure, have collaborated with numerous universities, museums and experts to help advance and promote Japanese art. With the expertise gained through many years of dealing antiques, please rest assured that we have selected each work with care for its quality and merit.
 
２．Setting your price: a chance to buy art at a surprisingly affordable price.
Unlike regular auctions, MEGURU is a sealed-bid auction that allows you to select your desired bidding price independently. Because all bids remain confidential until the date of the announcement, you are free to set your own price within a reasonable range and, depending on the popularity of the artwork, some works may even be obtained at an unexpectedly affordable price.
 
３．Our extensive line-up of works & the lowest minimum bid of 30,000 yen.
To the newcomer who is interested in Japanese art but thinks that the point of entry seems too high, to the experienced collector; our wide offering of works is sure to satisfy all needs. From paintings to tea ceremony utensils and crafts, we offer all kinds of Japanese art. Furthermore, since the lowest bid starts at 30,000 yen, participation is easy and points of entry are kept within reach.
 
４．Participate anytime, anywhere! See works any way you desire and bid online!
You can view and bid for all works on the MEGURU website (https://meguru-auction.jp). The site can be accessed through your smartphone, so whether you're on the train or on the go, you can view and bid at your best convenience. For those who prefer to carefully view each work at the comfort of their home, we also offer complimentary free catalogs. During the preview, you can also visit the gallery to view and check the condition of the work for yourself and, if you cannot attend, you can always request for a condition report or for more details on the work.
 
・For those who want to sell
１.  Price transparency & the chance to sell at an unexpectedly high value
As there are no additional mediators, all works are sold directly to the buyer. Furthermore, because the highest bid determines the selling price, all sales are transparent. Usually, works can be up-sold when selling to merchants and, as such, many sellers may feel anxious about being undersold. In the case of MEGURU, all final prices will be publicized at the date of announcement and, depending on the popularity of the work, sellers can be awarded unexpectedly high valuations.
 
２. The assurance of expert assessment and valuation
With its many years dealing with antiques, Kashima Arts has established itself as a highly experienced, respected gallery. In addition to the consultations we have with our sellers, each work’s price is determined through a careful assessment of aesthetic and artistic value. Moreover, all consultations and assessments are free, and, with appraisals, we also offer introductory services to expert appraisal associations.
 
３. A chance to showcase your work to 20,000+ art lovers in Japan and abroad.
With more than 30 years of operation, Kashima Arts has introduced works to numerous Japanese art lovers and has amassed over a client base of over 20,000. With MEGURU, you will have the opportunity to introduce your collection to other enthusiastic collectors and customers who will cherish your art.
 
4. No more pesky sales procedures and formalities!
From the price assessment of a work to its delivery, there’s plenty of necessary procedures involved when selling your work. With MEGURU- all assessments, catalogs, marketing, payments and deliveries are handled by Kashima Arts. If your work is selected following consultation and assessment, we will take in your work and, from thereon after, there will be no additional procedures involved. As such, all sellers are liberated from the hassle. We also give free advice on assessments and on scaling higher valuations, so please feel free to contact our team.
 
We’re always looking for more works
Whether it’s a painting, pottery or tea ware, if you are interested in consigning your work for auction, please feel free to contact us. Consultations and assessments are free, so do take this opportunity to inquire.



MEGURU vol.4 Highlights 
● Bijin-ga
Since ancient times, Bijin-ga (paintings of beautiful women) has been a major subject within Japanese art. This major Japanese genre depicts elegant female figures. Alongside its sophisticated detailing of subtle features, from the tips of their fingers to each strand of hair, these works are the result of great tradition and refinement.
This edition of MEGURU will offer works by the great masters of Bijin-ga; Takehisa Yumeji, Ito Shinsui, Kaburaki Kiyokata and Ito Shoha.
 
● Kataoka Tamako
Known as the passionate painter who challenged modern Nihon-ga (Japanese-style painting), in her deviation from the mainstream aesthetic, her bold paintings were once described as "getemono" (a detrimental Japanese term meaning unorthodox and bizarre). The renowned Japanese painter, Kobayashi Kokei praised her work stating, " Getemono and the real art are two sides of one coin. Don't ever change your style." Maintaining her aesthetic independence, she would eventually establish her unique style that would disrupt the traditional notions of Nihon-ga. This MEGURU will feature the most iconic of Kataoka Tamako's works, her paintings of Mt. Fuji.
● Calligraphy of the Bakumatsu to the Meiji Restoration period
This season will feature works by the heroes who changed Japanese history. Reflecting the turbulence of the Bakumatsu to the Meiji Restoration period (1858-1868), these are the works of great minds. This MEGURU will feature works by the legendary Bakumatsu Sanshu (Katsu Kaishu, Yamaoka Tesshu and Takahashi Deishu), Saigo Nanshu (Takamori), Fukuzawa Yukichi and Soejima Taneomi- to name a few.
 
●Mingei
A celebrated MEGURU feature, this edition will, like before, works by famous Mingei artists. Established in the 1920's, this modern artistic movement was led by the philosopher and art critic, Yanagi Muneyoshi (also known as Yanagi Soetsu). Subverting traditional notions of beauty, Mingei celebrates the simple beauty of everyday utilitarian objects. This MEGURU will feature the great crafts of Kawai Kanjiro, Munakata Shiko, Hamada Shoji and Bernard Leach.
 
Preview will launch on the MEGURU website
All lots will be released on the official MEGURU website and, as works become available for view, bid submissions will also be accepted. The site can be accessed anywhere, anytime, via smartphone or laptop. Check out the site to view, check and bid for lots, entirely through the comfort of your device. Works scheduled to be made available mid-June.
https://meguru-auction.jp/en/　


　Feature Works　
Ito Jakuchu, “Lobster”
Starting Bid： ¥2,000,000
 
Tanaka Isson, “Wisteria”
Starting Bid：¥1,000,000
 
Umehara Ryuzaburo "Landscape in Venice"
Starting Bid：¥2,300,000
 
Sugiyama Yasushi “Evening Tide”
Starting Bid：¥5,000,000
 
Hakuin Ekaku “Jurojin (God of Longevity)”
Starting Bid：¥800,000
 
Emile Galle, “Vase with Enamel Dahlia”
Starting Bid：¥1,000,000
 
　Event Schedule   　
Japanese Art Auction MEGURU
Preview：June 27 (Sat) to July 5 (Sun), 2020
Last Bid：July 5 (Sun), 6pm JST.
Announcement of Results：July 7（Tues), 3pm JST.
Venue：Kashima Arts
Number of Lots：Approx. 600
 
　Additional Information 　
■ Media and Interviews
We will be accepting media requests during the period of the event. Please inquire below.
 
Contact
Kashima Arts Co.,Ltd.
Overseas Dept
[email protected]
+81 (0)3-3276-0700
 

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