NEW YORK, NY.- An important handscroll with an unbroken line of provenance since it was first commissioned in 1775 leads Bonhams Japanese Art sale in New York on 15 September.

Painted by the artist Ike Taiga (1723-1776), Kochukenkon – The Universe in a Jar was created at the request of the noble Yoshimitsu family. Subsequently it was held in the collection of Lord Takamatsu and by 1914 was in the hands of Hatta Hyojiro. The work next appears in the auction catalog of the collection of railroad magnate Matsumoto Shozo and following World War II the painting made its way via a Kyoto dealer into the possession of the current owner, a private American collector. The narrative of the painting is based on a 5th-century Chinese folktale in which a market official follows an aged druggist down a jar. Once inside the jar he encounters a wonderful world of palaces, fine wine, and delicious food, offering temporary respite from everyday life. The painting carries an estimate of US$100,000-150,000.

Another highlight in the paintings section is a 16th-century pair of screens featuring figures enjoying a picnic and observing wild horses. The screens were purchased from the famed Tokyo dealer S. Yabumoto in the early 1950s by an American physician stationed in Japan during the post-war period of rebuilding. The importance placed on horses in Japan has a long history and screens such as this, featuring a variety of the frolicking animals, would have been highly prized. The military class, who wished to chronicle their status and exhibit their sense of refined taste, placed great stock in depictions of horses, coveted for their militaristic association. They are offered at an estimate of US$70,000-120,000.

The sale also boasts a strong selection of Meiji-era arts including Satsuma ceramics and metalwork led by a large presentation vase by the Osaka master Yabu Meizan. The vessel is decorated with an overall design of chrysanthemum blossoms and is offered at US$20,000-30,000. The metalwork section features a fine damascened-iron model of a three-tiered pagoda by the Komai workshop of Kyoto (US$30,000-40,000).

A private Japanese collection of helmets and armor rounds out the sale. The finest piece is an important armor dating from the 19th century, formerly in the collection of Major-General Takimoto Hidemaro, of the Japanese Imperial Army. One of the few pieces to come to auction in recent history with true daimyo provenance, the armor was assembled for Yamaguchi Hirokuni (1808-1869), the 9th head of the Yamaguchi clan and Lord of Ushiku Castle in Hitachi (US$80,000-120,000).

Finally, the sale presents a selection of netsuke from the American collector Virginia Atchley. Bonhams Japanese art specialist, Caroline Gill, says: “Virginia was largely responsible for popularizing the fashion for collecting netsuke in the United States. Starting with her first purchase in 1963, she assembled an impressive collection and was known for sharing her extensive knowledge generously with fellow enthusiasts. It’s a particular pleasure to be offering items from such a well-known and respected figure.”