Deep Dive
Why did the Fujita Museum auction off part of its collection in 2017?
The Fujita Museum auctioned off part of its collection to raise funds. The museum, established in 1954 by Japanese industrialist Fujita Denzaburo and his sons, faced financial challenges. The auction included 27 Chinese art pieces, with the total sales reaching $269 million, setting a record for the highest auction turnover in Asian art history.
What is the significance of the 'Yao Bian Tian Mu' tea bowl in the Fujita Museum's collection?
The 'Yao Bian Tian Mu' tea bowl is a highly prized artifact from the Southern Song Dynasty, originating from the Jian kiln in Fujian. Known for its unique iridescent glaze that resembles coral or gemstones, it is considered a top-tier piece in tea ceremony utensils. Only three intact examples exist in Japan, with one housed in the Fujita Museum.
How did Fujita Denzaburo accumulate his wealth and influence?
Fujita Denzaburo amassed his wealth during Japan's Meiji Restoration, leveraging his involvement in the anti-shogunate movement to gain privileges such as mining rights. He expanded his business ventures, including copper mining in Taiwan during Japan's colonial period, which significantly contributed to his fortune and allowed him to build an extensive art collection.
What distinguishes private museums in Japan from public institutions in terms of art collection management?
Private museums in Japan, unlike public institutions, can decide to sell or exchange their collections based on decisions made by their boards. This flexibility is due to their private nature, allowing them to manage financial challenges by liquidating assets, a practice less common in public museums where collections are typically considered permanent.
What are some notable artworks auctioned by the Fujita Museum in 2017?
The Fujita Museum's 2017 auction featured several significant Chinese artworks, including 'Six Dragons' by Chen Rong from the Southern Song Dynasty, which sold for nearly $50 million. Other notable pieces included 'Horse Washing' by Zhao Mengfu, 'Bian Bridge Meeting' attributed to Li Gonglin, and 'Horse and Groom' attributed to Han Gan, all previously recorded in the 'Shi Qu Bao Ji' catalog of the Qing Dynasty.
- 2017年佳士得拍卖会，藤田美术馆拍卖27件中国艺术品，成交额达2.69亿美元。
- 藤田美术馆拍卖部分藏品是为了募集资金。
- 日本私家美术馆的资金问题和藏品流转现象。
- 腾金有灵馆也曾出售部分藏品，并分析了其资金和管理问题。
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