These types of rare prints are sometimes referred to as ‘pyrogravures’ as the designs are burnt on to the paper. How it was done is a question of speculation. Perhaps the design is printed from an un-inked block and the details burnt onto the paper with a hot metal tool. However, another possible explanation is that the whole thing was done freehand and the absence of burn marks on the reverse would tend to support this theory. If this was indeed the case, then only one example would be possible. As far as we are aware there is no mention of these curiosities in English language reference books.
The turtle is a potent symbol of longevity and good luck etc. and consequently a very popular motif in surimono design. The printing is on heavy quality surimono paper. 53cm x 40cm.
This large surimono print bears the seal of the ‘Henri Vever Collection’.
Provenance: Purchased from the 4th Vever Sale at Sotheby’s on 22nd March 1978, Lot 362 by the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.
Ma San Auction offers an online bidding service via 51BidLive.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale. In completing the bidder registration on www.51BidLive.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with Ma San Auction, you:
1. authorise Ma San Auction, if they so wish, to charge the credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via 51BidLive.com, and
2. confirm that you are authorised to provide these credit card details to Ma San Auction through www.51BidLive.com and agree that Ma San Auction are entitled to ship the goods to the card holder name and card holder address provided in fulfilment of the sale. Please note that any lots purchased via the-saleroom.com live auction service will be subject to an additional 3% commission charge + VAT at the rate imposed on the hammer price
***Payment needs to be received within 2 weeks of the sale day!
For card payments we can send you an email with a payment link. For invoices over ?1000 please make payment via bank transfer.
We do offer packing on smaller items which are not overly fragile. Please call or email us to arrange packing and shipping!
Email: saleroom@masanauction.com
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1225 318587
Alternatively, below are a few recommend professional packing and shipping companies. You can contact them by email or telephone for a quote on your items.