Christie's is delighted to present, Crafted Landscapes: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Lacquer and Asian Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861–1936) began collecting Asian works of art upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s—a golden age of travel and European collecting. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. This love of Asian art was later passed down to the admiral’s children and grandchildren, who have enriched the ensemble during their own visits to Japan, through specialist dealers and at auction houses throughout the second half of the 20th century, continuing into the early 21st century. Comprising fine Japanese inro, beautiful lacquer incense boxes (kogo), delicately decorated writing boxes (suzuribako), Chinese porcelain and other exceptional objects, the collection symbolises the Ankarcrona family passion and tradition of collecting.

We welcome you to view by appointment in our Rockefeller Center galleries from 16 - 21 September. Please contact +1 212 636 2160 or asianartny@christies.com to set an appointment.

VIEWING
20 Rockefeller Plaza
New York
16-21 September