Maak presents two Studio Ceramics auctions
Ceramics Now Weekly is pleased to write about Maak's auctions dedicated to studio ceramics
Specialist auction house Maak presents two auctions that showcase the best in studio ceramics, bridging East and West
Collectors and ceramics enthusiasts should mark Maak’s auction dates on their calendars, as this November sees two significant auctions in London, with online viewing and all bidding taking place on the Maak website. Maak will open with their signature Contemporary Ceramics auction, held twice per year and carefully curated to offer a representative selection of British studio ceramics alongside notable names in international ceramics.
In parallel, Maak will present Ceramic Art of the East, an auction dedicated to modern and contemporary Japanese ceramics, in collaboration with the esteemed Tokyo gallery Mitochu Koeki Company.
The Contemporary Ceramics auction offers a journey through the evolution of British studio ceramics, beginning with the early traditionalists Charles Vyse, William Staite Murray and Bernard Leach, rooted in Anglo-Oriental aesthetics, and moving through the mid-century masterpieces of Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. It also highlights the Picasettes—William Newland, Nicholas Vergette and James Tower—who drew direct inspiration from Picasso’s work. In a rare opportunity, their ceramics will be shown alongside two of Picasso’s own pieces, created at the renowned Madoura studio, allowing viewers to see the master’s influence in conversation with their own creations. A notable strength of the auction lies in demonstrating the divergence of artistic expression that represents the 1970s to the present day. The auction showcases significant pieces by Ewen Henderson, Gordon Baldwin, Elizabeth Fritsch, Alison Britton, Jennifer Lee, Magdalene Odundo, Kate Malone and Edmund de Waal, each bringing their own distinct artistic language to British ceramics.
For Ceramic Art of the East, Maak and Mitochu Koeki Co have used their extensive networks to bring together rare and high-quality works from private collections in Japan, the US, and the UK. The selection includes masterpieces by Mingei masters such as Hamada Shoji, Kawai Kanjiro, and Tomimoto Kenkichi, as well as works by Living National Treasures including Tsukamoto Kaiji, Matsui Kosei and Isezaki Mitsuru who are each celebrated for their mastery and innovation in traditional techniques. Avant-garde Sodeisha artists, who broke from functional ceramics to explore purely sculptural forms, are also prominently featured, with works by the pioneering Kumakura Junkichi, Akiyama Yo and Shigematsu Ayumi.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of studio ceramics, Maak’s November auctions offer a rare glimpse into some of the most exceptional works on the market today. With masterpieces by celebrated British and Japanese artists, side-by-side with the bold innovation of Picasso himself, these auctions are more than a chance to bid—they’re an invitation to explore, discover, and connect with the artistry that defines modern ceramics. Don’t miss your opportunity to view and own a piece from these unparalleled collections. Click here to view the auctions and see these extraordinary works for yourself.
Key Dates
Contemporary Ceramics
16 - 21 November 2024
Bidding opens on Saturday 16 November and will conclude from 12:00 GMT on Thursday 21 November 2024
Ceramic Art of the East
16 - 21 November 2024
Bidding opens on Saturday 16 November and will conclude from 18:00 GMT on Thursday 21 November 2024
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