Toko Shinoda painting sells for over £10,000

Toko Shinoda (1913-2021) was a highly respected Japanese artist, whose art merged traditional calligraphy with modern abstract expressionism. 

She was influenced by her father's love of sumi ink painting, calligraphy, and Chinese poetry. Shinoda started practicing calligraphy when she was just six years old. She had her first solo exhibition at Kyukyodo Gallery in 1940, and began working on abstract paintings in sumi by 1945.

Shinoda's work has been exhibited at many leading museums around the world.

^{"Arches" by Toko Shinoda. Sold for £10,500}

The team at Dawsons were understandably delighted to be able to bring to auction one of her works.

This particular painting was purchased by a London-based client whilst they were visiting Japan back in the 1990s. Dawsons' Paintings Expert Nicky Houston explains further...

“ Our client was delighted with the hammer price achieved for their painting by Toko Shinoda, which they had purchased whilst on their travels in 1997 from the Tolman gallery in Tokyo for Yen 750,000 - which is about £5,000. Toko Shinoda sadly died earlier this year at the age of 107, meaning her work has become even more valuable. The buyers (new owners) were so excited about their purchase that they jumped in the car the very next day to come and collect this new addition to their collection in person.”

^{Toko Shinoda}

Provenance was confirmed by the Tolman Gallery as follows: 'Dimension, is a one of a kind original was painted on “Arches” by Toko Shinoda. Shinoda painted on the black [lithographic] area by hand. The picture was purchased from our gallery on October 17, 1997.

Ms. Shinoda put her signature with the ink and seal to authorize her original paintings.

But it's common that she put a part of her signature for small drawings, such as this "Dimension," that could have only "Shino" or "桃” (a part of Toko in kanji characters) in silver.'

The team of experts at Dawsons are always happy to provide a free verbal appraisal and auction valuation; regularly consigning an array of wonderful Fine Art, Antiques, Asian Art, Jewellery, Watches, Silver and Collectables to our monthly sales. We can also provide insurance valuations, where required.

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