How to assess Sado copperware for a high price
【鵜飼図花瓶】
本間琢斉 三代
[Lion figurine]
Sasaki Shodo
[Toad hermit figurine]
Takusei Homma (3rd generation)
Assessing value
Key points for high purchase appraisal
Author and workmanship
Sado copperware is made using a technique called wax casting, and only one item can be made from one mold. It is a very time-consuming process. Each piece is always stamped with the artist's seal. Famous artists include Takusai Homma, Shodo Sasaki, Mayama, and Takuma. Another point in valuing a piece is the level of that piece among the artist's work.
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Authenticity of the item
Sado copperware is made one by one by wax casting, but some are made by copying the molds. In other words, they are fakes. Compared to the real thing, the molds are not as solid, so the workmanship is not as good, and the inscriptions are not properly engraved. Whether an item is real or fake is a very important point for appraisal.
共箱の有無
The work is placed in a paulownia box, and the creator writes the name of the work and their own name on the box in ink. This is called a "kyobako". There are also "giwame" boxes, in which a descendant who inherited the technique later wrote "giwame" on the box to confirm that it is definitely from their predecessor. These boxes are a point that will increase the appraisal. If you have the box, please bring it with you.
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Scratches and dents
Sado Copperware is made of copper, so it is relatively resistant to scratches, but it can get scratched or dented if it is bumped or dropped. The closer to perfect the item is without damage, the higher its rating.