Auction Preview: The Cooper Collection, 10 April 2024; Fine & Decorative Arts, 8 April 2024, Philips Auctions, Melbourne.
With more than 400 lots on offer and currently on view in the company’s rooms at 47 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, director Tony Philips says he already has more than 250 international bidders and more than 200 from Australia. “Interest in the sale has been massive,” he said. “The collection is a great insight into Japanese culture unlike anything I have ever seen.” Many of the pieces pay tribute to the samurai era of Japanese history, particularly the Edo period (1603-1868) – such as the kozukas or knife handles listed in lots 126, 124, 152, 151, 150, 108 and 104 (see composite photo).