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John Sparks and Pitt-Rivers
John Sparks (1854-1914) was known as a dealer who specialised in Chinese and Japanese antiquities and objets d'art. He had an early career as a merchant seaman, based in the Far East. There are references to him working at Messrs Dowdeswell 160, New Bond Street, London in 1888 in the catalogue of the second collection. He established the Japanese Fine Art Depot, Duke Street, Manchester Square, London in 1888 according to the webpages about pottery on the Liverpool Museum website. The firm finally closed down in 1991, still under the name of John Sparks.
According to the Chinese Art - Research into Provenance site, John Sparks' established his dealership in the 1870s. His father had lived in Bombay [Mumbai]. According to both these sites:
Along with Bluetts, Sparks were among the longest established and most respected London dealers in Chinese art
There is / was apparently an archive of his collection held at the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. According to the wikipedia entry for the Foundation, the ceramic objects from the Foundation are on long-term loan to the British Museum. The current whereabouts of the archives has not yet been confirmed.
Here are a series of letters from John Sparks to Pitt-Rivers dated from October 1888 (that is, in the year he first established the depot). These letters are all held by Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum and copyright is held by them. Please note that the majority of these letters are bundled together in the so-called B [business] series, but one of them is actually part of the L [letter] series.
It seems clear that this is not all of their original correspondence and that Pitt-River may well have known Sparks before 1888. The letters transcribed here (all of the letters from Sparks in the S&SWM PR papers] seem to be concentrated on particular parts of the year, because at times it is clear from the contents that letters were exchanged almost every day I think we can be sure that many letters from Sparks are missing, and almost all of the letters from Pitt-Rivers to Sparks.
The correspondence is interesting because it is one of only a few surviving examples of a series of communications from a dealer to Pitt-Rivers (the only other comparable one seems to be from Inman) and, although it is clearly not complete, presumably gives an idea of the sorts of relationships he had with dealers with whom he carried on business for many years.
L557a
Containing description of Japanese kakemono of Heaven & Hell
"St Heliers" | West Bank, | Stamford Hill, N.
Dear Sir
According to your wishes I herewith beg to enclose you a few descriptive remarks respecting your picture, [sic, there seem to be 4] which information has been gleaned by myself both from the natives themselves abroad and from several books I have from time to time consulted written by good authorities.
Any further information I can at any time impart I shall be pleased to give you if you will kindly write or call and ask me.
For the present any letters addressed to me at 160 New Bond St will be sure to reach me at once.
I am dear Sir
Yours faithfully
John Sparks
Gen'l Pitt Rivers
[Enclosure]
Dowdeswell & Dowdeswells | Fine Art Publishers | 160 New Bond Street | London W. Oct 22 1888 | Telephone No 3779
Re. "Heaven & Hell"
The lower portion of the picture (separated by the Golden Cloud, the cloud being used by Japanese Artists of that period instead of mere formal lines to denote that the subjects on either side were a distinct or separate picture in themselves) [sic, punctuation] represents the ordinary life of the Japanese on Earth.
The animal running in the foreground pierced by an arrow depicts a sport that was for many years practised in Japan, namely the hunting of dogs who were kept expressly for that purpose, the idea of thus depicting this pastime, is that according to the rules and teachings of Buddhism, cruelty to animals was one of the greatest of sins and anyone guilty of the crime received most condign punishment. In many instances the victim having to return to Earth after his death, in the form of the animal he tortured during his lifetime, and receiving tenfold the amount of pain he himself had inflicted.
The river on the right is supposed to represent the boundary twixt Life and Death, having crossed wich the spirit of the departed one is led by the attendant priests (as shown in the picture) before a Tribunal consisting of a number of Judges.
Over the head of the Probationer you will observe a species of canopy is borne, this is the ordinary covering for a dead body in the Japanese funerals and is given here by the artist to indicate that the figure over which it is being carried is that of a person but very recently defunct.
On the left of the Tribunal is a hideous old hag who is apparently mutilating a victim, this is the Sodzu-gawa no Uba, or the Woman of the Three paths whose avocation is to receive the earthly clothing from each new arrival and then according to the fiat of the Tribunal dispatch them on One of the Three Paths namely either to Nirvana (Paradise), Jigoku (Hell) or back again in some other form to Earth again.
In Hell itself are depicted the usual forms of punishment; amongst them may be noted the Liar & Slanderer who is having his tongue torn out by the roots. The lustful sinner who is always seeing a gay courtesan close before him and yet when he reaches forward to seize upon her he falls and lacerates his body on the spikes that lay around.
The Unfaithful Women are being slowly drowned in a pool of blood (drawn from themselves during their lifetime,)(periodically).
The "Gaki', or, men who in life have been gluttonous, are here depicted as wretched starvelings craving for food which occasionally is tendered to them in tempting form by Demons, when immediately upon their placing it to their lips it turns into fire and burns their mouths etc.
The victim being held up by the hair of his head in the clutches of a large Demon is one who having denied his crime is being held up before the Magic Mirror whereupon he at once sees reflected, himself committing the crime he has just denied which in this instance was the setting fire to a Buddhistic Temple.
The figure in the centre at whose feet children are seen, is one of the favourite deities or saints of the Japanese, viz the god "Jizo" who is supposed to be ever on the watch to protect little children and who also at certain periods himself undergoes the tortures of Hell in order that those under sentence may be respited
The other priestly figures surrounding the altar area Saints residing in Purgatory and [insert] who [end insert] are incessantly offering up prayers and penances, thus mitigating the severer sentences passed on the most unfortunate.
To the right of the whole picture is given a description of the hard wearisome journey made by the true Buddhist, together with the many devotions and purifications to be performed ere he can hope to reach "Nirvana" which is depicted on the extreme right by a representation of the Bhuddist [sic] Trinity namely Buddha & his two sons surrounded by the Heavenly choir.
"Nirvana" being protected by a sea of a Dragons [sic] who prevent any one entering save through the medium of the Goddess of Mercy whose form may be seen at the very top of the High mountains as if urging the Toiler to struggle on his upward path.
This letter appears to refer to Add.9455vol2_p425 /3 and Add.9455vol2_p451 /1-2, Add.9455vol2_p452 /1-2 described as:
Bought of Dowdeswell, 160 New Bond St. Japanese Kakemonos a Set of 4 pictures representing Heaven & Hell] £10.10.0 the set of 4 [Drawing]
It is unclear why this description by Sparks, who presumably sold the picture to Pitt-Rivers on behalf of Dowdeswell, is described in the catalogue as 'a set of four' and depicted as such. It may have been a cut-down scroll? Kakemono means a wall hanging, see here for more general information
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B426 series of letters
B426.1
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Aug 29 1989
General A.H. Pitt-Rivers
Sir,
I beg to enclose the anglicized copy of Mr Ichikawa's translation. I would also desire to say that I saw yesterday a remarkably handsome gold embroidered Turkish silk Portiére 10 feet by 6 in, and remembering that last year you seemed desirous of securing one I thought you might like to hear of this one and if in town shortly might possibly like to see it. It is on view at the Ladies Sale & Exchange rooms in Brook St, Hanover Square.
They ask £20 for it but I daresay it could be bought for £15.
I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
A portière is a hanging placed over an entrance to a room. This item is not listed in the catalogue of the second collection but if it was purchased for use in one of Pitt-Rivers' homes then it most probably wouldn't have been.
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B426.2
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 21 1889
Sir,
I was extremely sorry to hear on my return from the Bank that you had called and I had not been in to receive you especially as I had a little bowl to shew you which is both old [insert] Chinee [end insert] and decorated with one of the patterns you wished me to try and find viz [Drawing] Also I wished to ask you whether you would like the other volumes of the Chinese book translated
Would you like me to wait on you respecting same.
I have also a fine old short sword I should like to have shewn you
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Rather surprisingly there are no Chinese bowls (or other pottery vessels) listed in the catalogue of the second collection as having been acquired from John Sparks.
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B426.3
Sparks | Rushmore | Salisbury | Dec 9 90
Sir
The following in the inscription on the inside of the back [insert] or front, I don't know which [end insert] of the iron helmet if you can give me the translation of it I should be much obliged
[Copy of inscription besides each character in another hand [presumably Sparks] is Tosa-no ju (a province of Tosa) Miochin Ki-no Munéshigé saka]
Please write it on the side of the inscription if you can let me know the date of the Helmet it is built up in pieces & rivetted, a shield is made in the same manner which is, which accompanies it
A. Pitt Rivers
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B426.4
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 12 1890
Sir,
I enclose translation of signature, Miochin Muneshige was one of the family of the great Miochins Iron workers and your helmet therefore is a specimen of his work and is of the 14th century.
I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
The suit of armour including the helmet is Add.9455vol3_p1185 /1, the shield is presumably part of this. The image of the armour and helmet was pasted into the third volume of the catalogue of the second collection and coloured. It is not known who took the photograph or when or who is wearing the armour (it could be Sparks, or even Pitt-Rivers).
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B426.5
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 25 1891
Sir,
I have had offered to me today a really very fine collection of Bizen pottery, there are Twenty four pieces and all are fine specimens, it includes every description, the white, the blue, the purple and the brown. It is quite unique and is the property of a Japanese gentleman, the price namely £200 is not cheap but on the other hand it is not dear as no other such collection in its perfect completeness exists. I have not shewn or mentioned it to anyone yet in case you might entertain the idea of purchasing it and if you were coming to Town very shortly I would hold it but if not may I ask you to be so kind as to send me a line to that effect so that I may know I am free to try the Museums and others. If you would like me to bring a few pieces as samples to Rushmore I will do so.
I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
These items are not listed in the catalogue of the second collection so presumably Pitt-Rivers did not acquire them.
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B426.6
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 2 1891
Sir,
I thank you for your kind note and will send tomorrow a few pieces of the collection that I have been enabled to pick out They are all genuine and a fair sample and at the same time those I thought the cheapest. If you would like to see me personally I could run down next Thursday by the 9.5 am train which would enable me to return to town same day. There is one piece I should like you to have but dared not send it as it is large and would require much more care in handling than the Railway Co. are likely to give. It is a Kylin in a recumbent position, fully Three feet long and about 18 inches in heigth [sic] price £25. if you thought it at all likely you would purchase it & wished me to bring it I would do so I enclose list.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
The list is not enclosed, presumably Sparks is referring to the Bizen collection. PThe kylin is also not listed in the second collection catalogue.
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B426.7
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 3rd 1891
Sir,
When packing the Bizen this morning I discovered that the Blue Bizen bottle had not been brought from the Dock warehouse but in its place an old Brown Bizen clove infuser price £4 so I have packed it in lieu of the bottle.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
I have addressed the box to you at Rushmore via Tisbury Station
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B426.8
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 12 1891
Sir,
I shall be in Tisbury on Wednesday, having an appointment with Mr Alfred Morrison, but as I shall be leaving Fonthill about 2 pm I should yet have time to drive to Rushmore and be back to catch the last train if you wished to see me, if not and you would like to return any or all of the Bizen specimens I sent for your approval, would it be asking too much if you could send me the box to Tisbury station on that day so that I might take it back to London with me.
As I leave Town by the 9 am train and consequently may miss the morning post would you be so kind just this time as to favour me with a wire tomorrow (Tuesday) if you wish me to call.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Alfred Morrison (1821-1897), an art collector, who had inherited Fonthill near Hindon in Wiltshire and displayed his wide art collection at the house and his London home. He also collected autographs. Many of his objects have ended up in museums.
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B426.9
John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square
1 Pair Old Bizen hanging vases in shape of Moths 4 - -
1 Old Bizen Group "Hotei on stand with boys 7 - -
1 Old Blue Bizen bottle 2 10 -
1 Old Blue Bizen Peony with silver top a very rare fine piece 12 - -
1 Old Bizen Hotei 5 - -
Returned Oct 22/91
L&SW Raily
It is clear that Pitt-Rivers did consider purchasing some of the Bizen collection but, if he did, they were not listed in the catalogue.
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B426.10
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1891
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the safe receipt of the pieces of Bizen sent for your approval.
If you are coming to town, I have received a small consignment of valuable old porcelain Lacquer etc. worthy of inspection
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
LE
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B426.11
Ansd Sept 7/92 by H.G.
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept'r 6 1892
Sir,
Having returned yesterday from my holiday at the Sea, I at once forwarded your design with full particulars to my Agent, in Japan asking him to give it his immediate attention.
I beg to enclose for your inspection a small drawing of a very fine old Bronze Vase inlaid with Cloisonné Enamels, that I have just imported and which I consider one of the most interesting specimens I have acquired for a very long time. It is evidently a finely preserved base of the Ming dynasty probably about 1450 AD. the portions I have marked with a pencil, darkly, are plain bronze, the rest is enamelled. Part of the designs are almost Egyptian in character and the colours neutral Reds, Yellows and Greens on a Turquoise blue ground.
I have as yet shown it or spoken of it to no one and will wait your reply as to whether you would like me to bring it or send it for your inspection.
It stands 2 ft 6 in and I have drawn it to scale, the price is £50.
I am Sir
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
There is no record of Pitt-Rivers buying this particular bronze vase, but he did buy other similar sounding ones from Sparks in the mid 1890s
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B426.12
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 15 1894
Sir,
In answer to your query I am sorry to say I have never heard it described or had it invoiced other than as Kiota Enamel work on Silver; but can quite see, as you point out that there should be some distinguishing appellation in contra distinction to the cloisonné Enamel, and as I am writing to Japan tomorrow I will ask my agent to make enquiries amongst those best qualified to give a correct reply, and on hearing from him will at once let you know.
The blinding of the colours in the Enamels in the best pieces is all done by one man, whose work is entirely kept in the hands of one native merchant from whom my agent can alone procure them. Mr MusaShiya a wealthy fine art dealer in Yokohama and Kioto.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
See for more information about the Musashiya company here:
'The Musashiya company, operated by Ozeki Yahei 大関弥兵衛 and his son Sadajiro, were perhaps the most successful of the concerns selling high-quality decorative art during the Meiji era. Originally a dealer in pipes, Ozeki Yahei set up the Yokohama branch at 66 Main Street, probably under the management of his son Ozeki Sadajiro, soon after the port was opened in 1859. In 1877, both father and son exhibited commissioned pieces under their separate names in the first Naikoku Kangyo Hakurankai [National Industrial Exposition]. By 1880, the company is recorded as employing twenty-four people and dealing in enamels, bronzes, ivory, crystal, carvings, pins, fans, hardstones, tortoiseshell, lacquer, and a variety of ceramics.' [Joe Earle, Splendors of Meiji: Treasures of Imperial Japan, Masterpieces from the Khalili Collection (St. Petersburg, Florida, Broughton International Publications, 1999), p. 94]
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B426.13
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 29 1894
Sir,
If you are coming to Town shortly, would you kindly honour me with a visit as I have a remarkable and unique Old Chinese Screen which is well worth inspection, besides one or two fine things lately received from Japan
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.14
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 13 1895
Sir,
I should both much like you to have the pair of very fine small Gold Lac vases, with the pearl Dragons, and to sell them, so will you not kindly help me by meeting me in price, say £32-10.0 which really leaves me scarcely any profit.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Pitt-Rivers did purchase a similar sounding / looking vase but sufficiently different to be pretty sure it isn't this one, from John Sparks in October 1895, the illustration shows the relevant entry for it
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B426.15
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 14 1895
Sir,
In reply to your letter I can only express my sincere regret that you should have been so troubled and ask you kindly to send me the vase and piece of inlay that I may get it properly repaired. I can only surmise that the maker of the vase has been the victim of the modern evil of cheapening everything and had some of the wretched cheap glue or cement that is now being imported in immense quantities to Japan from Europe.
I am constantly writing out to my agents urging them to impress upon the makers of these beautiful things the imperative necessity of using only the best materials if they are to keep up the sale of their labours and wen [sic] offered to buy and send out anything they might require but unfortunately it seems as if they too readily believed the words of the various local agents who are out their [sic] to sell these inferior goods.
With regard to the pieces of embroidery you speak of I will look through my stock this evening adn see if there are any at all suitable and then write you particulars.
I sent the silver plate to Grosvenor Gardens on Monday thinking you were still in Town shall I fetch it away & sned it on to Rushmore.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
The enclosed translation is from the interior of the little old nashji wound lac box you bought the other day.
Pitt-Rivers bought several pieces of enamelware from Sparks in 1895 which are listed in the catalogue, one of which might have been broken. No items of embroidery are listed as being purchased in that year, and neither is a silver plate so they must not have been catalogued even though the latter at least was definitely acquired.
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B426.16
Ansd Dec 6/95
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 4 1895
Sir,
I have just got from Japan Two life size bronze stags of the early eighteenth century They are simply wonderful; most beautiful, elegant and life like with an exquisite patina so if you are coming to Town they would will [sic] repay a visit. The price is £120 & ridiculously cheap
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.17
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 7 1895
Sir,
In response to your query the height of the Buck from ground to top of shoulder 2 ft 8 in and from group to tip of antlers 5 ft The Doe is grazing with head close to ground and her height from ground to top of back is 2 ft 8 in Length of Buck from nose to tail 4 ft
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
[In different hand] Genl. Rivers' Test Jap: Buck is 2 ft 6 in from bottom of feeet to shoulder Doe 2 ft 5 in.
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L1450
15 Duke Street | Manchester Square W. 10/12/95
Sir
I had a photograph taken on Saturday and now enclose first copy, it is not a good one but will probably give you some idea of how fine they really are
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
[There is also a printed cardboard rectangle saying Valuable with care From The Japanese
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B426.18
Ansd Sept 8/96
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 7 1896
Sir,
Having received from Japan an unique and splendid old Bronze in the form of a life sized horse which was secured from a Temple in the Soma province, may I request the favour of a visit of inspection at an early date
Yours faithfully
John Sparks
[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price
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B426.19
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Sept 9 1896
Sir,
In accordance with your wishes I beg to say that the very lowest price I would take from you for the Bronze is £150 but in the event of your not caring to buy it yourself I would respectfully ask you to be kind enough to not mention the price I name to anyone, as I am asking £200 for it especially as one connoisseur who has seen it values it at fully £500 I gave over a Hundred for it but my agent got it very cheap under exceptional circumstances
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.20
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896
Sir,
In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting
I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
[Added in pencil, by different hand?] information lowest price
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B426.21
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 22 1896
Sir,
In reply to your letter I beg to say I still have the fine bronze Horse although the South Kensington Museum authorities are I am told very much inclined to buy it and intend discussing it at the next board meeting
I have also today received from Japan a pair of fine old bronze stags somewhat similar to the ones I had a year ago. no one has seen or even heard of them yet so would you care for me to hold them until you have seen them if you are coming to Town shortly
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.22
Ansd
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 26 1896
Sir,
I thank you for your letter received and will accept your offer although I know if I chose to wait a week or so I can get £150, but I am not unmindful of your kindness in the past and am pleased to think you should have secured, what even Mr Gowland declares to be the finest Japanese bronze he has ever seen and which I am positive will when next sold fetch at least double what you are paying for it. I enclose Photo of the Stags which if you like to take also I will accept now £70 for altho' I pledge you my word of honour they cost me £66. as that would make the amount £200 altogether I need scarcely say under any other circumstances I should not accept such a sum and must ask you to be kind enough not to mention it to any one as my price for the pair is One Hundred Guineas nett.
With regard to the Iron Tangs I am willing to bear the expense of making them etc but before fixing them on I feel sure it will be wiser for you to see the Horse first and try it in its place on the pedestal or block first, as I am afraid you might think the iron plates spoilt its appearance, if I might suggest, I should think bolts sunk in the block first with long heads protruding that would fit into holes bored in the feet of the horse would be quite safe and look so much better.
May I not send the horse down first and then when you have judged what is best, my man here could run down if you wished and bore the holes there, or screw the plates if you preferred.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Photographs survive from the 1920s of the Larmer Grounds with a life-sized horse statue, see illustration, this must be the horse referred to here. The illustration is taken from Dudley Buxton's 1929 Guide to Farnham Museum which starts with information about the Larmer Tree Gardens.
William Gowland (1842-1927), chemist and metallurgist who worked in Japan and carried out archaeology there.
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B426.23
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 28 1896
Sir,
I thank you for your letter duly received this morning and will at once make arrangements for the delivery of the Bronze. I want if possible to get a cart such as is used for lame horses and cattle by the Railway Co; put the Bronze carefully in it and then send cart and all direct to Tisbury from whence perhaps you would kindly give orders to have it horsed and brought on to Rushmore.
If you wish I would of course come down myself and see it on its arrival and then if you thought fit I could have any plates etc made in London that we found necessary for its security.
The Bronze is certainly patinated but I should imagine that if occasionally wiped over the wet would not injure it in any way, smoke of course would be detrimental.
The Stags are not exactly like the ones I sold to the Marquis of Bute as this pair is 6 inches shorter than his but in appearance they are similar because both are modelled from a celebrated drawing by the Artist "So sen, [insert] (1760) [end insert] as to Lord Bute returning his I can assure you he told me himself last June that he was more than pleased with them and thought them both beautiful and very moderate in price; he gave me £125 for the pair and would not be likely ever to part with them. They are in the Hall at Rothesay Castle and look splendid there.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.24
Ansd Oct 31/96
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 30 1896
Sir,
Upon turning the Horse over on its side this morning to prepare it for the bolts, we found to our surprise that the hoops were not solid consequently we cannot have the "bolts" but must have the Tangs you first proposed consequently [insert] so therefore [end insert] I had the plates cut at once and by this Evening they will be screwed on. I have had the plates cut the exact size of the hoof with a tang coming 8 inches out behind, [Drawing] drilled for three large Two inch metal screws, the plates on the hoofs I have had screwed where the screws would grip and where not, rivetted, so as to be sure and have the fastening secure as per your request, while at the same time they could easily be taken off if you did not like them on, and wished it fixed any other way.
I may tell you that today, I received a communication from the South Kensington Museum asking for lowest nett price of the Horse, as they were inclined to purchase it; but I wrote them of course that [insert] it [end insert] is was [sic] sold.
I had thought of trying to get it on the Railway tomorrow if possible on account of there being always less traffic (Goods) Saturday nights but as you say wait I will do so until I hear from you either by letter or wire.
My man who has made the plates and fitted them on, can come down any day you like if you will kindly say, when. He could leave by the early morning train reaching Tisbury about 10.30 am, altho' perhaps you will think your own people could manage the screws equally well The rocky base will most certainly be a more fitting adjunct than a plain pedestal
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.25
Ansd Nov 3/96
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 2 1896
Sir,
I think there need be no fear but what the plates as now fixed are quite sufficient for the purpose, the thickness of the metal varies from a quarter of an inch to a eighth but where it was too thin for a screw to hold my man put a small rivet. He says he is quite certain no wind could possibly blow it over or even move it when once it is screwed down So would it not be better to have it down and try it, as it would not be difficult afterwards to turn the horse over if necessary & fill the hoop with lead
Yrs respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.26
Ansd by telegram Nov 5/96
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 4 1896
Sir,
I have made all the arrangements and the Horse will be packed carefully in a low horse cart and leave about midday [insert] tomorrow [end insert] so should arrive at Tisbury either late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Will you therefore kindly give orders for a horse to be at the station at whatever time on Friday suits you best to bring it on to Rushmore as I feel sure it would save expense, the railway company always charging so heavily for delivery far from the station. The cart being so low there will be very little difficulty in getting it out, as eight men can lift it comfortably four on either side.
Only please give orders to see that they lift it carefully so that the Tangs do not catch as they move forwards or backwards.
It may interest you to know that Miss Alma Tadema & Onslow Ford came here expressly to see it yesterday and were both much surprised and spoke in the highest terms of its excellent qualities both of conception and technique.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
You will of course send for me if you deem my presence would be of any real service
Lawrence Alma-Tameda (1836-1912), artist, and Edward Onslow-Ford (1852-1901), sculptor.
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B426.27
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1896
Sir,
In confirmation of my Telegram, the horse left in a cart securely and safely packed at noon today. One horse drew it easily to Vauxhall, a distance of some four miles, cart and horse (bronze) weigh I believe about a Ton, or a Ton and a quarter. The shafts will take a large strong horse in them.
I should be very grateful if you would let your secretary drop me a lie when it has reached you
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.28
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 6 1896
Sir,
I regret very sincerely the delay caused in delivering up the Bronze but I have not yet been able to find the cause as some three or four days ago one of the London agents of the Railway came here and I fully explained all to him saying that you would send horses to fetch it from Tisbury and therefore why they should have thought it right to stop delivery until wiring me is inexplicable to me but needless to say I have written sharply to the Agent here and await his explanation. Hoping however that ere this it has reached you safely and has given you satisfaction
I am Sir
Yrs respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.29
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1896
Sir,
I thank you very much for kindly writing and am so glad you are pleased, though I felt sure you would be, it so fine. [sic] I really think that if you saw the pair of stags you would buy them at once also as they are in their own way almost equally as fine and though a trifle smaller than life size not much so as all the deer I saw in the Temple grounds in Japan were very small.
With regard to the plates on the Horse's hoofs I do not know of course if the "site" is unusually exposed but both the man who did the work & myself feel confident that it would have to be an extremely heavy gale that could move it when once it was screwed down. Why here in London they are not fastened on the stone pedestals at all, but merely stand on slightly sunken beds for the hoofs, the rounded surfaces affording such slight resistance to the wind.
As to the screws holding, I should recommend boring holes in the stones three or four inches deep under the plates, then fill them with lead and fix [insert] bore [end insert] the screws into the lead as then the movement if any would not wear away the lead as it would stone.
On the other hand if you decide to take off the plates you will not find it at all difficult nor will you injure the hoofs in the slightest if ordinary care is used as there are only one or two "rivets" and the other screws will come out quite easily when once started.
I will look very carefully through my own and other collections for any trace of the different kinds of chevrons and write you very shortly the result, returning your drawings
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.30
Ansd Nov 13/96 H.G.
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 12 1896
Sir,
If it is of the greatest convenience to you to keep the horse in the cart I am willing to let it remain. only please return as soon as were it is out and kindly advise me so that I may send to Nine Elms station to fetch it away as I have to pay 5/- each day for its hire until it is returned.
Yrs respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.31
Ansd Nov 23/96 H.G.
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 19 1896
Sir,
I am very sorry to hear you were disappointed with the Horse when seeing it out of the cart, but altho' undoubtedly the depth of the shoulder is exaggerated still the Japanese Horses, (or Chinese Ponies as they are called) are very similar to the Bronze one as they are very thick built and strong and splendid mountain climbers.
The date of the casting is undoubtedly about the middle of the last century or possibly earlier but for full particulars as to its history it is impossible to get at because like all these fine Temple specimens they are sold "sub rosa" and under condition that the name of the vendor and his locality is never divulged.
It was sent to me as having been purchased from a Temple at Soma, but from what my agent writes I have very little doubt it was stolen from the "Temple of the Bronze Horse" at Nagasaki as I know a very similar specimen to thiswas mysteriously lost about Three years ago and was replaced by a new one which is nothing like so fine as yours as anyone will tell you who has seen the one now at Nagasaki.
I am sending for you to look at Two Guards, one Iron damascened with gold & silver Soten school early 17th century and one floral of the 18th century also an old carved nut (probably 18th century) as all these have diapers somewhat after the style you seek for. other specimens I am still on the look out for and will forward you if possible as I come across them. I have taken copies of your drawings for my personal reference and therefore return your originals
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.32
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 24 1896
Sir,
I am in receipt both of the parcel and your letter and beg to say the prices of the Tsuba and the old carved nut are thirty shillings each.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Pitt-Rivers paid this price, the tsuba is Add.9455vol4_p1490 /1, however he does not seem to have bought the nut, or at least it is not recorded in the catalogue of the second collection.
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B426.33
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 25 1896
Sir,
I thank you for your letter and you may be sure I will do my best to find further traces of the diaper patterns chevrons etc.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.34
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 1 1896
Sir,
I thank you very much indeed for your kindness in sending me a cheque so promptly.
I am glad to say I have found you another specimen of the diaper pattern and am sending it to you for your inspection but of course it is quite optional with your whether you keep it or return it. It is on the hilt of an old dagger which by the crest on the sheath must have originally belonged to a nobleman of the Honda clan The blade is signed by Kanékado a well known sword maker (1450) and the Guard and mountings are by Teruhidé early 16th century signed
This therefore should be of real use in giving authentic data to the use of the patterns
The price of the dagger is £3-0-0
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
This is Add.9455vol8_p2157 /1.
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B426.35
Ansd Dec 31/ 96
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Dec 30 1896
Sir,
Among the many things I purchased at Dr Hart's sale was the fine old wooden carving No 536 (as per enclosed). I gave Twenty Guineas but value it at nearer Forty. Would you care to have it for £25.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.36
Ansd Jan 2/ 97 £20 offered
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 1 1897
Sir,
In response to your queries I beg to inform you that the height of the figure itself is 3 ft the Glass Shade over it a few inches taller and the whole length from floor to top of stand 6 ft.
Kin-kan-kuji is the name of a Temple on the outskirts of Kioto.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
The lacquer on the figure is almost hidden by a thick coating of blackish sediment caused by the smoke from the incense burnt in front of it for centuries.
Enclosure
Photo of Buddha [shown on this page] and a cut-out from a brochure saying:-
536 A Unique Figure of Buddha with Pastoral Staf, standing on a lotus pedestal, carved in wood and richly lacquered. Purchased from the priest at the temple of Kin Kan Kuji, whither it had been removed from Nara. The figure is full of the ancient prayer papers, the head being removable. A singularly fine relic of the 10th century, in ebonized case. Illustrated
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B426.37
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 14 1897
Sir,
In answer to your letter and in confirmation of my telegram I write to say that the Buddha etc is exactly as it was received from Dr Hart's house; a slight fracture of the glass shade at one corner, and no real prayer papers that I could see in it, altho' the latter are mere sinecures inasmuch as the so-called prayer papers are merely leaves of printed matter sold by the priests for a few halfpence and very often are not the real Buddhist teachings at all.
Trusting that General Pitt Rivers if not quite himself again, is still very much better.
Yours faithfully
John Sparks
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B426.38
General A H Pitt Rivers London Jan 14 1897
John Sparks Proprietor | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square
One fine old Japanese Buddha from the Hart collection Lot 536a £20 - -
To cost of packing etc £1 - -
£21 - -
Yours faithfully
John Sparks
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B426.39
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Jan 15 1897
Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of your letter and though very sorry have of course nothing else to say but that I will take the Buddha back.
As I said before, the price left no profit and I bought it at public auction so that it could not be solely my valuation, and of course the circumstances of purchase must at all times be taken into consideration when naming a price, as it is often possible to buy a work of art at a tenth of its value, and then again to have to pay more than its value if you want it
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
It is not certain if Pitt-Rivers kept this Buddha, and if he did whether he arranged for this Buddha to be listed in the catalogue or whether it was unrecorded, there is a wooden Buddha without provenance (either geographical or dealer) listed on page 2356 of volume 9 of the second collection catalogue, but it is not illustrated. It could be the same figures as it is just described as a 'wooden Buddha'.
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B426.40
Ansd July 7/97
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. June 30 1897
Sir,
I have received from Japan one of the most wonderful pieces of iron work in the world. It is an articulated life sized snake about 5 feet 6 inches long made by Mischin Muné yori, early 18th century. It is in perfect condition and Professor Church who saw it today said it was one of the very finest things he had ever seen.
Would you like me to send it down to you to look at.
The price is £125.
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the snake, or at least it is not listed in the catalogue.
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B426.41
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Oct 15 1898
Sir,
In a shipment received from Japan today, I have two small collections of the oldest known arrow heads, beads, rings bracelets etc that have been found at various times when excavating.
I am given a guarentee of their perfect authenticity and genuineness and therefore sell them on that basis viz to be proved to to be to the contrary.
Would you like me to send them down on approval
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.42
Ansd Nov 8 / 98
Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 5 1898 | Telephone No 791 Paddington
Sir,
I desire to thank you for your cheque receipt for which I enclose.
I have ventured upon taking the liberty of sending down for your inspection the sets of very old arrow heads, charms, rings etc if you care to look at them. If not I would ask you to be kind to return them, entirely of course at my risk & expense.
I have also received a very fine old Bronze Goddess Gwannon which you might honour me by calling to see when next you are in town
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
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B426.43
Things returned by rail, Nov 10/98
Telephone No 791 Paddington | Japanese Fine Art Depôt | 15, Duke Street, Manchester Square | London W. Nov 9 1898
Sir,
In response to your query I beg to say the price of the amulets etc sent are £15 the one set in a single box (black) and £50 the other but I cannot quite see how I am to separate them still if it is possible for me to do anything I can to please you I will be only too glad to do it
Yours respectfully
John Sparks
Pitt-Rivers does not appear to have purchased the objects, or at least they are not listed in the catalogue.
Transcribed by AP August 2011 as part of the Rethinking Pitt-Rivers project.
