Katsukawa Shunshō (1726–1792), Yoshiwara Courtesans at the Kyōen Restaurant, 1770s, hanging scroll, ink and color on silk, 23⅝ x 33¾ in. (60 x 85.7 cm), signed: Katsu Shunshō ga with kakihan

We are pleased to shine this week’s Gallery Spotlight on Sebastian Izzard LLC Asian Art, renowned for its exceptional Japanese and Korean art, catering to the discerning collector.

With more than forty years of experience as an auction-house specialist, appraiser, and dealer in Japanese and Korean art, Sebastian Izzard established his eponymous gallery in New York in 1998. His goal was to provide the personal expertise, dedicated attention, and insightful guidance that are especially valuable to discerning collectors worldwide. The gallery deals in all periods, from early to modern, with a primary focus on exceptional quality.

Izzard’s introduction to Japanese art began as a student in London, when a print by Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1865) in a shop window captured his attention. After graduating from the Chelsea School of Art in 1973, he chose Kunisada as the focus of his research, spending a year and a half in Japan, and earned his Ph.D. in 1980 from the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University.

Izzard has curated major exhibitions on Japanese art, including Kunisada’s World and Hiroshige, both accompanied by scholarly catalogues. His work on Kunisada’s World earned the Uchiyama Memorial Prize. He also co-curated the exhibition Designed for Pleasure: The World of Edo Japan in Prints and Paintings, 1680–1860 at the Asia Society, New York in 2008.

Over the years, the gallery has guided and assisted clients in building collections of prints, paintings, and other works of art. Whether you’re interested in buying or selling, exploring their exhibitions and catalogues, or seeking appraisal and consulting services, they warmly welcome your inquiries.

To learn more, click here.