Japanese Gifts from the Veitch Family
Photo 1 Hunting knife and sheath from the Veitch Collection
RAMM Accession No.E1965
Photo 2:Ornamental candle stick from the Veitch Collectiton
RAMM Accession No. E1976
Photo 3: Saucer from the Veitch Collection
RAMM Accession No. E1982
Photo 4: Scroll from the Veitch Collection
RAMM Accession No. E1994
Photo 5: Tobacco box from the Veitch Collectiton
RAMM Accession No. E1990
Browsing RAMM's Veitch Collection
By Spring Cui
The Japanese objects we share here are from the Veitch Collection of Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) donated by Sir Harry and his wife on his bequest. During their lifetime the couple amassed a substantial art collection as well as ethnographic collection brought back by the collectors of the Veitch firm from all over the world. On his death he bequeathed the entire collection to the museum in 1924.
"Sir Harry Veitch (24 June 1840 - 6 July 1924) may be regarded as the most outstanding figure in contemporary horticulture, and during the last fifty years no one has exercised so great an influence on all things pertaining to gardening", stated in the obituary for him published in the Gardeners' Chronicle.
The Veitch Collection covers wide range of objects from other cultures. Those from Japan play a significant role in helping us understanding other parts of the world besides Britain. The Veitch family left us not only the beautiful plants, but also these treasures of mankind.
Photo 1: Before 1880 hunting knife and sheath from Japan. Knife: 208x25mm; Sheath: 212x48mm. Wooden hilt with carved designs. Wooden sheath with carved designs and bound with strips of cherry bark. Iron, short, curved and pointed blade.
Photo 2: Before 1880 ornamental candle stick possibly from a temple. 215mm in height. Metal body with 3 feet resting on a metal base.
Photo 3: Circular shallow saucer dated 1850-1870. Porcelain body with enamel decoration in blue and guilt colour. Turtle model and painting symbolises long life. Bamboo painting symbolises harmony. Raised and slightly tapered foot incurved to base.
Photo 4: Before 1880 scroll 1250x332mm. Ink and colour on white paper based on black wooden support with the inscription of possibly the artist. Male image in kimono with a royal pheasant.
Photo 5: Tobacco box dated before 1880. 160x150x110mm. Wooden box with detachable front door, pieced, slides upwards to reveal drawers with metal knobs. Brass handle on the top of the box for carrying.
Other pages of Veitch interest: Pots, Combs and Butterflies, The Felling of An Historic Tree in Alphington, The Plants Family, The Veitch Nursery Tree