A JAPANESE trunk, which has been in storage near London for years, is estimated to sell for thousands of pounds when it goes under the Charterhouse hammer in their February 17 auction.

“We received numerous emails from the client asking us to value a broad range of items from furniture to pictures to ceramics.” Commented George Holtby. “There were hundreds of items which the client had been storing for a number of years and was now looking to have a sort out. Despite the excellent photography, there was nothing to gauge the size of the trunk so initially we all thought it was a tea caddy worth maybe a hundred or two!”

The trunk dates to the 17th century Japanese Momoyama period and measures 95 cm wide x 45 cm high. It features lack and gilt lacquer panels on an unusual shagreen ground and would have graced an important home storing valuable personal items.

Now taken out of storage, the trunk is estimated to sell for £2,000-4,000 in the Charterhouse auction on Friday, February 17.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their Spring programme of auctions including coins, medals, stamps, clock and collectors’ items in March followed by pictures, print and books with a selection of hunting, shooting, fishing and other sporting items in April.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, please contact George Holtby at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com