I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Eva Sweet in August of last year. Eva was one of out most far-flung and loyal members of both the INS and the European chapter.
Eva attended just about all the netsuke conventions and symposia, continuing to travel even in the face physical challenges. She will be instantly recognisable to many of you by her flame red hair. Those of you who are long standing collectors will also remember her delightful husband Aubrey. Known for her forthright manner and fierce loyalty to her friends, she continued collecting and holding meetings of the INS’s Australian chapter for as long as she was able, offering encouragement to newcomers to the netsuke world. Her family moved from Poland to Australia when she was two years old, escaping the impending war in Europe. In the 1950s they were gifted an okimono of a daikon seller and so the seed was sown for a lifelong passion for Asian art, especially Chinese jades and Japanese lacquer and netsuke. It was always a pleasure to see them both on their annual visits to the UK.
The Chinese works will be sold at Dore and Rees in Frome (Somerset, UK) in May, the Japanese works of art in November. We will be co-ordinating a lecture and viewing session with Dore and Rees in London during Asia week.