Confronted by the tragic events of the 11 March 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and resulting nuclear crisis, The Nippon Music Foundation has made an extraordinary offer to assist in the recovery efforts of their native Japan.
In a gesture of profound generosity they decided to sell what is considered the finest violin of their collection, the ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivarius of 1721, and have pledged the entire proceeds of the sale to The Nippon Foundation’s Northeastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
On June 20, 2011, this violin was sold for a record setting $15.9 million to an anonymous bidder.
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| The ‘Lady Blunt’ A FINE AND IMPORTANT ITALIAN VIOLIN BY ANTONIO STRADIVARI, CREMONA, 1721 |
Labeled, “Antonius Stradivarius faciebat Cremonensis Anno 1721.”
Bearing its original neck, re-angled at the heal. Accompanied by its original bassbar and fingerboard and a presentation case from W.E. Hill & Sons. The ornamented pegs and tailpiece by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. Inscribed “PG” to the inside of the pegbox. LOB 35.7 cm
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Certificates (View
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- W.E. Hill (21 July 2008) to The Nippon Music Foundation from Andrew Hill
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (18 September 1959) to Samuel Bloomfield from Alfred Hill, with translation extract of a letter from Vuillaume to CHC Plowden
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (23 September 1959) to Samuel Bloomfield from Desmond Hill
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (23 January 1941) to Robert Bower from W.E. Hill & Sons
- Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris (28, November 1864), certified by W.E. Hill & Sons “to be a true copy of the original,” photocopy only
Correspondence (View
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- W.E. Hill (21 July 2008) to The Nippon Music Foundation from Andrew Hill
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (18 September 1959) to Samuel Bloomfield from Alfred Hill, with translation extract of a letter from Vuillaume to CHC Plowden
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (23 September 1959) to Samuel Bloomfield from Desmond Hill
- W.E. Hill & Sons, London (23 January 1941) to Robert Bower from W.E. Hill & Sons
- Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, Paris (4 October 1864) to Charles H.C. Plowden, photocopy only
Literature
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| The Nippon Music Foundation, Japan W.E. Hill |
2008–Present |  |
| Private Owner W.E. Hill |
2000–2008 | |
| Robin Loh, Singapore Sotheby’s |
1971–2000 | |
| Sam Bloomfield, United States W.E. Hill & Sons |
1959–1971 | |
| Henry Werro, Switzerland Robert A. Bower |
1941–1959 | |
| W.E. Hill & Sons Richard Bennett |
192?–1941 | |
| Richard Bennett, England W.E. Hill & Sons |
1915–192? | |
| J. E. Street, England W.E. Hill & Sons |
1901–1913 | |
| Baron Johann Knoop, England W.E. Hill & Sons |
1896–1900 | |
| Charles Edler, Germany Edward Withers & Emil Hamma |
1895–1896 | |
| Lady Anne Blunt, England Jean Baptiste Vuillaume |
1864–1895 | |
| Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, France from Spain |
?–1864 |
London – 19 & 20 June
Westbury Hotel, 2nd Floor Gallery, Conduit Street, London
Sunday, 11am–7pm
Monday, 10am–5pm
Private Viewings
Tarisio is pleased to accept inquiries for private viewings in the following cities:
Boston • Chicago • Hong Kong • London • Los Angeles • New York • San Francisco • Seoul • Tokyo • Taipei • Zurich
U.S. air travel provided by
Bidding is conducted online at tarisio.com. Bidding ends on 20 June 2011. Phone bidding is encouraged.
Special registration to bid on this lot is required 24 hours in advance.
Please contact Ethan Ladd at +1.800.814.4188 or eladd@tarisio.com to schedule a private viewing
and assistance with bidder registration. Prospective bidders only, please.
