London

By definition ruyi sceptres are highly auspicious objects, favoured for their shape and ornamentation which together represent the propitious expression ‘as you wish’.

The centrepiece of Bonhams’ Japanese offering on May 11 was the second part of the extraordinary collection of netsuke formed by US concert pianist Julius Katchen (1926-69) and his wife Arlette.

Antiques dealers of Portobello Road must jostle for space with souvenir traders. But a new breed of seller is determined to maintain the area’s antiques heritage.

Regarded by many as Gustav Mahler’s greatest song for voice and orchestra, ‘Ich bin der Weit abhanden gekommen’ was just one of many first-class performances featured in a 53-lot music sale conducted by Sotheby’s (25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium) on May 23.

In recent times a few examples of the 1947, Dutch text, first printing of Anne Frank’s famous diary (part of a print run of just 1500 copies) have come to auction.

Christie’s UK chairman says the closure of Christie’s South Kensington, the largest upheaval in the firm’s recent history, “has been a very painful decision for all but for the long-term health of the business it is right”.

On the centenary of Auguste Rodin’s (1840-1917) death the French sculptor is still much in evidence.

ATG’s weekly selection of items on sale at auctions and dealerships.

This depiction of a 16th century bullfight in Siena’s Piazza del Campo starred in Christie’s (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) sale of the collection of the late Lord Weidenfeld.

Christie’s Chinese art department – shorn of the experience of Jeremy Morgan and Pedram Rasti (long-standing heads of department in both South Kensington and King Street who have recently left the firm) – will be led by Marco Almeida as international senior specialist and Kate Hunt, former head of sale at Christie’s South Kensington.

More than 35 works by the artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham populate Waterhouse & Dodd’s retrospective from June 7-July 8.

A trio of art dealers has chosen this summer’s revamped London Art Week to unveil new central London galleries.

Bloodthirsty, ruthless and mad – Roman emperors have often been perceived as highly unsavoury individuals.

Dealers are heading to the capital from far and wide. ATG chats to some of them to find out their hopes for this busy time.

In an era when much-loved galleries and antiques shops are disappearing from UK high streets, it is reassuring to know that, in London at least, the art and antiques trade continues to congregate – and indeed thrive – in the areas it has made its own for half a century or more. Here’s a guide to the best-known London dealing quarters.