ETHNOGRAPHIC ART AND ARTEFACTS
Monday, 23 June - Monday, 7 July 2025

This broad ethnographic auction will include many Māori, Pacific, & African artefacts together with other tribal items, NZ artefacts, artworks and much more. Entries accepted until 7th June. Please email photos to bookings@cordys.co.nz or ph. 09 5231049. This auction already has two fantastic collections included: The Robbert Haas collection of Japanese artefacts, Mexican Pre-Columbian pieces, Tibetan and Sino-Tibetan bronzes, South Indian bronzes, Thai ancient bronzes, and items from various other countries. See the collector's notes on the collecting history of this very unique collection... Robbert Hass Collection: My collection journey began in 1952 at the age of 18. While living in Amsterdam, I developed an interest in ethnic art and frequently visited antique shops. During that period, African artefacts like masks, spears, and colourful textiles were popular. In 1955, I emigrated to Canada. After completing my university education in 1962, I joined a multinational company in New York City. My role in export sales enabled me to travel to various countries in Latin America, where I visited antique shops and acquired items for my collection. In 1966, I was transferred to Guadalajara, Jalisco state in western Mexico. Over four years in Mexico, I built a collection of Pre-Columbian objects primarily from Jalisco and nearby Nayarit. In 1970, I was transferred to Japan. Initially, I worked for an American/Japanese joint venture in Osaka for about four years. After my contract ended, I chose to remain in Japan. As an independent agent, I began buying Japanese antiques with plans to start a business named East West Antiques. I obtained a police-issued licence to attend auctions across Japan, being the only foreigner in West Japan with such a licence. The auctions were mainly attended by antique shop owners. I resided in a large Japanese-style house in Kobe, equipped with a tatami room displaying textiles, lacquerware, porcelain, wood block prints, screens, scrolls, and other items. Many foreign joint venture companies had offices in nearby Osaka, with executives living in Kobe. Every few months, I hosted open homes, which were well-attended and contributed to the success of East West Antiques. In 1989, after nearly 20 years in Japan, I moved to New Zealand, bringing numerous artefacts. By then, my collection included Japanese artefacts, Mexican Pre-Columbian pieces, Tibetan and Sino-Tibetan bronzes, South Indian bronzes, Thai ancient bronzes, and items from various other countries. I have now decided to sell my collection, retaining only a few treasured possessions and offering the rest for sale. Robbert Hass Please note that to purchase any registered items (those with 'Y' numbers) you will need to be a registered Artefact collector with Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture & Heritage. These are taonga tūturu and are protected objects under the Protect Objects Act 1975, They have whakapapa to Te Ao Māori and embody mana, tapu, and mauri. Packing and courier options available at buyers risk and expense. This does not include larger items. All enquiries email info@cordys.co.nz or phone (09) 5231049. ALL PAYMENTS TO BE ONLINE, EFTPOS OR CREDIT CARD AND COLLECTIONS BY APPOINTMENT. CASH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. A buyer's premium applies to all Cordy's auctions of 17% + GST = 19.55% this is to be paid on top of any successful bid.