About Us

Paper Tiger Japanese Art was founded by Nova Tregaskis, an art dealer who splits her time between Sydney, Australia and Vancouver, Canada. Nova grew up in a home where art wasn’t just decoration, it was the family business.

Her parents, Victoria and Ray Tregaskis, founded Oriental Antiques in Sydney in 1982 and became two of Australia’s most respected authorities on Asian art. Surrounded by bronzes, scrolls, ceramics, and prints from a young age, Nova developed an early appreciation for the craftsmanship and history embedded in every object.

At Paper Tiger, we continue that legacy. While we work with a broad range of Asian art and antiques, our specialty lies in Japanese art, with a particular passion for woodblock prints. These prints span two major artistic movements:

Ukiyo-e (17th–19th century): The art of the “floating world,” known for its vivid depictions of kabuki actors, beautiful courtesans, landscapes, and scenes of everyday life. Artists like Hiroshige, Hokusai, Yoshitoshi, and Kuniyoshi helped define Japan’s visual identity through these masterful works.

Shin-hanga (early 20th century): A revival movement that blended traditional woodblock techniques with modern, Western-influenced sensibilities of soft lighting, naturalistic detail, and atmospheric mood. Masters such as Kawase Hasui and Hiroshi Yoshida introduced Japanese prints to a global audience and reshaped the medium for a new era.

 

Paper Tiger sources authentic, high-quality works. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, we’re here to share the depth and charm of Japanese art, one piece at a time. We’re always looking to buy, sell, or broker exceptional Asian art, so if you have a piece to offer or need help finding something special, please feel free to reach out.

INVEST IN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE ART

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