Terms & Conditions

1. The dealer

“We”, “us” and “our” mean Raimu Japanese Antiques Limited trading as David Thatcher Samurai Art, company number 06830800, c/o Raimu Gallery, Brackley Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 6DH, United Kingdom.

“You” means the purchaser or prospective purchaser.

2. Descriptions and authenticity

Each work is described in good faith following specialist examination and research. Dating, attribution, school, materials, provenance and condition reflect our considered opinion at the date of sale.

Original Japanese armour and related works commonly show age, wear, restoration and replacement elements. These are not defects where they are consistent with the description, photographs, condition report or normal age-related character of the work.

3. Certificates and invoices

Items sold by us are supplied with a written certificate or invoice identifying the work and recording our description. The certificate forms part of the sale documentation and should be retained by the purchaser.

No statement by a third party, whether oral or written, changes our contractual description unless we confirm that change in writing.

4. Price and VAT

Unless expressly stated otherwise, prices shown on this website are exclusive of VAT and delivery. VAT will be added where legally applicable.

Goods exported by us from Great Britain to a destination outside the United Kingdom may be zero-rated for UK VAT where the statutory conditions are met and satisfactory evidence of export is retained. If those conditions cannot be met, VAT remains payable.

The purchaser is responsible for any import VAT, customs duty, brokerage fee or local tax charged in the destination country.

5. Orders and payment

An enquiry, reservation or website message does not itself create a binding sale. A contract is formed when we issue written confirmation and receive the agreed cleared payment or deposit.

Payment must be made by the method stated on our invoice. Title to the work remains with us until the full purchase price and all agreed charges have cleared.

6. Shipping and insurance

Shipping is charged at cost and agreed before dispatch. We normally use DHL or an appropriate specialist carrier, depending on the work, destination and applicable restrictions.

Shipments arranged by us are insured in transit for the agreed value, subject to the carrier’s and insurer’s terms. Delivery times are estimates and may be affected by customs clearance, licensing, carrier disruption or events outside our control.

7. Export and import requirements

Some works may require an export licence, cultural-property documentation or additional customs formalities. We will explain known requirements and may delay dispatch until the necessary documents are issued.

The purchaser is responsible for confirming that the work may lawfully be imported into the destination country. A refusal or delay by a foreign authority does not automatically cancel the sale.

8. Inspection and condition

Additional photographs, dimensions and condition information are available on request. Private viewing is encouraged for important works. Buyers should raise any material question before agreeing to purchase.

Colour and scale may vary between screens and photographs; online images are not a substitute for physical inspection or a specific condition report.

9. Consumer cancellation rights

If you are a UK consumer buying entirely at a distance, you normally have 14 days from delivery to notify us that you wish to cancel, followed by 14 days to return the work. Statutory exceptions may apply.

The work must be returned safely, using appropriate packing and insurance. Unless the work is faulty or misdescribed, the purchaser is responsible for the direct cost and risk of return. We may make a lawful deduction for handling beyond what is necessary to inspect the work.

Nothing in these terms limits your statutory rights where a work is faulty, not as described or cannot legally be sold.

10. Returns and refunds

Please contact us before returning any work. Once an authorised return is received and inspected, any refund due will be made to the original payment method within the period required by law.

Custom packing, enhanced delivery and import charges are not refundable except where required by law. Any returned certificate, stand, box and accessory must accompany the work.

11. Liability

We do not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability for fraud, death or personal injury caused by negligence, or your statutory consumer rights.

Subject to those protections, we are not responsible for indirect loss, loss of profit, exchange-rate movement, customs delay or a buyer’s failure to comply with import rules.

12. Copyright and images

All website text, catalogue descriptions and photographs remain protected by copyright. Purchase of a work does not transfer reproduction rights. Images may not be copied, published or used commercially without prior written permission.

13. Privacy

Personal information is used to administer enquiries, sales, payments, delivery, legal compliance and client service. We do not sell personal data. Information may be shared with payment providers, carriers, insurers, customs agents or authorities where necessary.

14. Governing law

These terms and any non-contractual dispute are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales will have jurisdiction, without removing any mandatory right a consumer may have to bring proceedings elsewhere.