Stradivarius to be sold to raise money for Japan quake

An exceptionally well-preserved Stradivarius violin, the Lady Blunt, which fetched $10m at its last sale in 2008, is to be auctioned for charity.

The 1721 violin is being sold by the Nippon Music Foundation, with the entire proceeds going to their Northeastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

The Lady Blunt set a record price every time it was sold last century.

Auctioneers Tarisio said they will sell the instrument online on 20 June. ....