Takashi Murakami, “Composition”
This October, Sotheby’s London had its first-ever auction dedicated to contemporary Japanese art. Entitled From Japan With Love, it included 73 lots, divided into five themes: Neo-Pop, Kawaii, Anime and Manga, Homage to Shunga, and Provoke/Photobooks.
Each theme contained work by renowned creatives. Neo-Pop, for instance, featured colorful pieces by Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama. Kawaii, which focuses on the aesthetic of cuteness, included works by Yoshimoto Nara and American artist KAWS. Additionally, the theme Provoke/Photobooks introduced a selection of striking, visceral photographs by Nobuyoshi Araki, Rinko Kawauchi, and Daido Moriyama.
“We are super excited about this upcoming one-of-a-kind sale: From Japan with Love,” Sotheby’s Prints Specialist, Yessica Marks, wrote in the press release prior to the auction’s opening on October 6. “It really is an auction like no other, celebrating the popularity and influence of Japanese style which continues to reach new heights. From the whimsical storytelling found in Anime and Manga prints to Kawaii—or more commonly known as ‘the culture of cuteness’—and the kaleidoscopic Neo-Pop prints, the sale showcases the breadth of contemporary Japanese artistic production.”
From Japan With Love succeeds Sotheby’s recent Banksy print auction, which tripled its pre-sale estimate. Scroll down to see more art from the auction, and learn more about these works by visiting Sotheby’s website.
Sotheby’s had its first auction dedicated to contemporary Japanese art.
Takashi Murakami, “Composition”
Entitled From Japan With Love, it featured works by acclaimed artists such as Takashi Murakami…
Takashi Murakami, “Composition”
Takashi Murakami, “Composition”
Takashi Murakami, “Composition”
Takashi Murakami, “Kaikai Kiki and Me; and Flower Smile,” 2008-11
Takashi Murakami, “Open Your Hands Wide”
Takashi Murakami, “Wouldn’t it Be Nice if We Could Do Such a Thing”
Yayoi Kusama…
Yayoi Kusama, “High Heels”
Yayoi Kusama, “Pumpkin (Red)”
Yayoi Kusama, “Pumpkin Red and Pumpkin Yellow”
Yayoi Kusama, “Yayoi Kusama Street”
Yoshitomo Nara…
Yoshitomo Nara, “Cosmic Girls Eyes Open Eyes Closed”
Yoshitomo Nara, “Marching on a Butterbur Leaf”
…and KAWS.
KAWS, “Resting Place (Black)”
KAWS, “BFF (Blue),” 2017