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Takashi Murakami (Japanese, b.1962)
LOT ID: 66914
A Picture of the Blessed Lion Who Stares at Death, 2010

Offset lithograph, in colors
28 х 55 in. cm.
Signed, and numbered, lower right
Edition 130/300
Foundry/Publisher Kaikai Kiki Co, Ltd. Japon
Lot description
In 2009, the famed Gagosian Gallery featured Takashi Murakami with an exhibition “Picture of Fate: I Am But A Fisherman Who Angles in the Darkness of his Mind”. Takashi Murakami's new large-scale unique piece “A Picture Of The Blessed Lion Who Stares At Death” was part of the show. This print, based on that unique work, puts a modern day twist on the legend of the Karajishi or ‘China-lion,’ a mythological animal that is believed to guard the thresholds of Japanese Buddhist temples by combining elements of Murakami's iconic superflat styles.

Considered the Warhol of Japan, Takashi Murakami (b. 1963) is a prolific contemporary Japanese artist who works in both fine arts media, such as painting, as well as digital and commercial media. Classically trained in the historic ‘Nihon-ga’ style, Murakami blends the traditional Japanese painting style with contemporary pop culture, pushing the boundaries between high and low art. He incorporates popular themes from pop culture, media, and cartoon animation into anything from his "Superflat" paintings to his enormous sculptures. He also brands his own art to create marketable commercial goods including figurines, apparel, and even key chains. Murakami's work is exhibited internationally and is included in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Los Angeles, CA), and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Tokyo, Japan).
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  • Takashi Murakami

    A picture of the blessed lion who stares at death
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  • Takashi Murakami

    A picture of the blessed lion that stares at death
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    Sunday, November 20, 2011
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  • Takashi Murakami

    A picture of the blessed lion who stares at death
    prints, offset lithograph
    (H 28, W 55) in.
    (71.1 x 139.7) cm.
    Ed. 89/300
    Sold for: US$2,990
    Tuesday, March 08, 2011
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    Lot 43701
  • Takashi Murakami

    A picture of blessed lion who stares at death
    offset lithograph
    (H 27.9, W 55.1) in.
    (70.9 x 140) cm.
    Ed. 113/300
    Sold for: US$2,344
    Friday, October 22, 2010
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  • Takashi Murakami

    A picture of the blessed lion who stares at death
    prints, offset lithograph
    (H 28, W 55) in.
    (71.1 x 139.7) cm.
    Ed. 300
    Sold for: US$2,990
    Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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    Lot 32301
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