In this whimsical dreamscape from acclaimed Japanese Contemporary artist Aya Takano (Japan, b. 1976), childlike female figures coexist peaceably alongside mountain animals on a Himalayan slope. Throughout the canvas, the figures of humans and animals alike seem to float against a pervasive wash of bright blue. With the playful composition and dry, richly pigmented surface characteristic of Takano's style, “Himalayas, blue sheep, snow tiger, wolf, people who live there" (2003) speaks to the disparate influences of contemporary comics, Edo-era woodblock prints, and late nineteenth century French painting on the artist's work. This work is 51.29 x 38.19 inches (130.3 x 97 cm) and is in excellent condition.

Aya Takano (b. 1976) is a contemporary Japanese painter belonging to the anime- and manga-inspired Superflat movement led by Takashi Murakami (b. 1962). After graduating from Tama Art University in Tokyo, Takano became a member of Murakami’s art production firm, Kaikai Kiki LLC, and later embarked on a solo career. Deeply influenced by both manga culture and the ukiyo-e print tradition, Takano’s painting style is distinguished by its precise delineation, whimsical coloring, and cartoonish figures and motifs. Her works often feature “Kawaii” (cute) androgynous figures in surreal or fantastical scenarios that derive from science fiction, erotica, and myth. Takano has had solo shows at Galerie Perrotin, Hong Kong and Paris, France (2003, 2008, 2012); the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA (2004); Blum & Poe Gallery, Santa Monica, CA (2005); Musée d’Art Contemporain, Lyon, France (2006); and Parco Gallery, Nagoya, Japan (2006). She lives and works in Japan.