Kumi Sugai (1919-1996) - Direction
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Selected by Silvia Possanza
Held senior specialist role at Finarte for 12 years, specialising in modern prints.
Estimate € 300 - € 400
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Kumi Sugai, Direction, a limited edition lithograph in Pop Art style (year 1973), hand-signed, edition 250, from Japan, measuring 25 cm high by 29.4 cm wide.
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Description from the seller
Title
Kumi Sugai (1919–1996) 「DIRECTION」 – Hand-Signed Silkscreen – 1978 – Ed. 220/250
Description
This silkscreen work titled 「DIRECTION」 (1978) is a quintessential example of the mature geometric abstraction of Kumi Sugai, one of the most internationally acclaimed Japanese artists of the 20th century.
Born in Kobe in 1919, Sugai relocated to Paris in 1952 and became associated with the École de Paris. Over time, his style evolved from expressive calligraphic gestures to a refined hard-edge aesthetic inspired by urban signage, graphic clarity, and the visual concept of speed.
Executed in silkscreen — a technique Sugai favored for its capacity to achieve flat, luminous color fields — this composition presents bold yellow circular forms set against deep blue geometric structures. The dynamic contrast, rhythmic repetition, and controlled balance exemplify Sugai’s mastery of modern abstraction and symbolic visual language.
Sugai’s works are held in major international museum collections, including:
• Museum of Modern Art, New York
• Centre Pompidou, Paris
• National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
This piece represents an elegant and accessible example from Sugai’s later period and is highly suitable for collectors of post-war Japanese art and mid-century modern abstraction.
Dimensions
• Image size: 12.6 × 22.7 cm
• Sheet size: 25.0 × 29.4 cm
Signature & Edition
• Hand-signed “Sugai” in pencil (lower right)
• Numbered “220/250” (lower left)
Condition
The artwork is in good vintage condition.
Colors remain vivid and well-preserved.
There is light age-related toning to the paper margins, consistent with its age (1978).
Offered as sheet only (unframed).
We will use Japan Post or DHL for shipping.
Please allow extra time for delivery as the items are shipped from Japan.
Please note that the listed prices do not include customs duties and taxes.
Please note that items may have scratches or stains due to age.
If an item exceeds the size or weight limits, it may be shipped in multiple packages.
Title
Kumi Sugai (1919–1996) 「DIRECTION」 – Hand-Signed Silkscreen – 1978 – Ed. 220/250
Description
This silkscreen work titled 「DIRECTION」 (1978) is a quintessential example of the mature geometric abstraction of Kumi Sugai, one of the most internationally acclaimed Japanese artists of the 20th century.
Born in Kobe in 1919, Sugai relocated to Paris in 1952 and became associated with the École de Paris. Over time, his style evolved from expressive calligraphic gestures to a refined hard-edge aesthetic inspired by urban signage, graphic clarity, and the visual concept of speed.
Executed in silkscreen — a technique Sugai favored for its capacity to achieve flat, luminous color fields — this composition presents bold yellow circular forms set against deep blue geometric structures. The dynamic contrast, rhythmic repetition, and controlled balance exemplify Sugai’s mastery of modern abstraction and symbolic visual language.
Sugai’s works are held in major international museum collections, including:
• Museum of Modern Art, New York
• Centre Pompidou, Paris
• National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
This piece represents an elegant and accessible example from Sugai’s later period and is highly suitable for collectors of post-war Japanese art and mid-century modern abstraction.
Dimensions
• Image size: 12.6 × 22.7 cm
• Sheet size: 25.0 × 29.4 cm
Signature & Edition
• Hand-signed “Sugai” in pencil (lower right)
• Numbered “220/250” (lower left)
Condition
The artwork is in good vintage condition.
Colors remain vivid and well-preserved.
There is light age-related toning to the paper margins, consistent with its age (1978).
Offered as sheet only (unframed).
We will use Japan Post or DHL for shipping.
Please allow extra time for delivery as the items are shipped from Japan.
Please note that the listed prices do not include customs duties and taxes.
Please note that items may have scratches or stains due to age.
If an item exceeds the size or weight limits, it may be shipped in multiple packages.
Details
Artist
Kumi Sugai (1919-1996)
Edition number
250
Edition
Limited edition
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Title of artwork
Direction
Technique
Lithograph
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Japan
Year
1973
Condition
Good condition
Colour
Black, Blue, White
Height
25 cm
Width
29.4 cm
Weight
1500 g
Depiction/theme
Fashion
Style
Pop Art
Period
1970-1980
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
