James Rizzi (1950-2011) - Letting Off Steam
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€ 110
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Selected by Giulia Couzzi
Master’s in culture and arts innovation, with a decade in 20th-21st century Italian art.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,500
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James Rizzi’s Letting Off Steam (1986) is a hand-signed, 3D lithograph with collage, in a 79/175 edition, sold with frame, measuring 32.8 × 36.8 cm framed and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Forty years ago, the buildings were already alive.
A 3D lithograph and collage by James Rizzi — “Letting Off Steam,” 1986, numbered 79/175 and hand-signed by the artist. One of Rizzi’s earliest works in his signature style: cartoon skyscrapers with faces, steam billowing from the rooftops, a city that breathes and grins and refuses to take itself seriously.
This is Rizzi at his most raw and joyful — before the world caught on. A 1986 edition of 175 is extraordinarily rare. The same work has previously sold for approximately ¥300,000 in the Japanese market.
Artwork dimensions: 12.5 × 16.5 cm. Framed dimensions: 32.8 × 36.8 cm (depth 2.8 cm). Comes framed.
Edition: 79 / 175. Year: 1986.
Works by James Rizzi are no longer in production. This is a finite body of work
Artist Profile
James Rizzi (1950–2011) was born in Brooklyn, New York, and studied at the University of Florida. He became one of the most recognised Pop artists of his generation, celebrated for his hand-finished 3D technique — a process he invented and made entirely his own. His work appeared on official stamps, large-scale public murals, and in galleries worldwide. He is particularly beloved in Germany and across Europe, where his colourful, exuberant cityscapes command a devoted following.
Condition
Good condition. The artwork itself is in excellent preservation. Minor wear and soiling noted on the corners of the frame, and a small stain on the upper right of the backing board. Does not affect the artwork. Please refer to photographs for full details.
Shipping
Carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
※ Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country’s import regulations and are beyond the seller’s control.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery.
Please bid with confidence.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
Forty years ago, the buildings were already alive.
A 3D lithograph and collage by James Rizzi — “Letting Off Steam,” 1986, numbered 79/175 and hand-signed by the artist. One of Rizzi’s earliest works in his signature style: cartoon skyscrapers with faces, steam billowing from the rooftops, a city that breathes and grins and refuses to take itself seriously.
This is Rizzi at his most raw and joyful — before the world caught on. A 1986 edition of 175 is extraordinarily rare. The same work has previously sold for approximately ¥300,000 in the Japanese market.
Artwork dimensions: 12.5 × 16.5 cm. Framed dimensions: 32.8 × 36.8 cm (depth 2.8 cm). Comes framed.
Edition: 79 / 175. Year: 1986.
Works by James Rizzi are no longer in production. This is a finite body of work
Artist Profile
James Rizzi (1950–2011) was born in Brooklyn, New York, and studied at the University of Florida. He became one of the most recognised Pop artists of his generation, celebrated for his hand-finished 3D technique — a process he invented and made entirely his own. His work appeared on official stamps, large-scale public murals, and in galleries worldwide. He is particularly beloved in Germany and across Europe, where his colourful, exuberant cityscapes command a devoted following.
Condition
Good condition. The artwork itself is in excellent preservation. Minor wear and soiling noted on the corners of the frame, and a small stain on the upper right of the backing board. Does not affect the artwork. Please refer to photographs for full details.
Shipping
Carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
※ Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country’s import regulations and are beyond the seller’s control.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery.
Please bid with confidence.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
Details
Artist
James Rizzi (1950-2011)
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Limited edition
Title of artwork
Letting Off Steam
Technique
Lithograph
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
United States
Year
1986
Condition
Good condition
Height
36.8 cm
Width
32.8 cm
Style
Pop Art
Period
1980-1990
Sold with frame
Yes
