Kumi Sugai (1919-1996) - Violet
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Selected by Silvia Possanza
Held senior specialist role at Finarte for 12 years, specialising in modern prints.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Kumi Sugai — Violet — an original limited‑edition lithograph from 1970 by the Japanese artist, hand‑signed in pencil, from the Modern Prints portfolio (No. 264/500), image about 32 × 22 cm, sheet 42 × 29.5 cm, unframed and weighing approximately 1.5 kg.
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Description from the seller
Kumi Sugai – Violet – Original Lithograph
An original lithograph by the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Kumi Sugai (1919–1996).
Conceived in 1959, this abstract composition was published in 1970 as part of the prestigious Modern Prints portfolio, issued by Chikuma Shobo in a limited edition of 500 copies.
The work exemplifies Kumi Sugai’s distinctive artistic language of the late 1950s, seamlessly combining elements inspired by traditional East Asian calligraphy with the free and expressive abstraction of European Art Informel.
Powerful black forms, accented by muted violet tones, are rendered through richly textured lithographic strokes, creating a dynamic and striking presence on the sheet.
The work is hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right margin, bearing the signature “汲 SUGAÏ”.
About the Artist
Kumi Sugai (1919–1996) was a pivotal figure in post-war Japanese and European abstract art.
Born in Kobe, Japan, he moved to Paris in 1952, where he established an international reputation and became associated with the European Art Informel movement.
He participated in major international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Biennial, and received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career.
His works are represented in the permanent collections of renowned museums and public institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Medium
Original lithograph on paper.
Artwork Details
* Artist: Kumi Sugai (1919–1996)
* Title: Violet
* Year of Conception: 1959
* Published: 1970
* Medium: Original lithograph
* Edition: From the Modern Prints portfolio, limited to 500 copies
* Portfolio Copy: No. 264/500
* Signature: Hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right margin (“汲 SUGAÏ”)
* Image Size: Approx. 32.0 × 22.0 cm
* Sheet Size: Approx. 42.0 × 29.5 cm
* Framing: Unframed
Condition
The artwork is in good vintage condition.
It shows light toning consistent with age, faint foxing/spotting, and minor handling marks in the margins. These are natural signs of age for a print from this period.
Please refer closely to the provided images when assessing the condition, as they form an essential part of the description.
Shipping & Import Information
The artwork will be shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service) and carefully packed with ample protective materials to help prevent damage during international transport.
Due to courier regulations and protective packaging, the final package size may be larger than the artwork itself.
Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and any other local charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
Important Note for Bidders
* Italy: A codice fiscale (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
* Portugal: An NIF (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
* Spain: An NIF (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
Kumi Sugai – Violet – Original Lithograph
An original lithograph by the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Kumi Sugai (1919–1996).
Conceived in 1959, this abstract composition was published in 1970 as part of the prestigious Modern Prints portfolio, issued by Chikuma Shobo in a limited edition of 500 copies.
The work exemplifies Kumi Sugai’s distinctive artistic language of the late 1950s, seamlessly combining elements inspired by traditional East Asian calligraphy with the free and expressive abstraction of European Art Informel.
Powerful black forms, accented by muted violet tones, are rendered through richly textured lithographic strokes, creating a dynamic and striking presence on the sheet.
The work is hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right margin, bearing the signature “汲 SUGAÏ”.
About the Artist
Kumi Sugai (1919–1996) was a pivotal figure in post-war Japanese and European abstract art.
Born in Kobe, Japan, he moved to Paris in 1952, where he established an international reputation and became associated with the European Art Informel movement.
He participated in major international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the São Paulo Biennial, and received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career.
His works are represented in the permanent collections of renowned museums and public institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Medium
Original lithograph on paper.
Artwork Details
* Artist: Kumi Sugai (1919–1996)
* Title: Violet
* Year of Conception: 1959
* Published: 1970
* Medium: Original lithograph
* Edition: From the Modern Prints portfolio, limited to 500 copies
* Portfolio Copy: No. 264/500
* Signature: Hand-signed in pencil by the artist in the lower right margin (“汲 SUGAÏ”)
* Image Size: Approx. 32.0 × 22.0 cm
* Sheet Size: Approx. 42.0 × 29.5 cm
* Framing: Unframed
Condition
The artwork is in good vintage condition.
It shows light toning consistent with age, faint foxing/spotting, and minor handling marks in the margins. These are natural signs of age for a print from this period.
Please refer closely to the provided images when assessing the condition, as they form an essential part of the description.
Shipping & Import Information
The artwork will be shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service) and carefully packed with ample protective materials to help prevent damage during international transport.
Due to courier regulations and protective packaging, the final package size may be larger than the artwork itself.
Import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and any other local charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
Important Note for Bidders
* Italy: A codice fiscale (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
* Portugal: An NIF (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
* Spain: An NIF (tax identification number) may be required for customs clearance.
Details
Artist
Kumi Sugai (1919-1996)
Edition
Limited edition
Sold by
Gallery
Title of artwork
Violet
Technique
Lithograph
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Japan
Year
1970
Condition
Good condition
Colour
Black, Blue, Purple, Red
Height
42 cm
Width
29.5 cm
Weight
1.5 kg
Depiction/theme
Fashion
Style
Pop Art
Period
1960-1970
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
