Item Description This listing offers a rare opportunity to acquire two iconic art books by 奈良美智 Yoshitomo Nara (1959–), one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary artists — UKIYO and Slash with a Knife — both published by Little More. ① UKIYO (5th printing, 2007) UKIYO — meaning "floating world" — presents two distinct bodies of work: "in the floating world", a series of 16 drawings in which Nara's signature child figures merge with the aesthetic universe of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e, and "The Little Pilgrims", a series of three-dimensional sculptural works photographed by renowned photographer Takashi Homma. The works are drawn from the collection of Eileen and Peter Norton (Santa Monica, California). With bilingual text in Japanese and English, this is an essential document of Nara's early and defining creative period. Publisher: Little More / First published: 1999 / This copy: 5th printing, 2007 ② Slash with a Knife (2nd printing, 2007) Slash with a Knife is a full-color collection of drawings and photographs created during Nara's time in Los Angeles in the spring of 1998. Featuring his iconic defiant girl — green-eyed, brooding, and razor-sharp in expression — the book captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defines his work. The juxtaposition of innocence and menace that runs throughout the pages is quintessential Nara, making this an indispensable volume for any serious collector. Publisher: Little More / First published: 1999 / This copy: 2nd printing, 2007 Both books are presented together as a set, offering collectors a compelling snapshot of Yoshitomo Nara's world across two complementary moods — the quietly melancholic and the defiantly rebellious. Size UKIYO: Height: 28.6 cm Width: 22 cm Slash with a Knife: Height: 21.5 cm Width: 15 cm Condition Both books are in good condition with minimal signs of use; covers show slight wear consistent with age, but interior pages are clean and well-preserved. Artist Profile 奈良美智 Yoshitomo Nara (1959–) was born in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. He studied at Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts before moving to Germany in 1988 to study at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he trained under A.R. Penck. After residing in Cologne until 2000, he returned to Japan and has since become one of the most internationally recognized contemporary artists of his generation. Known for his large-eyed, solitary child figures that convey vulnerability, defiance, and longing, his work has been exhibited at major institutions worldwide including MoMA New York, LACMA Los Angeles, and the Serpentine Gallery London. His pieces regularly achieve record prices at international auctions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipping & Important Notice [Shipping] The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan with tracking via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx, depending on the situation. It normally takes about 3 weeks for delivery. [Customs and Duties] Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and vary by country. [Important: Delivery Contact] Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country will contact you via phone or email for clearance. Please ensure you can answer their call. If the parcel is returned due to a lack of contact, the buyer will be responsible for the additional return and reshipping costs (which can be double the original fee). I appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Bid with confidence!