TAKASHI MURAKAMI | Mr. Oval

Giraud Pissarro Segalot, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2002

This work is in very good condition overall. Upon close inspection and under raking light, very minor surface irregularities are evident throughout. There is evidence of a faint hairline surface scratch in the silver area to the right of the center figure's body in the lower right quadrant, only noticeable upon close inspection and raking light. There is a pinpoint drip accretion along the right edge near the upper right corner, as well as along the left edge in the center region. Light surface dust is scattered throughout. Under Ultraviolet light inspection, a very small area in the silver region to the right of the center figure's body in the lower right quadrant fluoresces brightly but is not the result of restoration and is not readily visible to the naked eye. Framed under Plexiglas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"A few years ago, I created a character named Oval. This was in response to a request from fashion designer Issey Miyake, who wanted me to develop a figure based on Humpty Dumpty, which I interpreted in my own way. I was also influenced by Hyakume, or 'Hundred Eyes,' a ghostlike character beloved from my childhood...In Western fashion circles, Miyake has managed to achieve a fusion between a Japanese specificity and something more universal. And so, by combining Humpty Dumpty with something Japanese, I too was trying to create a universal character." Takashi Murakami