Named by some as Japan's answer to Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami is one of the most popular Pop Art artists on the current art scene. His collaboration with Louis Vuitton is iconic and instantly recognisable.
Takashi Murakami
Born in 1962, Murakami grew up in Tokyo where he studied to become an animator. He went on to achieve a doctorate from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He uses the skills he honed in traditional Japanese art and design to influence his contemporary work.
in the 1990s, Murakami moved to New York where he expanded on his skill as a contemporary artist. Upon his return to Japan, he set up a workshop creating Murakami merchandise (inspired in some part by Jeff Koons) and started collaborating with well-known brands such as Issey Miyake and Louis Vuitton.
Designs by Takashi Murakami
As with the Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse collaboration that proceeded it, Murakami's work with Louis Vuitton has become synonymous with celebrity style and is highly collectable.
The first in what is now a series of collaborations between the artist and Louis Vuitton is the Monogram Multicolor. When it first premiered on the runway in Spring / Summer 2003, many high-profile celebrities began wearing the bags in the early 2000s. Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson were big fans and it seems that the style has had a renaissance with the current crop of celebrity style icons. Stars du jour Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have both been photographed recently with their very own colourful monogram pieces. As it was officially discontinued in 2015, these are collectable pieces.
Murakami's work with Louis Vuitton continued through the 2000s:
There were many other brilliant collaborations between Murakami and Louis Vuitton including:
- Panda (2004)
- MOCA Hands (2007 for Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles exhibition)
Takashi Murakami at Auction
In our Handbags and Accessories auction on the 9th of October, we have two gorgeous examples of this collaboration.
LOUIS VUITTON - a Takashi Murakami black Monogram Multicolour Theda handbag.
Price Realised: £533
Valuations
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Fill in a form online, or you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. We can also offer you a virtual valuation appointment.
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