Studio Ghibli, 'Godzilla,' and Katsushika Hokusai's Works Come Together for Christie's "Anime Starts Here" Auction
The new curated sale explores the dynamic evolution of Japanese subculture and classical artistic heritage for Asian Art Week in New York.
Summary
- Christie’s officially introduced its new online auction titled “Anime Starts Here: Japanese Subculture Reimagines Tradition”
- The curated sale bridges classical Japanese craftsmanship with the global influence of modern subcultural movements
- Featured lots include original manga drawings by Osamu Tezuka alongside anime cels and traditional artworks
Christie’s has unveiled the “Anime Starts Here: Japanese Subculture Reimagines Tradition” sale, a curated online auction timed alongside Asian Art Week in New York. The comprehensive exhibition explores the rich visual dialogue between Japan’s classical artistic heritage and the vibrant subcultural movements that continue to shape contemporary global aesthetics.
The auction serves as a dynamic bridge across generations, framing modern subculture not as a departure from tradition, but as a direct evolution of historic storytelling, craftsmanship, and visual innovation. Highlighting the enduring resonance of motifs and techniques rooted in Japan’s past, the sale intentionally juxtaposes iconic modern artifacts with celebrated classical masterpieces.
Key offerings in the expansive catalogue include original manga drawings by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, authentic anime production cels from Studio Ghibli‘s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Doraemon, and vintage Godzilla film posters. These defining pieces of global pop culture are displayed in direct conversation with traditional and contemporary works by universally renowned artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Yoshitomo Nara.
The Christie’s “Anime Starts Here: Japanese Subculture Reimagines Tradition” online auction drops on March 18 at 10 a.m. EDT and runs until March 31 at 10 a.m. EDT via the official Christie’s website.
