Takashi Murakami Drawings

Japanese, b. 1962

Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami may be famous among collectors for the psychedelic flowers and chaotic cartoons that populate his prints and paintings, but artists likely know him as the theorist behind the contemporary art movement he calls “Superflat.”

Partially inspired by the Pop art of Andy Warhol, in which celebrity culture and mundane mass-produced items became the focus of bright and colorful works that both celebrated and criticized consumerism, Murakami’s Superflat encompasses painting, sculpture, digital design and more to present a subversive look at consumerism but is also an effort to blend fine art and lowbrow culture.

A multifaceted and remarkably influential artist as well as a compulsive art collector, Murakami has collaborated with brands such as Louis Vuitton, while one of his most famous Superflat works is the teddy bear on the cover of the Graduation album by American rapper Kanye West.

In 1993 Murakami earned his Ph.D. from Tokyo University of the Arts, where he was trained in nihonga, a style of painting that originated in the late 19th century by artists who worked to preserve and promote the conventions and processes associated with traditional Japanese art. While practicing nihonga, Murakami began to realize that his beliefs didn’t align with the tradition, so his art subsequently took on a satirical feel that embodied a critique of the movement. Before long, his style took a drastic turn, embracing otaku, a rising postwar cultural phenomenon among Japan’s younger crowd who loved anime and manga. (Otaku is also integral to Superflat.)

This is when Murakami’s most well-known character, Mr. DOB, was born. This anime-inspired icon, which Americans might interpret as a cross between Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat given its pronounced ears and broad and menacing grin, was part of the artist’s endeavor to elevate the otaku subculture but also to target mass consumerism. While Murakami conceived of Mr. DOB years ahead of his 2000-era Superflat theory, there is much common ground between the two. Not unlike his other creations, Murakami’s Mr. DOB is equal parts erotic, disturbing and cartoonish — an incisive mockery of the mingling of commerce and fine art so prevalent in Japanese popular culture.

Find original Takashi Murakami prints, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.

Creator: Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami Invitation Card with Original Mr. Dob Drawing (2001)

$6,500

Takashi Murakami Invitation Card with Original Mr. Dob Drawing (2001)

By Takashi Murakami

Located in New York, NY

Invitation card for “Wink,” Takashi Murakami’s landmark installation held at Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, from March 14-April 13, 2001. 5” x 7”. Published by Creative Tim...

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Early 2000s American Post-Modern Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Takashi Murakami Flower Drawing in Private Invitation Opening in Gagosian, Signed

$2,900

Takashi Murakami Flower Drawing in Private Invitation Opening in Gagosian, Signed

By Takashi Murakami

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This drawing it was one of the very few made by the artist at the Gagosian gallery in Beverly Hills ,Los Angeles. It was a private event and was done in the original flyer /invitatio...

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21st Century and Contemporary American Other Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Large Abstract Drawing by G. Bradshaw-Smith

$950Sale Price|74% Off

H 31 in W 50.25 in D 1.5 in

Large Abstract Drawing by G. Bradshaw-Smith

By Gillian Bradshaw-Smith

Located in NYC, NY

A large fine pastel drawing of an abstract figure from the Cordier and Ekstrom Gallery, Madison Avenue, New York by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith.

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1970s American Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Large Original Technical Drawing of Air Compressor, 1925

$1,341

H 38.19 in W 49.61 in D 0.79 in

Large Original Technical Drawing of Air Compressor, 1925

Located in Praha, CZ

handmade technical drawing. Stamped in 1925 by Technical University in Brno. Ink on a paper. Newly framed in mat anthracit steel frame. Mat glass.

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1920s Czech Art Deco Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Steel

KEITH HARING Marker Pen Drawing on Image by Kim Basinger, Signed, 1987

$23,367

H 16.93 in W 10.83 in D 0.04 in

KEITH HARING Marker Pen Drawing on Image by Kim Basinger, Signed, 1987

By Keith Haring

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Unique piece. Rare drawing - Keith Haring - on a magazine page representing the American actress Kim Basinger. The drawing appears on the back of the page, which features a second ph...

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1980s American Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Takashi Murakami Signed Limited Edition Superflat Japanese Print DOB Myxomycete

$2,495

H 26.75 in W 26.75 in D 0.1 in

Takashi Murakami Signed Limited Edition Superflat Japanese Print DOB Myxomycete

By Takashi Murakami

Located in Studio City, CA

A fantastic and quite engaging Primordial Life offset lithograph print by renowned contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami the founder of the Superflat aesthetic art movement w...

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21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Takashi Murakami Drawings

Materials

Paper

Millard Sheets Signed Original Drawing Wartime Boats in Stormy Seas Harbor, 1942

$2,995

H 16.25 in W 20.25 in D 0.75 in

Millard Sheets Signed Original Drawing Wartime Boats in Stormy Seas Harbor, 1942

By Millard Sheets

Located in Studio City, CA

Wonderful and darkly intriguing original artwork by renowned American Modernist artist and California artist benefactor Millard Sheets (1907-1989) featuring wartime boats caught in stormy seas. Very evocative and certainly quite relevant to the time it was created taken in the context of the war. The work is hand pencil signed and dated (1942) by Sheets on the mat just below the artwork. Provenance: Property from the estate of Millard Sheets. Would be a great addition to any collectors of his work or Mid-Century Modern artist or an eye-catching stand-alone accent artwork in about any setting. Sheets many awards include: Watson F. Blair Purchase Prize, Chicago Art Institute (1938) Philadelphia Watercolor Club Prize (1939) Dana Watercolor Medal, Pennsylvania Academy of fine Arts (1943) Drawing Prize, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (1946) Gold Brush Award, Artists Guild of Chicago, Award of the Year (1951) Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana (1964) His works can be found in numerous permanent collections, public settings, and international museums including: The Museum of Modern Art, New York Scripps College, CA The White House (Washington, DC) The San Diego Museum The Los Angeles Public Library...

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1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Collection of Drawings by Rich Jacobs

$2,500 / set

H 12 in W 9 in D 0.01 in

Collection of Drawings by Rich Jacobs

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An interesting collection of five (5) drawings by Richard (Rich) Jacobs, circa 2001-2005. A note about the artist: "Rich Jacobs (born 1972 in Long Beach, CA) is an American artist and curator who currently lives and works in Oakland, CA. Jacobs has exhibited in the United States,[1] Europe,[2] Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In 2008 his work Minor Threat...

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Early 2000s American Modern Takashi Murakami Drawings

Original Drawing Nude Woman, French Unsigned on Aged Paper

$296Sale Price|25% Off

H 18 in W 23.75 in D 0.07 in

Original Drawing Nude Woman, French Unsigned on Aged Paper

Located in Miami, FL

Original well drawn image of a nude woman reclining, obviously posing for the artist. Aged paper. Needs a nice frame. Good condition consistent with age and materials. Some slight ...

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20th Century French Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Original Pen & Pencil Drawing Finn Juhl, 1952

$5,590

H 16.15 in W 23.23 in D 0.79 in

Original Pen & Pencil Drawing Finn Juhl, 1952

By Finn Juhl

Located in London, GB

This is an example of a hand-drawn scaled drawing of the ‘Top of New Dining Table (DRW.79)’, 17th December 1952. The drawings depicts the top view of what seems to be a ‘simplified’ version of Finn Juhl’s Silver Table, or more commonly known as the ‘Judas Table...

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1950s Danish Modern Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Rare Bauhaus Ceramic Original Drawing

$750

H 21.63 in W 15.63 in D 0.75 in

Rare Bauhaus Ceramic Original Drawing

Located in Sharon, CT

An original and rare pastel drawing design for the decoration of a German Weimar Republic pottery plate by a Bauhaus or Bauhaus influenced student. Attached: a spread from 'Sammlung ...

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1920s German Bauhaus Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Original Jansen Architectural Pencil Drawing

$3,800

H 24.75 in W 18 in D 1 in

Original Jansen Architectural Pencil Drawing

By Maison Jansen

Located in New York, NY

An original Jansen pencil drawing depicting an architectural detail "Rosace de Plafond" page 137. Stamped: Jansen, 9 Rue Royale Paris 8e.

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1940s French Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

Materials

Paper

'New Objectivity' Drawing, Woman with Veil by Beeldens

$1,500

H 29 in W 21 in D 0.1 in

'New Objectivity' Drawing, Woman with Veil by Beeldens

By Beeldens

Located in New York, NY

Drawing by Beeldens, Belgium, circa 1935. References: Modern and Contemporary Art, New Objectivity, Neue Sachlichkeit.

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1930s Belgian Modern Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

Materials

Pencil, Paper

Original Fashion Drawing, Pat Kerr, 1946

$650

H 16.5 in W 14.5 in D 1 in

Original Fashion Drawing, Pat Kerr, 1946

By Pat Kerr

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

Wonderful ink and wash by Pat Kerr, 1946. So evocative of the 1940s. On card. Unsigned. Presented in an antique water gilded frame Drawn for A & C Kay, New Bond St. Lond...

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1940s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Takashi Murakami Drawings

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Paper

Takashi Murakami drawings for sale on 1stDibs.

Takashi Murakami drawings are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of paper and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Takashi Murakami drawings, although blue editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Takashi Murakami drawings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $2,900, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,900.

Questions About Takashi Murakami Drawings

Who is Takashi Murakami?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist. He coined the term "Superflat" to describe his work, which draws inspiration from two-dimensional anime cartoons and manga comics popular in Japan. Murakami was born in Tokyo, Japan, on February 1, 1962. You'll find a collection of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.
When was Takashi Murakami born?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami was born on February 1, 1962, in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts, earning a Ph.D. in art. He currently lives in both Tokyo and New York City. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Takashi Murakami art.
Where was Takashi Murakami born?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami was born in Tokyo, Japan, on February 1, 1962. He received a Ph.D. in art from the Tokyo University of the Arts in 1993. During the 1990s, he shifted from the traditional Japanese painting style of nihonga and began creating bold, colorful works inspired by anime and manga. He calls his style Superflat. On 1stDibs, find a range of Takashi Murakami art.
Why is Takashi Murakami so expensive?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Artwork by Takashi Murakami is so expensive, largely due to a great demand for a limited supply of pieces. Murakami may be famous among collectors for the psychedelic flowers and chaotic cartoons that populate his prints and paintings, but artists likely know him as the theorist behind the contemporary art movement he calls “Superflat." Partially inspired by the Pop art of Andy Warhol, in which celebrity culture and mundane mass-produced items became the focus of bright and colorful works that both celebrated and criticized consumerism, Murakami’s Superflat encompasses painting, sculpture, digital design and more to present a subversive look at consumerism. It is also an effort to blend fine art and lowbrow culture. The Japanese artist has collaborated with brands such as Louis Vuitton, and one of his most famous Superflat works is the teddy bear on the cover of the Graduation album by American rapper Kanye West. These collaborations and connections to pop culture have increased Murakami's fame and contributed to the demand for his work. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Takashi Murakami art.
Where can I buy Takashi Murakami?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You can buy Takashi Murakami in a variety of ways. Options include working with a reputable art dealer or buying through an auction house. You can also find his artwork on various online platforms. Shop a variety of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.
What is Takashi Murakami's aesthetic?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Takashi Murakami’s aesthetic has been described as “superflat” - a style that incorporates 2D art and colorful designs while balancing the line between fine art and pop art. Shop a selection of Takashi Murakami’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
Who has Takashi Murakami worked with?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Over the years, Takashi Murakami has worked with many designers. His collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2003 opened the doors to collaborations with Kanye West, Billionaire Boys Club, Kaws, Hublo and Pharrell Williams. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Takashi Murakami art.
Where does Takashi Murakami live?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami lives and works in both Tokyo, Japan, and New York, New York. He was born in Tokyo on February 1, 1962, and he graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a Ph.D. in art. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Takashi Murakami art.
Where is Takashi Murakami art displayed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Takashi Murakami's art is displayed in many places. Works by the Japanese contemporary artist are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Broad in Los Angeles and many other museums around the world. Major institutions also regularly present temporary exhibitions of Murakami's work. Find a collection of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.
What does Takashi Murakami’s art mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
The meaning of Takashi Murakami's art varies from piece to piece. The artist creates what he calls "Superflat" art by using techniques from traditional Japanese painting to depict subjects inspired by Japanese pop culture and anime and manga art. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Takashi Murakami art.
Where can I see Takashi Murakami in Tokyo?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
In Tokyo, you can see Takashi Murakami at the Mori Art Museum as well as in various galleries. The artist's work is also on display at other museums around the world, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Takashi Murakami art.
How did Takashi Murakami become famous?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami became famous around the world due to his collaborations with western designers. In 2003, his collaboration with Louis Vuitton elevated him to international celebrity status. Prior to that, he was mostly known only in art circles. On 1stDibs, find a range of Takashi Murakami art.
What materials does Takashi Murakami use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 23, 2024
Takashi Murakami has used a variety of materials in his work, and his characters have appeared across a wide range of media. His sculptures include silkscreened maple hardwood skateboard decks and cast vinyl figurines (polyvinyl chloride), and he has created silkscreen prints, ink drawings with permanent marker, and offset color lithographs on wove paper. Murakami is a filmmaker, too, and has produced paintings in oil and acrylics. The artist is supported by a large production studio and artist management company that he founded called Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd.

Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami may be famous among collectors for the psychedelic flowers and chaotic cartoons that populate his prints and paintings, but artists likely know him as the theorist behind the contemporary art movement he calls “Superflat.”

Partially inspired by the Pop art of Andy Warhol, in which celebrity culture and mundane mass-produced items became the focus of bright and colorful works that both celebrated and criticized consumerism, Murakami’s Superflat encompasses painting, sculpture, digital design and more to present a subversive look at consumerism but is also an effort to blend fine art and lowbrow culture.

Find Takashi Murakami art for sale on 1stDibs.
What is Takashi Murakami's most famous piece?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
Takashi Murakami's most famous piece is open to debate. The Japanese artist has created a number of works that have become widely known. They include Super Nova; Flowers, Flowers, Flowers; Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow, Blue and Death; 727 and Chakras Open and I Drown Under the Waterfall of Life. His most well-known character is Mr. DOB, an anime-inspired icon, which Americans might interpret as a cross between Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse and Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat given its pronounced ears and broad, menacing grin. Explore a collection of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.
What kind of artist is Takashi Murakami?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary painter and sculptor. Some critics refer to him as a Japanese pop artist. The artist calls his style Superflat, saying that it stems from the two-dimensional images found in anime and manga. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Takashi Murakami art.
When did Takashi Murakami collaborate with Louis Vuitton?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
High-fashion retailer Louis Vuitton and color-pop artist Takashi Murakami collaborated in 2003. Murakami was invited by creative director Marc Jacobs to add a little color to the fashion house’s signature monogram collection. Bag some of the designs for yourself by shopping the collaboration on 1stDibs.
What type of paint does Takashi Murakami use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
The type of paint that Takashi Murakami uses is acrylic paint. This is a departure from the traditions of Nihonga painting that inform the artist's work. Typically, painters working in this style use natural pigments, but by opting for a mix of acrylic paint and digital media, Murakami gives his works a contemporary Pop art sheen. Shop a collection of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.
What is Takashi Murakami's art style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
Takashi Murakami's art style is called Superflat. Partially inspired by the Pop art work of Andy Warhol, in which celebrity culture and mundane mass-produced items became the focus of bright and colorful pieces that both celebrated and criticized consumerism, Murakami’s Superflat encompasses painting, sculpture, digital design and more to present a subversive look at consumerism. It’s also an effort to blend fine art and lowbrow culture. A multifaceted and influential artist, Murakami has collaborated with brands such as Louis Vuitton. One of his most famous Superflat works is the teddy bear on the cover of the Graduation album by American rapper Kanye West. Shop a collection of Takashi Murakami art on 1stDibs.

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