The Latest Highlights from SBI Art Auction: Modern Legacy and Bloom Now Events

SBI Art Auction Highlights: Modern Legacy and Bloom Now

The SBI Art Auction Corporation, based in Koto Ward, Tokyo, successfully organized its 77th auction titled "Modern Legacy: An Important Japanese Collection of 20th & 21st Century Masters" on March 14, 2026, followed by the 78th auction called "Bloom Now" on March 15. This unique dual event attracted over 3,000 visitors across its four-day run, offering a comprehensive look at significant artworks from both collection-centric and contemporary perspectives.

Modern Legacy Auction Highlights

Focusing on noteworthy single-owner collections, the "Modern Legacy" auction highlighted key masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting historical significance and aesthetic evolution. The standout piece, Fujita Tsuguharu's "Portrait of Hélène Franck", fetched an impressive ¥505 million, breaking records and embodying the artist's hallmark technique established during his golden era in the early 1920s.

The auction commenced at ¥180 million, rapidly ascending as competing bids surged, demonstrating the fervor and tension in the room, ultimately concluding at ¥505 million after a captivating bidding war involving multiple participants. It was not only a highlight of the auction but also a central element of the event's promotional imagery.

Another significant piece, Egon Schiele's "Weiblicher Akt", started at ¥29 million, drawing immediate interest and culminating in a final sold price of ¥92 million amidst intense competition. Similarly, Henry Moore's "Thin Reclining Figure (Bowness II 334)" captivated bidders, surpassing expectations as it sold for ¥15.525 million, showcasing Moore's enduring impact on sculpture.

Additionally, Japanese post-war artists were well-represented, with Yoshishige Saito's "Artwork 1" achieving a remarkable sale price of ¥72.45 million. Such impressive results underscored the auction's high average success rate, achieving an astounding 100% completion on all lots, totaling a sum of ¥1.365 billion.

Bloom Now Auction Highlights

The following day, the "Bloom Now" auction took center stage, dedicated to contemporary art expressions reflective of the spring season. One remarkable highlight was Lee Ufan's "From Line", which sold at ¥138 million. This piece from 1970 exemplifies Lee's minimalist approach and capability of invoking deep contemplation through its simplicity.

Another celebrated work was Kaws' "UNTITLED (BABY GUESS)", an advertising poster featuring his characteristic motifs that sold for ¥31.05 million. This was coupled with Javier Calleja's monumental painting "No Words Today", also achieving significant interest and selling for ¥31.05 million, demonstrating a thriving market for modern art in Japan.

The popularity of domestic artists was marked by Chiharu Shiota's "State of Being (Trumpet)", which sold for ¥18.4 million. Shiota’s installations continue to resonate strongly both locally and internationally, indicative of the growing appreciation of modern Japanese art.

Both auctions highlighted the diverse art market and showcased the depth and vitality of the contemporary landscape in Japan, with the Bloom Now auction recording a closing rate of 91.8%, generating a total of ¥879.45 million across its 73 lots.

Special Events

The auctions were part of the broader initiative termed "SBI ART AUCTION TOKYO 2026" featuring various special programs across five venues. The event included art book exhibitions curated by twelvebooks and engaging talk events focusing on Fujita's legacy. One such event featured renowned curator Mitsuhiro Wakayama discussing Fujita Tsuguharu and his influence in modern art, bridging connections between historical perspectives and present-day appreciation.

In summary, the SBI Art Auction events held in March 2026 brought together a notable collection of artworks, including both renowned international and Japanese contemporary pieces. They not only achieved extraordinary sales figures but also succeeded in fostering a richer dialogue about art in contemporary society, enriching the cultural fabric of Japan.

The SBI Art Auction Corporation continues to play an essential role in promoting art collection and appreciation, ensuring an ongoing legacy within the art community.