Takashi Murakami Ephemera

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.

Designer: Takashi Murakami

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 ScreenprintPaper 2/300

$5,280Sale Price|20% Off

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 ScreenprintPaper 2/300

By Takashi Murakami

Located in Hong Kong, NT

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 Screenprint Paper 2/300 Black Framed Reference: ARTC/Z00009 Brand: Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh Model: Glance Past The Fu...

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21st Century and Contemporary Takashi Murakami Ephemera

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 ScreenprintPaper 3/300

$5,280Sale Price|20% Off

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 ScreenprintPaper 3/300

By Takashi Murakami

Located in Hong Kong, NT

TAKASHI MURAKAMI VIRGIL ABLOH Glance Past The Future 2018 Screenprint Paper 3/300 White Framed Reference: ARTC/Z00010 Brand: Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh Model: Glance Past The Fu...

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21st Century and Contemporary Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Christian Dior Arnolfo di Cambio 1980s Objet Decoration Crystal Paper Weight

$334

Christian Dior Arnolfo di Cambio 1980s Objet Decoration Crystal Paper Weight

By Christian Dior

Located in PARIS, FR

Christian Dior (Maison) table lighter by Arnolfo di Cambio in crystal with curved sides and facets, silver metal lighter. Width 7 cm x height 7.8 cm x depth 7 cm. The lighter works p...

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1980s French Takashi Murakami Ephemera

NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué Sunglasses

$1,995

NEW S/S 1999 Gianni Versace by Donatella Pony Hair Appliqué Sunglasses

By Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting a fabulous pair of cow-print pony hair Versace sunglasses, designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 1999 collection, these sunglasses are covered in dotted po...

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1990s Italian Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Print Agenda

$475

Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Print Agenda

By Louis Vuitton

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Louis Vuitton Brown Damier Print Agenda/Planner. Featuring the iconic Damier print in brown, gold hardware and accompanied by gold pen. Planner is for the...

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Early 2000s French Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Louis Vuitton Ultra Rare Damier Ebene Mini Computer Bag 1110lv19

$1,382

H 1 in W 3.5 in L 8 in

Louis Vuitton Ultra Rare Damier Ebene Mini Computer Bag 1110lv19

By Louis Vuitton

Located in Dix hills, NY

Measurements: Length: 8" Width: 3.5" Height: 1" Shoulder Handle Drop: 18.5" OVERALL EXCELLENT CONDITION ( 9/10 or A ) No Battery, No Charger and No Stylus Signs of Wear: Exte...

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21st Century and Contemporary Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Cartier Sunglasses Black with Silver Logo Vintage 1990s

$950

Cartier Sunglasses Black with Silver Logo Vintage 1990s

By Cartier

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Cartier classic black sunglasses with silver CC logo. Classic, timeless, sophisticated piece to add to your wardrobe Authentic, vintage, rare, Cartier Paris France Black Jackie O. Sunglasses Original 1990s Cartier sunglasses features black frame, both arms sport the CC from Cartier iconic logo signature temple adornment. These are like a pair of jewels on your nose. Beautiful design and a real sign of the times. Designed and produced in the 90's limited edition. Description: Classic vintage Cartier black resin sunglasses. Comes with original case. Period: 1990s Condition: Good, may show minor sign of wear due to age. All hallmarks. Classic sunglasses...

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20th Century French Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Dior Navy Monogram Trotter Umbrella 1D111

$828

H 15.5 in W 2.5 in L 15.5 in

Dior Navy Monogram Trotter Umbrella 1D111

Located in Dix hills, NY

Measurements: Length: 15.5" Width: 2.5" Height: 15.5" Open Length: 39.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Accessories: Cover Signs of Wear: Exterior: Very Minor Marks ...

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21st Century and Contemporary Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Hermès New Grey Avalon Blanket

$1,999

W 70 in L 54 in

Hermès New Grey Avalon Blanket

By Hermès

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Hermès new grey Avalon wool cashmere blanket. Classic patten.

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21st Century and Contemporary English Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert

$1,670

H 0.48 in W 1.54 in L 1.7 in

Exceptional Hermès Guilloche Spur Shaped Pill Box By Ravinet d'Enfert

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare Authentic Hermès Pill Box In shape of a spur Vintage Item Nicely decorated with the "guilloché" technique Can be used to put jewelry, a photo, your pills, your treasures M...

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20th Century Unknown Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain

$1,491

W 1.19 in L 2.56 in

Hermès Whip Silver Key Holder Keychain

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare Authentic Hermès Key Holder In shape of a horsewhip Made of Silver 800 (crab hallmark) Made in France Vintage item Colorway: silvery "HERMES PARIS" engraved at the end of...

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20th Century Unknown Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Chanel SOLD OUT EVERYWHERE 2021 Advent Calendar with 27 Gifts 1220c51

$3,599

H 15.5 in W 4.5 in L 11 in

Chanel SOLD OUT EVERYWHERE 2021 Advent Calendar with 27 Gifts 1220c51

By Chanel

Located in Dix hills, NY

Chanel SOLD OUT EVERYWHERE 2021 Advent Calendar with 27 Gifts 1220c51 Chanel Advent Calendar 2021 Sold out everywhere limited edition 27 compartments I...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather

$1,487

H 1.97 in L 6.07 in

Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...

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Late 20th Century French Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Hermès Electric Bike

$10,500

Hermès Electric Bike

By Hermès

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This authentic Hermès Electric Bike is in mint condition. Orange frame with signature Hermès ribbon pattern. Charming straw basket sits jauntily on the...

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21st Century and Contemporary European Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Previously Available Items

Louis Vuitton x Takashi 2025 Murakami Monogram Multicolor Dog Collar MM

Sold

Louis Vuitton x Takashi 2025 Murakami Monogram Multicolor Dog Collar MM

By Louis Vuitton, Takashi Murakami

Located in New York, NY

Louis Vuitton x Takashi 2025 Murakami Monogram Multicolor Dog Collar. Average neck size: 39 to 45 cm / 15 to 17.5 in Related Breeds: Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Shiba Inu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball Plush 2008 Limited Edition Collector's Art Basel

Sold

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball Plush 2008 Limited Edition Collector's Art Basel

By Takashi Murakami

Located in New York, NY

Takashi Murakami Flower Ball Plush 2008. Seen as object decor at Pharrell Williams "Because I am Happy" Miami apartment and presented and se...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Takashi Murakami Ephemera

Takashi Murakami ephemera for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Takashi Murakami ephemera available on 1stDibs. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Takashi Murakami ephemera from top boutiques around the world.

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Questions About Takashi Murakami Ephemera

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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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