NAGEL Auktionen is inaugurating its 100th anniversary year with the Modern & Contemporary Art auction on 23 February 2022 with a unique highlight – sale of the Art Kite Collection.
The Art Kite Collection features Contemporary Art by world-renowned artists, combined with the Japanese tradition of kite-making. Created in 1987/1988 by artists – including Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Ilja Kabakow, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter and Frank Stella amongst others.
Lot 1022｜Gerhard Richter | Untitled, Acrylic on Japanese paper | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
203 x 203 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €150,000 – 200,000
Gerhard Richter
Lot 1107｜Yayoi Kusama | Fire, Acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk
Created in 1988
270 x 154 cm
Edo kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €20,000 – 30,000
Yayoi Kusama
Lot 1008｜Hisao Domoto | Critical threshold: Water, 1988, Acrylic over pencil on Japanese paper
Created in 1988
240 x 240 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €4,000 – 6,000
Art Kite Collection
NAGEL Auktionen in Stuttgart marks its anniversary year with the Modern & Contemporary Art sale on 23 February. Great interest will be raised by 145 art kites of the global Art Kite Collection, which will be auctioned on the same day – commencing at 3pm CET. The artworks and kites come from Dr. Paul Eubel's Collection, Pictures for the Sky.
These Art Kites are remarkable, large-scale works on paper – designed by world-renowned artists and assembled into traditional kites by Japanese kite makers in Kyoto.
Lot 1017｜Robert Rauschenberg | Sky house II, Acrylic and silkscreen colour on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1988
358 x 229 cm
Kaku kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €120,000 – 160,000
Lot 1034｜Niki de Saint Phalle | L'oiseau amoureux, Waterclour, crayon and acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © Niki Charitable Art Foundation / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
260 x 285 cm
Free form, M. Yamauchi
Estimate: €40,000 – 60,000
Lot 1028｜Victor Vasarely | Untitled, Acrylic and silkscreen colour on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
240 x 200 cm
Tsugaru kite, G. Fukushi
Estimate: €6,000 – 10,000
In 1987, former Director of the Goethe Institute Osaka, Dr. Eubel initiated this project, which is still unique and unparalleled globally today. He initiated the idea as well as demonstrated his communication skills and perseverance in implementing this project. Dr. Eubel explained the project idea in personal letters to prominent artists from around the world, who participated in the documenta in Kassel, Germany; or in the Venice Biennale during the 1980s.
He convinced artists of all major art movements from Informel, Pop Art, Geometric Abstraction, Conceptual Art to the Junge Wilde (Young Wild Ones) of the 1980s. The names included: Karl Appel, Horst Antes, Arman, Elvira Bach, Daniel Buren, Sam Francis, Gotthard Graubner, Per Kirkeby, Mimmo Paladino, Henri van Herwegen (known as Panamarenko), Gerhard Richter, Robert Rauschenberg, Emil Schumacher, Bernard Schultze, Klaus Staeck, Frank Stella, Antoni Tapies, Jean Tinguely, Gunther Uecker, Emilio Vedova, Raimund Girke, Otto Piene, Yayoi Kusama and Kazuo Shiraga.
Lot 1036｜Tadanori Yokoo | Descent and Ascent, Oil on Japanese paper, Mounted on canvas
Created in 1987/1988
272 x 219 cm
Kaku kite, N. Yoshizumi, T. Okajima, I. Fujieda, O. Okawauchi
Estimate: €12,000 – 18,000
Lot 1086｜Atsuko Tanaka | Untitled, Acrylic on canvas
Created in 1981
162 x 130 cm
Tsugaru kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €40,000 – 60,000
Dr. Eubel's profound knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions, as well as his thorough research into the history of Japanese kite making, made an original symbiosis of these arts and crafts. The purchase of washi – a handmade Japanese paper traditionally made from a mulberry tree's bast, was the starting point. He sent these works to artists, who enthusiastically agreed to participate in the project.
After deciding on one of eight favoured traditional kite shapes, each artist created their own distinctive composition. Once the works were returned to Kyoto, the paper works were then assembled onto kite frames and bamboo structures by reputable kite makers and craftsmen.
Equipped with kite rope scales, stabilising rods and kite tails, the artworks were converted into flyable objects. The large and delicate features were transformed into impressive and robust works of art. Until today, they still bear witness to the will of those involved to combine artistic aesthetics and playfulness with traditional skills and master craftsmanship.
Lot 1100｜Rosalie Gascoigne | Highway to heaven, Acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1994
167 x 133 cm
Kaku kite, Nobuhiku Yoshizumi
Estimate: €10,000 – 15,000
Lot 1071｜Frank Stella | Frank Stella Art Kite, Acrylic on Japanese paper | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
205 x 205 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €20,000 – 30,000
Lot 1002｜Guenther Uecker | Sturz, Tempera on Japanese paper with silk ribbons | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987
160 x 160 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €30,000 – 50,000
Lot 1078｜Per Kirkeby | Brise, Charcoal, pencil and ink on Japanese paper
Created in 1988
208 x 208 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €8,000 – 12,000
In April 1989, many of these kites soared into the sky at a vernissage – in front of Himeji Castle. Recordings of this spectacle evoke the joy of Japanese kite clubs and the artists' great enthusiasm.
After being showcased in Japanese Museums, the Collection went on a world tour. During festivals and exhibitions in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australia, the Art Kite Collection was continuously enriched by works of local artists. Many visitors appreciated the vibrant kites from the Collection.
As part of the Expo 2000 in Hannover, a former British Forces helicopter hangar was converted into a museum in Detmold, western Germany. The Collection found a temporary home for five years from 1999 to 2005. After resuming plans for another world tour, the Collection moved on.
Lot 1058｜Kazuo Shiraga | Purple, Oil on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk
Created in 1987/1988
250 x 190 cm
Tsugaru kite, G. Fukushi, T. Kashima, N. Yoshizumi
Estimate: €300,000 – 500,000
Lot 1038｜Kazuo Shiraga | Altitude flight, Japanese ink and acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk
Created in 1987/1988
282 x 282 cm
Tosa kite, Kite Association Toso
Estimate: €15,000 – 20,000
Lot 1045｜Daniel Buren | Untitled, Acrylic on Japanese paper | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
208 x 208 cm
Hamamatsu kite, Sumitaya
Estimate: €8,000 – 12,000
Lot 1119｜Antoni Tapies | Missatge Catala, Acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987/1988
188 x 360 cm
Kerori-Drachen, T. Kashima
Estimate: €15,000 – 25,000
In July 2010, Dr. Eubel passed away in Palermo, Sicily. He bequeathed the Collection to his wife and their two children. For a long time, the works on paper were stored and untouched in a warehouse. After more than 35 years, the entire Collection is now accessible in the art market and auctioned by NAGEL Auktionen.
In the spirit of the original project idea, part of the auction's proceeds will benefit worldwide disaster reliefs and aid.
The compositions, techniques and artistic intentions are as diverse as the illustrious circle of artists involved. Due to the great diversity, the artworks' valuations range from €500 to 300,000 euros (around HK$4,500 to 2,700,000 dollars).
The craftsmanship is similar amongst all kites offered, but the descriptions found in the catalogue indicate that the kites differ in size and format. The smallest kite measures approximately 80 by 60 centimetres, while the largest nearly 6 by 4 meters.
Find out more information about the objects and the auction here: www.auction.de.
Lot 1077｜Toshimitsu Imai | Full moon, Acrylic, gold and silver colour on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk
Created in 1989
207 x 400 cm
Oogi kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €4,000 – 6,000
Lot 1091｜Karel Appel | So near yet so far, Mixed media: Oil, acrylic, gouache and ink on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987
375 x 233 cm
Edo kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €8,000 – 12,000
Lot 1021｜Fernandez Arman | Untitled, Acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1988/1989
230 x 182 cm
Rokkaku kite, T. Kashima
Estimate: €3,000 – 5,000
Lot 1113｜Kumi Sugai | Wind - Sun - Sugai, Acrylic on Japanese paper, Mounted on silk | © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2022
Created in 1987
240 x 186 cm
Rokkaku kite, K. Tamura, S. Ogasawara
Estimate: €5,000 – 7,000
Sale Details:
Auction House: NAGEL Auktionen Stuttgart
Sale: 802 | Modern & Contemporary Art, Design
Address: Neckarstrasse 189-191, 70190 Stuttgart, Germany
Exhibition / Viewing Dates: 18-21 February 2022 | 11am – 5pm
Sale Date: 23 February 2022
Contact person:
Mrs. Gerda Lenßen-Wahl
Tel: +49 (0) 711 - 6 49 69-340
E-Mail: lenssen-wahl@auction.de