Nearly 600 Kenzo Takada’s precious items will come under the hammer

Interior views of Kenzo Takada’s apartment, on sale on 11 May at Artcurial. @artcurial.com

Kenzo Takada‘s Personal Collection up to auction. Kenzo’s furniture, objects and paintings to be sold.

On 11 May in Paris, Artcurial will present the personal collection of Kenzo Takada, the legendary figure from the world of fashion and founder of the Kenzo brand. Set in the Parisian apartment in the heart of the Left Bank, where he spent the last years of his life, this collection of nearly 600 items of furniture, paintings, objects and works of art displays a subtle balance between the influences of East and West, reflecting the free spirit of this creative genius.

At the same time, an Online Only sale will present around a hundred colourful and original wardrobe creations from
Kenzo Takada’s personal collection.

“Everything starts with a drawing. Nehru, Botticelli, Rashômon by Kurosawa, Romania, Africa, China, Mickey Mouse. It can all be a source of inspiration.” – Kenzo Takada

Artcurial will pay a final tribute to Kenzo Takada, the multi-talented artist, who chose Paris, capital of the arts, as his
primary source of inspiration. The creative energy of the designer we all love for his graphic and floral style is
immediately apparent in this interior, located in the heart of the Left Bank in Saint Germain des Près.

Kenzo moved to Paris to refine his talent and learn from the masters, with the idea of eventually going back to Japan.
Having fallen in love with the city of lights, where he felt at home and with a desire to «create something», he ended
up staying for over 50 years.

In a Haussmann apartment looking out across the whole of Paris, nearly 600 pieces of Asian, Pre-Columbian and
Tribal art are displayed amongst photographs, contemporary works, crystal chandeliers, Art Deco furniture and items of furniture designed by Kenzo Takada, cleverly combined in a subtle fusion of elegance and eclecticism.

Kenzo Takada was a true citizen of the world and this collection reflects a life dedicated to fashion, art and culture.

“The Kenzo collection reveals to us the eye of this genius in the world of fashion and interiors. As with his couture, he knew how to bring different cultures together in this Parisian apartment where he lived for the last 15 years of his life. The sale will be a final tribute to this multi-talented artist.” – Stéphane Aubert, Auctioneer & Associate Director, Artcurial.

Noteworthy items include a large wooden Hinoki horse from the Han period (estimate : 20 000 – 30 000 €), a Buddha torso dating from the 3rd century (estimate : 10 000 – 15 000€) and a Pleyel grand piano by Ruhlmann (estimate 4 000 – 6 000 €).

The lighting on offer includes an impressive crystal chandelier (estimate : 4 000 – 6 000€) that hung from the ceiling of the designer’s living room. Another highlight is the series of thirteen photographs by William Eggleston (estimate : 20 000 – 40 000 €).

There are some sixty lots of tableware, revealing the diversity of styles appreciated by Kenzo Takada. In addition to his own glassware and porcelain creations, there is a selection of Japanese stoneware, Murano glassware and a Harcourt crystal service by Baccarat, marked with the designer’s emblem.

Enthusiasts and collectors will also have an opportunity to discover the talents of Kenzo Takada the artist, with several of his paintings on offer, including some from the series «Masques Nô» (estimate: 1 500 – 2 500 €) and the oil on canvas Personnage en tenue de dignitaire japonais, estimated at between 2 000 and 3000 €.

At the same time, an Online Only sale will present more than a hundred creations from Kenzo Takada’s personal collection. Some very colourful and original wardrobe pieces, estimated at between €100 and €1,000, will be on display.