Japanese Art

Encompassing works of art from the early period to the present day, Christie’s auctions of Japanese and Korean art offer important Buddhist sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, lacquerware, woodblock prints, samurai armour and much more.

Held once a year in New York during Asian Art Week, Christie’s Japanese and Korean Art auctions have become a major event for those seeking rare and historically significant works. In addition to our live auctions, we also hold online auctions throughout the year. Our auctions attract a diverse group of collectors, both Western and Asian, drawn by the global appeal of these exceptional artworks.

As international market leaders in this category, we are dedicated to sourcing the finest works of Japanese and Korean art from private collections around the world. Our experienced teams are based in London, New York and Tokyo, and specialists are always available for free and confidential valuations or to discuss the market. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Iconic Japanese woodblock print depicting a large, stylized blue wave with foam-tipped crests curling over boats, with Mount Fuji in the background.

No upcoming Japanese Art auctions

Our specialists are currently preparing our next Japanese Art auctions. In the meantime, browse results from past auctions.

VIEW PAST AUCTIONS

Contact us

From free valuations to market advice, our specialists are here to answer your questions.

Takaaki Murakami (村上高明)
Vice President, Specialist and Head of Department | Japanese and Korean Art
+1 212 636 2160
tmurakami@christies.com
New York
Appointed Head of Department in 2019 with over 20 years of experience in art connoisseurship, business development and auction management, Mr. Murakami has been instrumental in reinforcing Christie’s leadership in the global performance of Japanese and Korean art.

From sourcing and research to catalogue and exhibition production, from marketing and client strategy to post sales management, Mr. Murakami's depth of knowledge and leadership across the sales process has expanded the department's global reach and market shares over the last 5 years. His achievements also include the management and sale of multiple prestigious private collections including the Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection, the Irving Collection and the Utterberg Collection; advocating for the inclusion of new artists and genres; launching the department’s first online sale, and successfully promoting Japanese and Korean art during both Asia Week and Classic Week.

Mr. Murakami was a business liaison in Christie’s Tokyo before relocating to New York as a specialist in 2011, where he became Head of Sales in 2014. His prolific career in Asia and North America enabled him to establish strong relationships with private collectors, museums, and gallery owners around the globe.

Mr. Murakami holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sophia University in Tokyo.
Hua Zhou (周樺)
Junior Specialist | Japanese and Korean Art
+1 212 636 2160
huazhou@christies.com
New York
Hua Zhou is a junior specialist in the Japanese and Korean Art department in Christie’s New York and is responsible for researching and cataloguing works for the department, as well as sourcing and marketing. She has worked on auctions of various prestigious collections, such as the Springfield Museum and the Utterberg Collection. Prior to joining the team, she received her Bachelor of Arts in History of Art and Architecture from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She also studied abroad to Sophia University in Tokyo. Mandarin Chinese being her mother tongue, she is also fluent in Japanese. Hua has successfully completed training in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice facilitated by a certified AQB instructor from the Appraisers Association of America.