Heritage Auctions recently marked an impressive milestone by celebrating 40 years of Studio Ghibli during its Art of Anime: Vol. VI Signature Auction, which took place from March 24-22. The auction garnered an astonishing $1.491 million in sales, attracting over 3,600 bidders who competed for more than 1,200 lots over three days. This event not only set a record as the largest collection of Japanese animation art ever presented at a Western auction, but it also stood out as the first in Heritage’s popular series that focused primarily on anime.
At the forefront of the auction were numerous exceptional Studio Ghibli pieces. A highlight included a rare production cel featuring the enigmatic “Senior Witch” from the beloved film Kiki’s Delivery Service, which fetched an impressive $48,000. This significant sale ranks among the highest ever recorded for the 1989 animated classic. Another remarkable item was a Key Master setup showcasing Kiki herself as she curiously peered into a brick oven, which sold for $16,000. Other cherished titles from Studio Ghibli, such as Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, and Grave of the Fireflies, also saw impressive results. Notably, a significant production cel featuring the iconic Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro sold for $13,000, further demonstrating the enduring popularity of these animated favorites.
Jim Lentz, the Vice President and Director of Animation & Anime Art at Heritage, expressed that this auction was not merely a celebration of Studio Ghibli’s four-decade legacy. He described it as a groundbreaking event for anime art collectors, highlighting the depth of bidding and the impressive results that reflect the growing passion and market for this genre globally.
In addition to Ghibli, the auction showcased a wide array of other influential and beloved titles, generating significant excitement among bidders. The highest sale of the event was a remarkable $85,000 for a harmony cel setup from the acclaimed series Berserk, created by renowned art director Shichiro Kobayashi. This atmospheric piece, initially crafted for a home video release, is considered one of the most significant artworks from Berserk ever to be sold at auction, serving as a fitting tribute to the late Kentaro Miura’s dark fantasy saga.
The cyberpunk classic Akira made a noteworthy appearance, with two rare production backgrounds depicting Neo-Tokyo’s dystopian skyline selling for $11,000 and $8,500, respectively. Fans of the Macross franchise were also highly active, with original concept art from the series sparking fierce bidding. Notable sales included Shoji Kawamori’s VF-1J Valkyrie, which reached $18,000, and a character concept of the protagonist Hikaru Ichijyo by Haruhiko Mikimoto, which sold for $11,000.
Dragon Ball Z was another major highlight of the auction, featuring a striking pan production cel of Gohan during his intense battle with Cell, which sold for $11,000. Additionally, a captivating set of Dragon Ball GT drawings attracted a bid of $4,500. A shikishi illustration of Spike Spiegel by Cowboy Bebop animation director Hiroki Kanno also drew attention, charming bidders to the tune of $4,400.
The auction demonstrated the strength of various fan-favorite franchises across the board, with titles like Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Pokémon, and Cowboy Bebop all achieving impressive results, each selling for around $6,000 or more. Although anime was the main focus of the auction, a few cult Western classics made notable appearances as well. A cel from the iconic “Taarna” segment of Heavy Metal sold for an impressive $6,500, while an original production piece from the surreal French sci-fi film Fantastic Planet fetched $3,400.
Lentz noted that with each new installment of The Art of Anime series, there is a noticeable increase in the number of collectors, a rise in competitive bidding, and an overall deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in these works. He emphasized that Vol. VI represented a significant advancement not only for Heritage Auctions but also for the broader community of anime art collectors.
The event brought together a diverse selection of works from various influential series, signaling a vibrant market for animation art. Collectors and enthusiasts alike were thrilled by the opportunity to acquire pieces that hold both artistic and nostalgic value within the anime community.
The auction’s success reflects the growing trend of recognizing animation as a significant form of artistry and expression. With more collectors entering the scene, the potential for future auctions to reach even greater heights seems promising. The love for these animated works transcends generations, with newer fans joining seasoned collectors, all sharing a passion for the magic that anime brings to life.
To explore the complete results from Heritage’s Art of Anime: Vol. VI Signature Auction, interested parties can visit HA.com/7401, where comprehensive details and sales information can be found, showcasing the exciting developments in the world of anime art collecting. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how the market adapts and grows, potentially paving the way for even more groundbreaking events and remarkable sales in the future.
With the rich history and cultural significance of anime, Heritage’s auction serves as a testament to the art form’s enduring legacy and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
