Modern Wall Art

Item: Pair of Modern Asian Art Prints
Category: Asian Art
Medium: Likely high-quality prints (possibly silk-screened or lithographic)
Condition: Mint
Size: 26" x 26" (framed), 19" x 19" (image area)
History: Found at a church sale
Price Paid: $12.00 each
For Sale: No

Description & Characteristics

These two framed modern art prints depict stylized water lilies, lotus flowers, and floating lanterns, elements commonly found in Asian contemporary and traditional art. The pieces feature an intricate blend of abstract lines, vivid colors, and geometric elements, suggesting influence from Japanese or Chinese contemporary printmakers

Each artwork contains a red seal or chop mark in the bottom corner, which indicates an Asian origin or artistic signature. The seal could be a signature stamp of the artist or a publisher’s mark, commonly found in Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese silk prints, or contemporary mixed-media artwork

The black lacquer-style frames with gold-trimmed matting suggest a premium presentation, enhancing the aesthetic and value of the pieces.
 

Next Steps to Identify the Artist & Seal

I have enhanced the red seal (chop mark) for better visibility. Based on the structure and style of the seal, it appears to be of Japanese or Chinese origin, commonly used by Asian contemporary artists to mark their work.

1. Compare the Seal to Known Artist Marks
   • The red seal might belong to a well-known modern Japanese or Chinese artist.
   • If you can provide any additional information (such as a signature elsewhere on the print or the back of the frame), I can help narrow it down.
2. Consult an Asian Art Database
   • There are resources like the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Asian Art Collection or the National Palace Museum in Taiwan that archive signature seals.
   • If you are willing, I can search for similar artist seals in public Asian art records.
3. Seek Professional Verification
   • If you are interested in confirming authenticity and value, you could reach out to:
     • Christie’s or Sotheby’s Asian Art Department
     • Bonhams Auction House
     • A Japanese or Chinese art historian

1. Analyze the Seal's Characteristics:

• Shape and Size: Note whether the seal is square, rectangular, circular, or oval.
• Color: Red is traditional, but variations exist.
• Characters: Determine if the script is Chinese (Hanzi) or Japanese (Kanji/Kana).
• Orientation: Characters may read from top-to-bottom, right-to-left, or left-to-right.

2. Utilize Online Databases:

• Ukiyo-e Signature Database: Focuses on Japanese woodblock print artists' signatures.

  ukiyoesig.net

• Shin-Hanga Seal Finder: Assists in identifying seals from the Shin-Hanga art movement.

  shotei.com

3. Seek Expertise:

• Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit's r/translator or r/ChineseLanguage can offer assistance.

  reddit.com

• Professional Appraisers: Consulting an expert in Asian art can provide authoritative insights.

4. Consider Professional Appraisal:

• Art Institutions: Museums or galleries specializing in Asian art may offer appraisal services.
• Auction Houses: Establishments like Christie's or Sotheby's have experts in Asian artworks.

Identifying artist seals can be intricate due to the stylized nature of the characters and the vast number of artists. Combining personal research with expert consultation will enhance the likelihood of accurately identifying the artist behind your prints.

Market Value & Current Appraisal

The value of these artworks depends on several factors:

• Authenticity: If these are original prints (e.g., signed limited-edition lithographs or serigraphs), they would command higher prices.
• Artist Recognition: Identifying the artist from the red seal could significantly impact value.
• Condition & Framing: Being mint condition and well-framed increases desirability.

Estimated Value Range (Per Print):

• $50 - $150 if they are high-quality mass-produced prints.
• $200 - $600 if they are signed limited-edition serigraphs or lithographs.
• $1,000+ if they are from a recognized contemporary Asian artist.

Since you only paid $12 each, these prints were a fantastic find, likely worth at least 5-10x the purchase price

Recommendation

1. Artist Identification – The red chop mark could reveal the artist or publisher. A Japanese or Chinese art expert could help translate and authenticate it.
2. Professional Appraisal – If you suspect these might be original works, consider an appraisal through:
   • Bonhams (Asian Art Department)
   • Heritage Auctions
   • A local Asian art gallery or auction house
3. Preservation – Since they are in mint condition, keep them in a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent fading or paper degradation.

Conclusion

These modern Asian art prints are visually striking and likely worth significantly more than the purchase price. If you ever decide to sell, proper artist identification and authentication could greatly enhance their value.