More Than One Thousand Works Of Original Tattoo Art to Be Sold November 13-14
New York City-based auction house Guernsey’s, well-known for producing many unusual auctions, will be conducting an unprecedented auction of the Peter Mui Collection of Original Tattoo Art this November 13-14 in the heart of lower Manhattan’s trendy Meatpacking District at 22 Little West 12th Street. The late Mr. Mui was a highly-regarded fashion designer, actor, and musician; the sale is being conducted on behalf of his family.
The Mui Collection, which will be sold in more than one thousand unreserved lots, is believed to be the largest collection of original Tattoo Art by what many consider to be the world's most accomplished Tattoo artists. For over fifteen years Mui traveled the globe, seeking out the top Tattoo masters of every style. His collection consists of original works on art board, canvas, and paper by noteworthy artists such as Japan's Horiyoshi III, Horitomo, Horitoyo, and Horitaka; Swiss artist Filip Leu; American Traditional Tattoo icon Bob Roberts; Spain's Tattoo realist Robert Hernandez; Biomechanical Tattoo pioneers Guy Aitchison and Aaron Cain; and Tribal Tattoo artists Leo Zulueta and Roger Ingerton.
The majority of the art in the Mui Collection exists as full (often vivid) color, torso-sized original paintings consisting of extraordinary images and designs. Smaller images known as “Flash Art" will also be included in the sale. Other than this unique auction, examples of original Tattoo Art can be found in a number of the world's leading museums.
Although the use of Tattoos to adorn the human body pre-dates recorded history, it is over the last several decades that the art of Tattooing has gained true international recognition. No longer limited to smaller and simpler designs applied to a very few, today one need not go far to encounter Tattoo enthusiasts who proudly display far more extravagant images and designs that often cover extensive portions of their bodies. With the proliferation of Tattoo Art, it is no surprise that a select group of Tattoo artists have risen to exalted positions, generating large groups of admirers.
Though their work was mostly limited to body applications, Mui was successful in appealing to the finest mainstream artists and ultimately responsible for making their creations recognized as the world's finest collection of Tattoo Art. His sudden and premature passing in 2009 left his family with his massive, archivally-maintained, totally unique collection. Inasmuch as Mui was an active buyer at Guernsey's events and was a personal friend of Arlan Ettinger, Guernsey's president, it was only natural that the Collection go in the direction of the New York-based auction house.
Visit www.guernseys.com for more information.
