Foujita Collection Heads to Hong Kong Auction

Sotheby's Hong Kong is set to host "The Foujita Lexicon: Works from the Lewis Collection" on Monday, September 28, marking Asia's first single-artist auction dedicated to the Japanese-French artist Tsuguharu Foujita. An accompanying exhibition will be open to the public at Sotheby's Maison in Hong Kong from Tuesday, September 22, through Tuesday, September 29. This event follows the successful "Masterpieces from The Lewis Collection" auction held in London. The Hong Kong auction will feature 15 masterpieces drawn from the esteemed Lewis Collection, representing the most comprehensive presentation of Foujita's work ever offered at auction in Asia. The total estimated value for the collection ranges from HK$17.8 million to HK$26.5 million, which converts to approximately ¥350 million to ¥520 million.

Tsuguharu Foujita, who would have celebrated his 140th birthday in 2026, had a career that spanned nearly six decades. The collection on offer provides a comprehensive overview of his artistic journey, beginning with his active years in Paris during the 1920s and extending through his later life. His work encompasses a variety of regions and artistic media. Foujita rose to prominence in the Montparnasse district of Paris in the 1920s, where he was part of a vibrant artistic community that included figures such as Amedeo Modigliani and Pablo Picasso. He also fostered relationships with other influential artists like Chaïm Soutine, Henri Matisse, and Fernand Léger. His distinctive artistic style, which adeptly blended Japanese and European artistic traditions, cemented his status as a pivotal figure in 20th-century art. He is frequently recognized as a "cultural bridge" between Eastern and Western art, developing a unique visual language and a consistent repertoire of motifs. These characteristic elements include self-portraits, depictions of female nudes, cats, and scenes capturing the everyday life of Paris.

The Lewis Collection, as presented in this auction, offers a broad survey of Foujita's significant artistic legacy. A notable highlight from the collection is "Mon portrait," a self-portrait painted in 1924. This particular work was created during Foujita's formative Montparnasse period, a time when his reputation in Paris was rapidly growing. The estimated value for "Mon portrait" is between HK$800,000 and HK$1.2 million. The painting depicts Foujita seated at his desk, surrounded by a juxtaposition of East Asian calligraphy tools and Western personal effects, a visual representation of his dual Japanese and European heritage. The artwork is rendered on silk, characterized by its delicate linework and the strategic use of negative space, which contributes to its refined aesthetic. The inclusion of such a personal and historically significant piece underscores the depth and breadth of the collection being presented.