Christie's to Offer Rare Yoshitomo Nara Sculpture in Hong Kong

Christie's announced the upcoming auction of Yoshitomo Nara's monumental 'Miss Forest' sculpture, positioning it as a key highlight of its Hong Kong 20th/21st Century Autumn 2026 Sales. This rare, museum-grade artwork stands over 2.3 meters tall and is estimated to fetch between $1.3 million and $1.6 million USD. The 'Miss Forest' sculpture represents one of Nara's most recognizable large-scale sculptural forms, with other iterations primarily housed in significant institutional collections worldwide. These include the Aomori Museum of Art, the Japan Society in New York, and a specific version created for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The sculpture's appearance on the secondary market is infrequent, making this auction a notable event for collectors. The 'Miss Forest' sculpture is currently on public display at Christie's Asia Pacific headquarters, located at The Henderson in Hong Kong, allowing potential buyers and art enthusiasts to view the piece before the September 26, 2026 sale. This exhibition is part of Christie's broader seasonal lineup in Hong Kong, which also features other significant artworks. Among these are Jean-Michel Basquiat's 'Ancient Scientist,' with an estimate of $7.2 million to $9.7 million USD, Yayoi Kusama's 'A-Pumpkin (YHP),' estimated between $6.2 million and $8.7 million USD, and Gerhard Richter's 'Abstraktes Bild,' expected to sell for $4.9 million to $7.0 million USD. The auction event also marks the debut of Nara's 'Q&A' canvas on the auction block, with an estimated value of $1.6 million to $2.3 million USD, to be offered during the 21st Century Day Sale. Yoshitomo Nara is a contemporary Japanese artist known for his distinctive style, often featuring childlike figures with an underlying sense of rebellion or melancholy. His work frequently explores themes of innocence, defiance, and the complexities of childhood. 'Miss Forest' itself is a powerful representation of these themes, embodying a solitary, watchful presence. The sculpture's monumental scale amplifies its impact, drawing viewers into its narrative. The inclusion of 'Miss Forest' in Christie's autumn auction underscores the enduring appeal and significant market value of Nara's artistic output. The auction house's strategic placement of the sculpture at its Asia Pacific headquarters in The Henderson further emphasizes its importance within the global art market, particularly in the vibrant Hong Kong art scene. The sale is anticipated to draw considerable interest from international collectors specializing in contemporary art and Japanese masters.