Hayaumare March 2 © Ayako Rokkaku 2017
Ayako Rokkaku
12 works
Key Takeaways
Ayako Rokkaku's prints are gaining traction in the art market, with individual works in good condition typically fetching between £10,000 and £20,000. Collections of her most sought-after Hayaumare March (2017) prints have achieved prices exceeding £30,000 at auction. The authentication process for Rokkaku's prints involves careful examination of the provenance, with reference to gallery records and exhibition catalogues. Given that Rokkaku’s career is in progress, new releases are expected to drive further interest and demand for her work. However, the strategic timing of sales, such as during major exhibitions or when interest in contemporary Japanese art peaks, is still essential for optimising returns for sellers.
Ayako Rokkaku is known for her vibrant, childlike aesthetic and unique finger-painting technique. Born in 1982 in Chiba, Japan, Rokkaku's work bridges the gap between naïve art and contemporary expression, captivating collectors with its juxtaposition of light, joyful energy with emotional depth. This guide will help you navigate the market for Rokkaku's prints, offering insights into valuation, authentication, and effective selling strategies.
Rokkaku's artistic vision is shaped by a blend of Japanese kawaii culture and European art influences, having spent significant time working in both Tokyo and Amsterdam. Her prints capture the unique finish of her original paintings, which are created using her hands and fingers rather than traditional brushes. This tactile approach translates into prints with a distinctive texture and energy, making them highly sought after by collectors who appreciate her unique style.
How Much do Ayako Rokkaku Prints Sell For?
The market for Ayako Rokkaku's prints has shown remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting the artist's rising status in the contemporary art world. Prices for her prints can vary significantly based on factors such as size, edition number, and the popularity of the specific image. Typically, individual prints by Rokkaku fetch between £10,000 and £20,000, with particularly desirable works commanding much higher prices.
The value of Rokkaku's prints can be influenced by the performance of her original paintings in the market. For example, five consecutive records were set for Rokkaku original acrylic painting sales in 2022 - all achieving between £480,000 and £975,000. The knock-on effect was seven consecutive record print sales in the same year, demonstrating how crucial the sale of original works can be to driving up print prices.
Rokkaku's most popular print series, Hayaumare March (2017), featuring her characteristic wide-eyed figures amidst swirling, candy-coloured backgrounds, dominated this sequence of record sales. A complete set of these prints sold for £81,567 in Tokyo in September 2022. Varying collections of these prints have appeared at auction many times in the past five years; in fact, seven of Rokkaku’s top 10 highest auction print sales have been from this collection. The record price achieved by a Rokkaku print at auction is held by Early-Rise Marching Song (2017), one print from the Hayaumare March series, which sold for £94,613 in November 2022.
Rokkaku has produced many untitled prints; her Untitled series from 2012 and 2021 are generally the most popular among collectors. A single print, Untitled (2012) sold twice in January 2022 - first for £37,647 and then for £68,040, which was over four times its high estimate. With the market for Rokkaku’s prints growing so rapidly, it is vital that owners of prints remain up-to-date with sales and auction results.
How Do You Authenticate an Ayako Rokkaku Print?
The process typically begins with a thorough examination of the print's physical characteristics. Rokkaku's prints are usually produced on high-quality, archival paper, often with a slight texture to mimic the feel of her original paintings. The inks used are generally vibrant and, given their relatively recent production, should show no signs of fading if the print has been properly cared for.
Provenance plays a crucial role in authentication. Collectors should seek documentation that traces the print's history from the point of creation. This may include certificates of authenticity from galleries that have represented Rokkaku, such as Galerie Delaive, her worldwide representative since 2006, when she was scouted out by a friend of the gallery, Takashi Murakami. Exhibition catalogues featuring the print can also serve as valuable supporting evidence. While there is currently no comprehensive catalogue raisonné for Rokkaku's prints, several reputable galleries maintain detailed records of her editions.
Rokkaku’s work is inherently more resistant to forgery than the works of other artists; this is because of her finger-painting technique, which is incredibly difficult to copy. Verifying this level of detail, however, still requires the eye of a Rokkaku specialist. Sellers are advised to consult with experts in contemporary Japanese prints for a thorough authentication process, which may involve advanced imaging techniques to examine the print in detail.
Edition and Signature
One of the key aspects of authenticating a Rokkaku print is verifying its edition number and signature. Rokkaku typically signs her prints in pencil on the lower right corner, with the edition number on the lower left. Her signature is characteristically playful, often incorporating a small doodle or heart shape, which adds a personal touch but can also make verification more challenging for the untrained eye. The Hayaumare March (2017) series was produced by Gallery Target, Tokyo, the inkstamp of which can be found on the back of the prints - a vital part of authenticating this highly sought-after collection.
Browse Ayako Rokkaku prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about the print market growth on the MAB100 Print Index.
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Has Your Ayako Rokkaku Print Been Kept in Good Condition
Rokkaku's prints, which aim to capture the tactile quality of her original finger-painted works, require particular care and attention. Because Rokkaku works with renowned printing studios, the paper and inks she uses are typically of high quality, designed to stand the test of time and retain their detail and vibrancy. However, environmental factors and poor handling can detrimentally affect the condition of the print. The relative newness of many of Rokkaku’s prints should ensure that, with proper care, they remain in near-mint condition and restoration should not be necessary.
When assessing the condition of a Rokkaku print, examine it under good, diffused lighting. Look for any signs of fading, especially in the vivid colours characteristic of her work. Rokkaku's prints often feature delicate gradients and subtle colour transitions, which can be particularly vulnerable to light damage. Any noticeable colour shift or loss of vibrancy can significantly impact the print's value.
Check the paper for any signs of yellowing or foxing, particularly around the edges. These issues can occur if the print has been exposed to humidity or stored in non-archival conditions. Examine the print for any creases, tears, or indentations. Pay special attention to the corners and edges, as these areas are most prone to wear - this is why untrimmed prints tend to fetch higher prices, as they have a wider margin for protection.
For optimal preservation, Rokkaku prints should be stored flat in acid-free portfolios or framed using museum-grade materials. If displayed, use UV-protective glass to shield the print from harmful light exposure. Maintain a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity to prevent paper degradation. For advice on how to get started with conservation or condition assessment of your Ayako Rokkaku print, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Ayako Rokkaku Print?
The contemporary art market can be influenced by numerous variables, and understanding these can help you maximise the value of your Rokkaku print. One key factor to consider is the artist's exhibition schedule. Major solo exhibitions or significant group shows featuring Rokkaku's work often generate increased interest and media attention, potentially driving up demand for her prints. For instance, following Rokkaku's first solo exhibition at the Kunsthal Rotterdam in 2012, there was a notable uptick in both the volume and value of her print sales in the subsequent months. With exhibitions happening more regularly, this sort of sales boost is more common; since 2022, exhibitions at prestigious galleries have been held in London, Paris, Shanghai, Berlin, Tokyo, Seoul, and Andratx.
It’s also advisable to keep an eye on the broader market trends for contemporary Japanese artists. Rokkaku's work often benefits from surges of interest in the Japanese contemporary art scene. Events such as the Yokohama Triennale or the Tokyo Art Fair can create a ripple effect, increasing visibility and demand for artists like Rokkaku.
The release of new prints or limited editions by Rokkaku can also generate interest and excitement among collectors, creating a surge in demand. While new releases might initially seem to compete with existing prints, they often serve to reinvigorate interest in the artist's earlier work. This renewed attention can create favourable conditions for selling.
You should also track significant sales of Rokkaku's original paintings. As mentioned above, high-profile sales of her canvases can have a positive impact on the print market. If a major Rokkaku painting achieves a record price at auction, it might be an opportune moment to consider selling your print.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker
At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.
Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.
Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:
How a Private Sale Works
Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.
Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.
Advisory and Recommendations
In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.
Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.
Ayako Rokkaku Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
