The market of Foujita is in rapid awakening: in recent years, interest in Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita has returned to the forefront, transforming the auction offering and creating new opportunities for collectors.
Why the auction record of Foujita made news
The clearest signal of the rediscovery is the record set by Bonhams: La fête d’anniversaire (1949) was sold for $9.4 million (£7.1 million) on October 11, 2018. This result, which far exceeded estimates, shone a spotlight on the market and demonstrated how certain subjects and formats can reach very high figures.
How the prices of Foujita’s works and paintings move
Moreover, the price dynamics are heterogeneous: ranging from works sold for a few thousand dollars to million-dollar lots. For example, the second highest price recorded was $6 million in a sale by Christie’s in New York in 1990 (which, adjusted for inflation, is even more significant).
However, the prices of Foujita’s paintings vary greatly depending on the subject and scale: large monumental nudes tend to interest buyers willing to offer high sums, while small works on paper remain an accessible entry point.
Foujita’s cat drawings: an entry point for collectors
The cat drawings are now synonymous with the artist and attract buyers eager for more detailed and recognizable works. For example, lots on paper can start from a few thousand pounds; the top for a work on paper was about $1.3 million (Nu allongé, 1932), sold on November 23, 2021 by Bonhams.
In practice, those entering the Foujita market can choose between accessible works and high-profile pieces, depending on budget and collecting goals.
The role of Bonhams: Bonhams Foujita auction and emblematic cases
Auction houses like Bonhams have played a central role in the revival. Moreover, Bonhams often returns to the Foujita catalog; for example, it offers the painting Chiens savants, ou le carnaval des chiens (1922) with an estimate of £1.5–£2 million and a sale scheduled for October 16. These events keep international attention high.
For further information, you can consult the institutional page of Bonhams.
Performance 2024 and what they mean for the valuation of a Foujita painting
The recent market shows concrete signals: in 2024, 395 lots were offered, of which 303 were sold; 92 lots were withdrawn or recorded as “bought in,” with a sale percentage of 76 percent and total sales of $13,890,355.
Consequently, the valuation of a Foujita painting depends on many variables: format, subject, provenance, and condition. Additionally, the presence of third parties guaranteeing sales in some cases reduces the risk for bidders and supports high estimates.
Historical context and availability: why the offer is wide
Foujita was born in Tokyo in 1886 and moved to France in 1913. His Parisian debut was sensational: at his first solo exhibition in 1917, all 110 exhibited works were sold. Moreover, the estimated production exceeds 10,000 works (about 6,000 drawings and 4,000 paintings), which explains the wide availability on the market.
Between 2013 and 2014, the heirs of the fifth wife donated about 2,300 works to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims, increasing the artist’s institutional presence in France and providing context for studies and exhibitions.
Who buys today? Foujita collectors and new markets
In the past, demand was mainly concentrated in Japan, but in recent years it has grown among collectors in Greater China, Europe, the United States, and other regions. According to market consultants, the Asian audience shows a preference for monumental nudes, while other segments favor animal subjects and works on paper.
Therefore, the geographical diversification of demand is a key driver of price increase.
Practical indicators for collectors: how to orient oneself
- Check provenances and recent auction sales for the same subject.
- Evaluate conditions and support (oil on canvas vs. paper).
- Consider the impact of third-party guarantees on estimates and auction results.
- Use cat drawings as an entry: they often offer recognizable value at contained costs.
Final reflections
In summary, the Foujita market shows a rediscovery that appears sustained and articulated: from great auction records to small drawings that remain accessible. Therefore, the artist continues to offer insights both for entry-level collectors and for those seeking more structured investments. Finally, the numerous availability and the growth of international demand suggest that the interest is not just fleeting but part of a broader trend.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
