ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama Works Achieve Record Prices at Seoul Auction

market-auction · 2026-04-02

A recent auction in Seoul resulted in significant sales for works by two prominent Japanese artists. Yoshitomo Nara's painting titled Nothing about it was purchased for 15 billion Korean won, equivalent to approximately £7.5 million. This transaction established a new benchmark for auction prices in South Korea. Additionally, Yayoi Kusama's piece Pumpkin (MBOK) sold for 10.45 billion Korean won. The event took place last Tuesday. These sales highlight the strong market demand for contemporary Japanese art within the Asian auction scene. The substantial figures reflect ongoing collector interest in established artists from the region. The achievement underscores Seoul's growing importance as a hub for high-value art transactions.

Key facts

  • Yoshitomo Nara's painting Nothing about it sold for 15 billion Korean won
  • The sale price equates to roughly £7.5 million
  • This set a new auction record for South Korea
  • Yayoi Kusama's work Pumpkin (MBOK) sold for 10.45 billion Korean won
  • The auction occurred last Tuesday
  • The event took place in Seoul
  • Both artists are Japanese
  • The sales demonstrate robust market interest in contemporary Japanese art

Entities

Artists

Locations

  • Seoul
  • South Korea

Sources